Which lights are dimly lit?
All or just dash turn bulbs?
Or rear or front
Brake lights, 4-way and headlight/park lights have 12volts all the time
Front and rear turn signal bulbs are on separate wires
And left and right as well, so there are 4 wires
Dash turn and front turn share a wire, but left and right so 2 wires
So a short in dash should only light up dash and front bulbs on ONE SIDE
The turn signal stalk, multi-function switch, is the only thing in common to all 4 wires
When its in the "neutral" position all 4 wires are disconnected from each other, there are 4 separate switches inside the turn signal stalk, one for each wire
So a short to one of the 4 wires should only effect bulb(s) on that one wire, its not connected to the other 3 wires
diagram here:
https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/EDiagrams/files/Diagram_turn_stop_hazard.JPG
You could pull fuses with Key ON to see which one turns off the lights, that may help in tracking down the issue
Google: 1988 Ford Ranger fuse box diagram
Should find one that matches yours