If it's before you actually turn the key to the start position, Cummins engines use an electric priming pump, so it might be that. If you're hearing that sound as you try to actually start the truck, and it doesn't crank, then your starter is toast.
Worn Ball Joint
The ISBN of A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound is 0385746806.
Look at the lower rear end of the engine
Normally loose tappets will cause a ticking sound in the engine. Depending on if you have mechanical or hydraulic tappets you may need to have them replaced or simply adjusted.
A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound was created on 2004-09-28.
If the grinding sound seems to be coming from the speedometer and grinds faster as your speed increases, the likely cause is the speedometer cable. At least some 1990 Dodge trucks (mine) have electric speedometers Len
Loose belt - will sound like a screeching noise.
I'm trying to report a infra sound home invasion and an v chip implanted and c ant get my message
its where the Bendix and the flywheel aren't meshing right sometimes you need to shim the starter
A bad ball joint or tie rod end.
Anything that vibrates can cause a sound.
It could be your fan shroud or radiator hose rubbing on the fan.