If you turn the lights on and turn the key to start do the lights dim? If NO then run a metal jumper between the two large terminals on the solenoid. Use something large enough to carry the full battery load to the starter. If you have a manual transmission make sure it is in neutral. No need to turn the ignition switch on, you're just testing to see if it will turn over. Just do this briefly.

 

Yea I'm afraid of that. I'm gonna check fuses in the morning. I'm not getting a fuel pump sound. I believe something is frozen and won't make contact because of it. If it would crank it would be helpful. I think my best bet will prolly be to put it in a warm garage for a day. And no I wont get offended. It usually is something obvious that is looked over and I am a DMF lol

 

Yes the lights and dash dim when I turn the key.

 

Jumping the relay is a quick way to check a $10 part. But if you aren't getting a prime on your pumps, you might want to check some other stuff in your fuse block.

 

Yes it does have a relay, often called a solenoid, basically almost exactly like the 70's. The only difference is both large posts are on the front where in the 70's there was one post on each side.

Your post appeared while I was typing and thinking how to word my post.

 

Ah. I knew they changed them, just wasn't sure how much. Been a while since I've touched an 80's truck. Used to be able to touch the batter supply to the far wire (Not the lug going to the starter) and it would activate the solenoid in the relay to supply power to the starter.

 

So here's the most recent results: battery was at 12.3v when I tested it. Turned the key with lights on. They dimmed. Fuel pump ran. Just clicks. Suppose I'll check the juice at the starter in the morning.

 

I would still suspect the battery. Personally I would charge it up good and have it load tested before I messed with the starter.

 

Did you try to jump the starter relay on the fender well yet? Just make sure it's in park. Lol.

 

What weight of oil do you have in it? Heavier weight oil is very taxing on starters with our winters, I always drop down to 5w on the last oil change of the year just to make things easier on it. It sounds to me like you have plenty of power just the start isn't engaging, try tapping the starter with a small ball ping hammer, old trick but usually helps. If it does work you know your starter is dying.