Why won't my truck start ???

My first guess is alternator, try jumping it, if it starts and runs with other cars alternator running your car but dies as soon as you disconnect, its probably alternator. Take off and get tested. Remember to also look to see is accessory belt loose or broken? I had same condition and found belt had loosened. Remember battery only starts car/turns starter, alternator gives spark to everything and charges battery. Hope that helps! Maybe other 'gurus' will chime in!

so will the alternator do that to the gauges? one more thing, would you know if my truck has an electric fuel pump? thank you for your answer.

More than likely yes on gauges, and yes on electric fuel pump. But if It was fuel pump when you sprayed starting fluid it would start for few seconds than die. Suggest test alternator. Did you check belt?

thank you for all your input. I did the jump & it didn't turn over, only crank. when I turn on my key, I don't hear the fuel pump? the belt was good. thank you again.

No fuel pump sound=fuel pump bad, relay bad, bad wire, bad fuse ..usually, lol

so if the fuel pump is bad & I put gas in the carburetor, should it not at least turn over?

Yes it might but you could also flood it out. I always use a little start fluid. First thing is 1. Check for spark 2. Check for fuel pressure. You can rent fuel pressure gauges at auto stores. You need both, which is missing? Its not usually both at same time. Either one or the other. I like to start simple to try to discern which system is acting up than go from there. You'll find it!

okay, ill try that. thank you again. ill be back, lol. hope you don't mind. I hate cars with brains :)