No spark or start

[KeegeeWeegee]

I have a 2.9l 1987 ranger that will not start. Basically, it was a couple of weeks ago, and I test drove it to my buddy's where it decided not to start. Here is what I know:
- The TFI module and Ignition Coil are good (I replaced them).
- The coil to distributor and distributor to spark plug wires are good (I replaced those too)
- The spark plugs are probably fine as it was running fine and just decided not to start
- The starter solenoid should be good, as I replaced it a couple of months ago
- Using a circuit tester, I found that the ignition coil is "hot" when the key is in the off position, which is good, but as soon as the key goes into run or start, it has no power, which it should at least flicker when trying to start. Because of this the spark plugs are not firing because the distributor has no power, as the ignition coil is not sending it any.

Because of these things I figured that it is not a loose wire, or else the coil would probably have no power. I am thinking of replacing the ballast resistor, which is a big rubber thing that is inline to the negative coil wire. Is this a good idea? Or is there something that I have not tried?

 

[tw205]

That resistor is used to monitor the coil. The engine will run without it. You will get a code 18 I think but requardleas, you can cut it out and leave the wires disconnected and the engine will run normal.
New parts don't mean good parts. Quality control doesn't exist in China. Replacing parts without verifiable failure is a mistake.

 

[KeegeeWeegee]

Okay I’ll try it.

 

[KeegeeWeegee]

And the reason that it could be preventing start up is if it is shorted out or something?