theres a few ways to check it.
the big red wiree should have battery voltage at all times.
so put one lead on the starter there and the other to ground. should read battery voltage.
if not, there is an issue with the cable.
you could then do a resistance check on the cable by setting the DVM to Ohms and touching each end, resistance should be negligable.
if it is high then the cable needs to be replaced.
the smaller red wire should see battery votage when the key is turned to the start position.

you said the started doesnt even click when th ekey is turned right?

when you replaced the starter did you disconnect the battery first?
if not, when the big red wire touched any metal it would have arced...bad.heh.

if it did touch metal and did not arc then that shows that the cable is bad too.
but i hope you disconnected the battery.

NY State Trooper: So what makes your car so special to have SVT all over it? Me: Er...It was made by Fords SPECIAL Vehicle Team?