Fred is dead!

[moparedtn]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone.
Update after some rudimentary diagnostics today:
a. fusible link is ok. When I connected it directly to battery, horn/lights/etc. all work fine, so inside
wiring is not suspect at this time.
b. Starter is intact, no damage visually of anything down there (I was half expecting to see busted stuff);
in fact, wiring, starter, bell, etc. all appear snug and undamaged.
Doesn't mean the starter is any good, I know...
c. when relay to solenoid wire is connected directly to battery, nothing happens at all. That ain't good...

Two immediate steps next in the process, once parts procured:
1)replace starter relay and 2)jump battery with known good one in the Ram.

This should all but rule out everything except the starter itself - and the nightmare it represents to replace,
what with headers and clutch linkage and all that in the way.
You know that drill - drain cooling system, take header loose, etc.
If I go that far, the battery to starter cable will also be replaced again out of caution as well; a new relay to
solenoid wire will also be fabricated and replace the original one, too.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Replace both battery cables first...... If for no other reason than it's a heck of a lot easier than changing the starter...

 

[Kern Dog]

This car:

Had a battery that showed 12.5V but it cranked slow. I replaced both cables and it spins over like new now. I thought the starter was failing but the cables looked "seasoned" so I figured I'd replace them first.