i have a 1992 4.0l and it wont crank. when i turn the key the starter solenoid clicks and the armature on the starter also clicks but the starter doesnt actually crank. i thought it might have been a bad starter so i replaced it but even with the new one it does the same thing. any input would be greatly appreciated

 

At first this sounds like a seized engine. Did it run ok before you started with starter troubles?

 

yes it ran perfectly fine and it will run if its bump started but there is a strange grinding noise when its running coming from the starter area. i also used a voltmeter to check the battery and it has good voltage and the battery is fairly new so its not a voltage problem

 

i saw somewhere that it could possibly be the ecm or a tfi module?

 

Try Push/bump starting it with the starter out, See if it grinds then. The grinding I have only heard of once or twice, once when the ring gear on the flywheel (std tran) shifted and was rubbing the starter housing. The other was a stuck starter solenoid holding the gear against the flywheel teeth. Or ... wrong starter installed, which does not sound like your issue. Also check the voltage AT the starter, Key on, and test both POS wires for 12 volt, also ground to engine (clean and tight) same with POS cable.
Thats all I can think of for now, get back with us and tell us how it's going.

 

thank you ill give it a shot!