I have a 1989 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 2.9 L single cab.
my question is I can start the truck without the key I do have the key but don't need it the ignition switch cylinder just turns without the key. I want to buy a new cylinder
but when I look one comes with a wire attached and the other has no wire which one do I buy??? and will replacing the cylinder fix the truck starting without the key thank you in advance

 

The wire is for "Key left in ignition" Chime when drivers door is opened, so you don't lock keys in the truck
So nothing to do with vehicle operation

 

Thank you for the quick reply. will replacing the cylinder fix the cylinder turning without the key???

 

It should
The cylinder's hole is made of a harder metal than the "pins/wafers" inside the cylinder so the cylinder should/would wear out first

The cylinder has pins/wafers inside that spring up and down to lock cylinder in the slots in the cylinder hole
When you put the key in it raises and lowers those pin/wafers so they are all flush with the cylinder, so the cylinder can be rotated