1987 ford ranger engine problems

I have a 1987 ford ranger witha 2.9 l v6 in it. i was told that all it needed to run was a starter and a new distributor. well after replacing the starter, distributor, cap, rotor, battery and some other little things it still doesn't run or for that matter when i put the key in to start it none of the lights go on and there is absolutely no response from anything in the truck. :( however when i was hooking up the new battery i accidently croosed the two cables (whos idea was it to make the positive cable black?). one more thing is that when i turn it over by shorting out the solenoid the lights and everythin works which has me puzzled. any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jon

sounds like your solenoid lead (little wire) is on the wrong post. shoul be batt {batt}----(sol).tinywire.empty terminal(sol to starter) I have an 87 ranger as well so lemme know if I can do anything to help. contagionxlt@comcast.net