only thing i can think of is a bad transmission ground at this point. before i go replacing it, anyone else have any idea?

I replaced the starter with a known working one, just in case.

Fuel pump primes, main relay clicks, when I try starting it my dash lights go dim. My battery has a full charge. I can push start it no problem.

 

Measure the voltage at the starter (between the big wire terminal and starter ground) while someone turns the key to attempt to start.

If it stays up near 12 volts, starter is not working. If it drops a lot (below 9 volts), check the battery next. Measure on the lead posts that are part of the battery while someone tries to start. If it drops a lot, battery is run down or defective.

If the battery voltage stays up but you don't get voltage at the starter, investigate the power and ground circuits.

For the power circuit, put one voltmeter probe on the battery + post and the other on the starter big wire terminal. Should be less than a volt while trying to start. If a large voltage drop appears, check each part individually by measuring for a voltage drop, for example between the battery post and the terminal.

The ground circuit is checked the same way.

 

yeah, my ground cable was loose, and it looks pretty corroded. yay, something to replace!

 

Jump start..