I'm having a starter problem. I turn the key and simply get a click, as in the starter solinoid isn't engaging. I've cleaned and tightened the battery connections, tested the batteries, which are fine and still the click. I cycyled the key several times, click, click, click and then got the starter to engage. When the starter did engage it did so very strongly, just like normal and the engine started, I could repeat this several times. My question: do you think this is a matter of dirty solinoid contacts or shall I just go ahead and repalce the starter? I don't want to get stuck out in the middle of the Okanogan Highlands needing a new starter having only cleaned the contacts.

Thanks for the help.

 

Could be the contacts in the starter solenoid or the trigger wire has a bad connection. I have had both problems create your situation.
I would go ahead and replace the contacts (good maintenance) and check the trigger wire while you are down there.

 

+1 on the starter solenoid contacts. mine were worn out badle, and the truck never hiccuped again on starting after I replaced them. A kit with the solenoid core and contacts is about $30 on ebay.

 

I vote for the starter brushes. And check that armature while you're at it.

 

The brushes and armature rarely fail. Contacts do on all mopar starters. These guys have what you need.

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm