It cranks fine, and it will fire instantly with just the slightest touch of ether. It has strong fuel pressure at the rail ( enough to spray vigorously).

I know it's getting spark, because it will fire with ether(and stay running, suggesting I have fuel)

I know it's getting fuel while cranking, because the exhaust smells of un-burnt fuel.

I know it's getting fuel while cranking(and this is the reason for the post) Because it will start it self and run like a dream, but only after an intake backfire.

I have replaced the brain,edis6, coil pack, spark plugs and wires, and the crankshaft position sensor. the previous owner claims the maps(or w/e sensor stands in for it in this model) is new, and it appears to be just that.

I don't think I have a timing issue, as it runs great once it starts. I get very aggressive with the throttle, and nothing I do seems to get it to backfire while it's running. It will only do it while cranking.

I'm truly at a loss, and any help would be very welcome. Please forgive my ignorance, I am no mechanic. I'm just poor and I don't like to walk.

I did look for threads covering my issue, but I didn't find my answer in the last few days of lurking around as a guest. "here is the link dummy" is an acceptable answer to my question.

Thank you in advance
A very confused owner of the dream ranger.

 

We are going to need year and engine info, Ford changed things often so it makes a difference.

 

It's a 1994 with the 4.0 OHV V6. Thank you very much for the reply.