My 99 4.0 manual XJ wont crank. Repeatable Symptom 100% of the time:

I put the key in the ignition, turn to "on", all gauges work, headlights light up fine, fuel pump turns on, etc...
When i turn the ignition key to "start" i hear a faint "click" and then all the gauges go out along with the headlights, etc... As though something has shorted. I then can not even get the gauges to light up, i must unhook the positive battery cable and reconnect to even get the ignition switch to show any sign of life.

I have replaced the battery and the starter. no luck.

I have checked the starter relays and the fuses in the PDC and the interior fuse box.

When i turn the key to "on" and then jump the starter motor, the system shorts, same as if i turned the key to start.

My thinking has me ruling OUT the battery, starter, starter relay, ignition switch, clutch interlock switch.

I have a manual so no neutral safety switch.

It feels like it must be a grounding issue, though the jeep was running fine and then i got this issue have not found a fix.

WHAT COULD IT BE??
please help, this is a daily driver and i am so stumped!
thanks! -bigc

 

when i remove the small starter relay in the interior fuze box (not allowing power to the starter at all) and turn the key to the start position, the ac blower and radio shuts off (as it should) and the gauges stay on (as they should). so i am assuming it is not the ignition switch or the clutch interlock switch

 

Nevermind. I am a moron.