I've got a 2002 3.0 5speed ranger. Cousin bought a little over a year ago. Drove for 2 weeks changed oil, plugs, wires and cool pack. Starter went bad and he let sit for about a year. I put a new starter on it and now if will turn over fine but just won't start. Fuel pump kicks on when you turn the key on, getting spark. Won't even catch on ether. Any other things i can check?

 

Welcome to the forum

3 things make an engine start/run
1. Spark, at the right time
2. Fuel, in the right mix with air
3. Compression, needed to vaporize gasoline so spark can ignite it, need 120+ psi, most engines are 150+ psi

Getting spark..........................
If you are then it will fire up on Ether

2002 Ranger will have PATS(passive anti-theft system), Theft Light on dash will Flash Rapidly when you turn on the key if that is the problem.

If you haven't, unhook the battery for 5 minutes then hook it back up, this resets most systems in the vehicle, which would be needed even if you installed a new battery after it sat for a year

After cranking the engine a few times pull out 1 spark plug, see if tip is WET or DRY

On the 3.0l there are two sensors that can cause a No start
Crank sensor, located at about 11:00 behind crank pulley
Cam sensor, located back top of engine, 2 wire connector, cam sensor failure can't cause no start on most engine, but have read it can on 3.0l Vulcan on some years

Crank and cam sensors time spark and injectors, if computer doesn't get a good pulse from these then it doesn't even know you are trying to start the engine.