Won't Start

Hello! We are stumped on this.

My dad's 6 cylinder 2wheel drive truck stalled (he heard a click, then it died), and now will not start. The starter works great, its getting all electricity, and the fuel pump seems to work (the fuel pump makes noise after turning the key, and gives the carburator gas if you are looking into the carb). All the fuses are good under the dash, except for a round metal relay thing, that resembles a shotgun shell - this thing is really hot. Someone said its just a 'hazards' relay. And the parts store and the Chilton does not say what this thing is.

And, the truck does not start even with starting fluid either! So. We have been told its a timing belt, a distributor, an ASD, a fuel pump relay, the computer, fuel pressure regulator, a fuseable link, etc etc and even the Dodge people don't have an answer. Its either junk yard time, or a $5 fix.I thought I'd ask the pros!