'88 2.9 not running

[89RanBrII]

I recently bought an '88 Ranger. It was running good when I bought it. I drove down to the gas station to air up the tires and when I tried to start it it wouldn't start.
I got it home and was looking at it and figured out that the coil wasn't getting grounded. So I switched the TFI Module for one that I had on an extra engine. When I put it on it started and ran. I shut it off to get everything put back together. When I tried to start it again it wouldn't start. So I called my parts guy to order a new Module and he said that the pickup coil might be bad and causing the TFI module to go bad. So I ordered a new P. Coil and TFI module. Before I got the distributor taken apart, I just put the distributor from my other engine in and tried it. it didn't work. Now I got the distributor apart and will try putting the new coil in.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks

 

[RobbieD]

I'd go over the wiring around and between those parts, with a fine-tooth comb, looking for corroded terminals, non-seating connectors, and frayed or open spots on the wires themselves.

 

[89RanBrII]

Update: I put the new pickup coil in and it still is not getting a spark at the distributor. I did find two wires that were worn a little and fixed them. I found that the original TFI module is bad, the one from my spare engine is good, and I don't know about the new one. Edit: The new one isn't working. (I tested them in my working '89.)
Could the computer be bad?
{This is starting to drive me crazy}

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Im not 100% sure....but i think the ECM grounds the coil to fire it.

So yes....its possible

 

[Cees Klumper]

Capacitors in the ECU leak and go bad, causing no-start. It's documented on this site if you do a search. If you open up the ECU you can see whether either of the blue little capacitors are leaking/bulging. You can solder in new ones that cost next to nothing and that would solve that issue - if that is in fact the issue.