My 4.9l w/ manual trans. struggles to start

If it tries to start, then it's getting power. If it sounds like it's dragging, it's the starter itself. U can have it tested at ur local auto parts or if u have a way to check amperage drawn while it's cranking but most likely is the starter since u verified battery cables to be clean and tight and a good ground.

Yes I have ordered all new cables anyways and will clean all connections again just to be sure it’s not a power thing my battery shows 12.9 on my muilt meter and the only thing I can think is that bc it’s a manual trans the starter goes in and out maybe it’s getting stuck? Do I take the starter out to have it tested. I brought my truck to a place but they said that there was a short and or the high side power on starter was tripping there testing unit. So they couldn’t get any readying off of it. He said check wires or change starter.

Corroded or loose battery cables will make it pull high amps and make it really hard on starter to crank engine. Verify battery cables and if they are good, remove starter and take it to ur local auto parts store to get it tested.

Ok will do thank you also one other thing I noticed my battery light will come on once and a while too when starting it. But once it finally cranks over it turns off someone told me that the fan belt could be loose regardless I have replace almost everything and have a starter on the way I Will let you know how it goes thanks.

Battery light on while cranking is not an issue unless u meant after it's running, then it could be the alternator belt being loose. Wait til u check battery cables and see what happens.

Well I checked all the cables and cleaned some connections and still same issue I got new cables on the way do u happen to know where I can get a diagram for my truck my Haynes Manuel doesn’t talk about my motor and can’t find one one line 96 f150 with 4.9l Manuel trans 2x4. I just want to be sure my power cable is hooked up correctly. The ground is easy it goes from battery to motor then frame. The power looks like it goes from battery to alternator, then starter switch and starter.

I am going to replace cables and starter and hope that’s the problem.