mrfixit, I think you nailed it. Looking back I remember dirt and debris in the air intake hose like it had been sitting out in the open for a long time. Could not understand why at the time but now it makes sense.

Another interesting thing I found before I tried to start it was there was no fluid in it at all. No brake, trans, lift, motor or fuel. Speaking of transmission and lift fluid I'm still confused as to how the pumps work on the truck.

Does it have just one pump for the lift and transmission? Or are the lift and transmission separate? It does look like there are two different filters. The differential had no oil in it, I filled it with 30wt trans fluid as advised by the local Clark dealer. It took about 3 gallons - is the diff oil shared with the transmission and torque converter? I did remove the drain plug on the diff before I filled it and there was nothing in it, no fluid or debris.

As I type this, looking back we should have gone down to the auction the day before and spent time really looking over the trucks. I would have noticed the lack of oil/fluid if I would have had the time to check. Lesson learned! Do not buy anything at an auction unless you have had a chance to completely inspect!