Hey there new here. I have an 87 2.3 2wd put a new battery in and realized the starter was bad so replaced that. Runs only in Start position but not in run position. so I replaced the starter solenoid ignition switch and the distributor module. And still does it so im at a loss. Would appreciate any help thanks

 

1987 may have a Ballast Resistor or Resistor Wire on the Coils "+" wiring

What its for, so you know what to look for
Ignition coils run VERY HOT, and this shortens their lives, IF they run at 14volts(engine running, alternator voltage) full time
So a Ballast Resistor is used to lower the voltage at the coil to 9volts so it lasts longer
BUT............on start up with start motor lowering 12volt battery volts to 10volts, the ballast resistor would lower that to 5 volts............too weak of a spark to start cold engine

So there is a resistor bypass wire that gives the coil direct battery volts, 10volts, for start up, when key is turn to START, with key in RUN the Ballast Resistor is used

If this resistor should "burn out" then engine would start then die as soon as key was moved to RUN

Image of ballast resistor here: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...038a25f08.jpeg

Usually on the firewall, it gets very warm

Drawing of wiring with resistor seen here: https://2img.net/h/i93.photobucket.c...ps8dxl5k3s.jpg


And it could also be a failing ignition switch, there is a START wire for the coil, and a RUN wire for the coil coming out of the ignition switch
The 1980's Ranger ignition switches could "split" and cause odd electrical issues, like this
Ignition switch is under the steering column above brake pedal