2002 ranger extended cab has no dashboard lights
so far I've checked all the fuses and none are bad.
any idea for what to look for next?

 

Not common but the Dimmer can be the problem, is it just the dash lights or is Radio light also not working, i.e. dimmer control

The instrument cluster wiring uses 2 separate wires, powering 3 bulbs each, so the problem won't be in the cluster.
But both of those wires go to the Dimmer control.
Dimmer control gets power from Main head light switch