89 Ford E-150 noise upon starting

I have an 89 ford E-150 (302). It has been on and off life support (so to speak) over the past couple years ( installed a new timing chain last fall). It has seemed to have some issues as of late however recently upon starting I was greeted with clattering rattling noise. I managed to keep it barely running ( hoping to drive it a mile to my yard) but as soon as I engaged into gear it died. After that all there was was a solenoid click. Pulled it back, pulled starter ( firewall solenoid) and ran jumpers to mounting assembly and hot terminal ( nothing happening). Am able to turn crank pulley with breaker bar and socket. I am not going to put a whole lot into this van. My question is, is it possible for a failing starter and/or solenoid spring to cause this much noise before failure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am looking at up to $100 in replacements parts ( money which could be put into another vehicle).