New ignition switch, new starter relay (solenoid), new starter, and new battery. Turning the ignition you can hear the starter relay "click" so I thought perhaps the contacts inside may not be touching, so I replaced with OEM solenoid and exact same thing happens - no start. Only way to start the truck is to "jump" the starter relay on the right front fender panel (same with new and old starter relay) and then it drives like a dream. Does not start when in neutral and backup lights do work.
I am missing something here - any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum

What engine in the 1990 Ranger?

Ford use 2 different starting systems with different wiring
One for the 2.3l and 2.9l
One for the new 4.0l

Starter motor can ID which system you are wired for
Old system starter looks like this, just has a solenoid on top: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon...._AC_SY355_.jpg

Newer starter motors look like this, has a relay/solenoid on top: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qVoAA...KVc/s-l640.jpg

Which one do you have?

Older system just needed 1 cable to the starter motor

Newer system needed 1 cable and 1 smaller wire to starter motor, so TWO "wires"