Can anyone tell me what this piece is and where it's supposed to connect? It's right before the coil pack plug.

 

Not exactly sure what it is. Looks like a ground to the coil pack. Here it is on mine:

 

Its for the Capacitor to reduce spark noise in the electrical system

Looks like this: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h89Vd1kSNn4/hqdefault.jpg

Usually bolted to the coil pack

You can pick one up from almost any Ford with a coil pack at wrecking yards, most auto parts stores will also have them, or similar
Ford dealers have them for about $15

Its not an essential part, but will reduce radio interference and some sensors can be effected but thats a long shot

 

Mine doesn’t have that thing attached to the coil pack. When I just tried to ground the wire, the truck would start at all. Any thoughts?

 

DO NOT Ground that wire

Tell us what year ranger so we can tell you what fuse you may have blown by grounding it

 

Its a 99...kinda
It’s actually a 2002 but all the engine parts show up as being to a 99.

 

Fuse #19 in cab fuse box, 25amp, for either years