Toyota Repair: Electrical Problem, how to use a multimeter, toyota 4x4

Question
Hi Tim,
 I have a 79 Toyota 4x4 that i'm just finishing a transmission swap in.                                                    
  I pulled the starter,and let it rest on the front axle while i pulled the transmission. During the course of the project, I turned the key to the accessory position, and reconnected the negative terminal to the battery, to check a speaker i had installed.
  As I did, the terminal arced, and the ground wire on the u-joint on the steering column started smoking. I think the positive terminal on the starter, shorted to the truck frame.
  I checked all the fuses(under the dash, and the to next to the battery), but none are blown. But I don't have any power to anything.
  The grounding wire seems fine, and i can't find anything else burnt, ore blown.
  There are two fuses next to the battery. One comes straight from the positive terminal, and one comes from the wiring harness, and goes right back in. I have power through the first, but not the second. There also is no power through any of the fuses under the dash.
  I have power to the starter, and i get ground through the ground wire, when the ignition is turned all the way forward. But It won't start.
  If you have any suggestions on what I should check, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
                                       Mike

Answer
Mike,
Normally when something like that happens it blows one of those large
fuses at the battery. If your absolutely sure they are OK then and all other fuses are OK then you must find the fusible link in the system that is blown. Find a Chiltons or Haynes repair manual for that year
vehicle to find the fusible links. Libraries have manuals. If no luck
finding a manual and you know how to use a multimeter on the OHM's scale start checking the wiring from the battery backwards.

Good luck, let me know the outcome.

Mike,
Thank you for your rating !  Very much appreciated !

Tim