Im assuming it is the starter, but not sure. I start the truck and sometimes it wont go the first time, it goes on the second try. Sometimes when it does go on the frist try, it takes forever and at times I think shifting the gear up helps it, still not sure. This has been going on for a long time too, atleast a year or longer and I just recently replaced my altenator and battery, so I know it cant be that. What do you guys think?

 

Is the truck turning over fine and wont start? Does the starter engage? Does it turn over strong. which part of it isnt starting?

 

What happens in "N" ? Same thing ? I think he means it's not engaging.. I think ?

 

Well, it is hard to tell when I test in N. I just did it and it started fine. But I think this happens when I go hours or the next day before starting it. When I turn the key, you hear the famous noise of it trying to start, but it wont and I do it again and it finally starts. After that, I can go from place to place and wont have a problem then. I guess I dont know what I am saying when it comes to these key words. I guess it is not engaging?
So what test should I do when I get up in the morning? Start it in Neutral or what? If it doesnt start the first time, it always starts the second time. Is it possible it can be a fuel thing or an ingition switch thing?

 

Is it a manual or auto?
could be a simple bad starter, bad bushings, loose wire, brushes.. solinoid, oxidation of the commutator
if its a manual, could be the clutch relay (i think thats what its called)

You can test the starter
http://www.misterfixit.com/starttst.htm

Youve ruled out batt and alt, check connections at the starter and test it

 

its an aoutomatic and this has been going on for atleast a year, maybe 2.

 

Does the relay click at all , when it doesn't start? You would here it, if it does.

What happens when the starter doesn't engage?

 

when i pulled my starter off the postive wire on the starter was just about gone. mine would click alot but wouldnt turn over.

 

My best guess is that it's your starter drive. It used to be commonly called the starter bendix. Here's a test you can do. When you go to start it in the morning, raise the hood and watch to see if the accessories that are driven off the front pulley (alternator etc.) are turning when it makes the strange noise when you first hit the starter switch. You may need an assistant, I'm not sure if you can see from the drivers seat. If no accessories turn, of course the engine isn't turning either, and the starter drive is at fault. Keep us posted.