1987 ford ranger engine problems

[myrangerkiksass]

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

[contagionxlt]

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. [email protected]