1997 3.0L manual this truck I just got putting like 1500 into it lol. New fuel pump new radiator new starter new distributor cap.

 

Behind the head on the passenger side on the block is the oil pressure switch

This is a picture of the BACK of a 3.0l engine when it out of the truck on an engine stand: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...h-dscn0413.jpg

You can see the Cam sensor and synchro unit, and to the right the white connector on the Oil Pressure Switch......behind the passenger side head

You can test the wire and gauge by unplugging this switch
Then use a jumper wire from that oil pressure wire to battery Negative(ground)
Turn on the key, engine OFF
Oil gauge should go up into "normal" range, varies by vehicle
If it does that then wire and gauge are OK, replace the oil pressure switch

If gauge doesn't move then wire or gauge is bad

 

Does this peice go bad easily I feel like I've replaced it just recently and paid a mechanic to do it for like 500 bucks I bitched about it because I did one prior and it's only two bolts you talking about that big black thing in the middle of the pic with the electrical connection?

 

NO

That's the cam sensor you are describing, yes can be expensive to replace

You want the oil pressure switch, to the right >>>> of Cam sensor, it has a white connector