I did a little search, but not entirely sure where to start looking first. Recently my truck had the usual clicking with no start problem, got worse until finally it wouldn't ever start. I suspected the usual contact problem, bought the kit from the dealer, but when I pulled the starter it turned out to be an aftermarket starter. Long story short, sunday, needed my truck, bought a new starter from shuck's, put it in, worked fine.

Recently however the truck has resumed the click problem: Turn the key, get a click (shows a load on the battery) and nothing, do it a couple times and it will usually start, however not before flooding the engine. It seems that if I jiggle the connector at the starter from the ignition switch it seems to start then (could just be when it decides to catch, not sure). I cleaned the connector but doesn't seem to be any change. Also, it only seems to do it first start of the day, anytime after that it fires on the first try, unless it sits all day and cools down, then it resumes the click problem, which is what's really got me confused. Where should I look first? If there was a problem with the wire or switch would it still show a load on the battery when activated, or should I suspect a crappy aftermarket starter (only about 2 months old)

Try this quick test:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml#EasyTest

I have had a problem like yours. I originally thought that it had a pattern of not starting only when it was cold, but then it began just clicking at completely random times. I replaced the starter with one I had laying around, and it worked fine for the first start but then back to the random click, no start. Then a few days later it wouldnt start at all. It turned out the only problem was that the terminals on the battery were corroded. They were not visibly corroded but once I popped them off there was a little bit in there, just enough I guess for the terrminals to not be able to carry enough amperage to the starter. (just a free thing to try if you havent already)

And while you are at it, may I suggest unplugging the black connector at the starter and "squeezin" the metal female spade inside the connector so that it fits as snuggly as possible when it goes on. A small flat blade screwdriver works fairly well if you use to pry the opening to a smaller configuration. Another feller on here recently had roughly the same problem and after spending his way to fame and fortune, it turned out to be the connector making intermittent contact.

I'm suspecting the connector at the moment. i tried to clean it up and squeeze it tighter, but I may not have gotten it good enough, tomorrow I think that will be my first check. The cables should be good, I replaced both of them when I put the starter in a little bit ago (to avoid that exact problem) so theoretically they should be fine.

Both my '85s suffered from the same problem ... occasionally it even starts to turn over but all of the sudden dies. Jiggling the wire worked 95% of the time and I'll be good for a couple weeks, then it happens again. The common denominator was they both had Autolite rebuilt starters in them. In one truck I have replaced the starter with a new NSA starter (not a rebuilt) and so far no problems (about a month now). The other truck is awaiting its transplant.

There is no guarantee that the "New" starter from Shuck's was any good to start with. It was likely a rebuild that may have only had the contacts replaced before it was shipped out. You might cruise by your local wrecking yard and pick an oem one up. I picked one for only $10 because it wouldn't even spin, I figured would use it as a core. Just to check it I pulled the cap and the contacts were worn, replaced them and it has worked fine since.

This is a good tip
however, if you use a screwdriver, *PLEASE* first disconnect the positive battery cable at the terminal. If that screwdrive contacts the incoming positive contact on the starter and the body at the same time, you will be changing your pants in short order. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

Sorry. I make too many assumptions that people will do the right thing. Yes, remove the positive battery cable, THEN play with the connector.

OK, here's my problem with the "clicky" on my '86 22re.. Rebuilt the starter with new plunger and contacts. Shorted out the clutch switch, took the clutch cancellation switch (supposed to override the clutch switch) completely out, pulled the ignition switch and cleaned the contacts, replaced the starter relay and still get the clicky clicky when I try to start it on an intermittent frequency. Seems to mostly happen after sitting overnight. I rigged up a momentary switch that ties into the + wire on the starter (the small wire) and then to the battery. Whenever she doesn't want to start, I hit this switch and it always will turn over and start. It appears that the starter is just not receiving the full battery voltage to fully push the plunger in with the ignition switch but works fine with the momentary switch. Might just relocate this switch into the cab so when this happens, I'll just push the switch and be on my way..