1990 four runner wont start

my 1990 four runner wont start the key turns everything on but the motor when i turn the key i hear a small click coming from inside the engine compartment it sounds like on the side with the battery and on the bottem i think it might be the starter but i am not sure i checked the fuses and they are fine i am stumped and i dont want to go and get a new starter unless i really have to any info would be apreciated. thanks.

Make sure all the connections to the starter are clean and secure. Try lightly tapping the starter with a hammer to see if the starter motor will free up.

There's a really good chance it's your starter solenoid contacts. They are a known problem with Denso starters. Tapping the starter, as Kim suggests, frees the solenoid contacts and can get it working temporarily. Replacing the contacts is really cheap compared with replacing the starter.

See the information in the following links:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=166530
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
http://yotarepair.com/startercontacts.html
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/
http://www.startercontacts.com/install.htm
http://www.barneymc.com/toy_root/techneek/starter.htm

See also the following post from the FAQ thread:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=3560360&postcount=2

sounds like the starter contact are worn, you can replace the contact's. It will be cheaper than a starter. My advise is to remove starter and remove contact's take them to your toyota dealer , they can sell you the contacts.

i agree on solenoid if it just clicks....good luck.