I have an 86 1/2 Hardbody 2.4L 4x4 that has given me intermittent starting problems for probably 10 years in one form or another. Many things replaced like inhibitor relay, starter ignition switch, and a new starter from one of the 'CarQuest/AutoZone' like places. I asked a friend to do it, but I don't remember where he got it.
After the starter was replaced, it started about a half dozen times before the intermittent problem recurred. Lived with this situation a long time (parking on hills for insurance), and after more troubleshooting without success finally took it to a dealer. They said it was the starter solenoid, and put in a new 'factory' starter for $553! ($289 for the starter alone.)
So far so good........starts every time......so I'm wondering if it's just poorly manufactured solenoids that are out there on these cores causing a lot of havoc. Does anybody know where good solenoids can be found by themselves? I still have the original hitachi core that I'd like to mate up to one to have as a spare.
I still carry around a spare inhibitor relay as well these days.