1997 Ford F150 starter woes

If you look in your engine compartment, on the passenger side up against the fire wall, you will see a black plastic cover. Under that cover is a starter solenoid. Check both of the main lugs on the solenoid for power when trying to start. My guess is that the solenoid is bad and not feeding the high current cable. Let me know if you need help with anything else. I'll be glad to help you through this.
Dave

Thanks, I will try that and let you know how I made out.

well, I checked the voltage between the posts on the starter relay, and I didn't have voltage at the small wirewhen I cranked, so I replaced the relay- I still have the same problem. The starter spins, but is not engaging the fly wheel. My father in law (almost 40 years as a bus mechanic) suggested I take the starter out and check the teeth on the flywheel. So I did, and the flywheel teeth are intact. So, once again, I am about to shoot myself because here in NJ, it is 28 degrees outside and I cannot work under this truck one more minute. Please send your comments....thanks

If you didn't have voltage on the small wire while cranking, that should be where you search next. The solenoid should have power on all three lugs (two large and one small) when cranking. If it doesn't have voltage to trigger the solenoid, then it won't send power to the starter. I can't remember where it gets its trigger power from, but your local dealer may be willing to let you look at the schematic for the vehicle.
Dave