1985 Ranger. Ran out of fuel and now wont run.

Sounds like the fuel pump has died on you. Fuel pumps are gas cooled and running it out of gas probably caused it to overheat. It might sound like its turning on but it may not be pu tting out enough fuel.

Take the line off from the tank on the way to the fuel filter. And turn the key to the on position. Are you getting gas there? If not trace the line back to the tank looking for kinks or plugged line. If you find nothign wrong disconect the line right at the fuel pump. And turn key if still nothing test the fuel pump connectors for voltage. If no voltage coming from them suspect a bad fuse or fuel pump relay. If those are good you might need a new wire harness. But if they are giving off voltage then you probably have a bad fuel pump.

If your getting lots of gas before the filter then check right after hte filter if your getting low fuel amounts and pressure its the filter. If still good follow it up to the next point checking for kinks and cracks in the line.

If all is good then id think id check the pressure at the fuel rail with a pressure gauge again because I cant belive how it wouldnt be getting fuel. If it is getting fuel then the next thing to look for is spark.

And also I am not sure but your truck might have a inertia or fuel shut off switch. Check That to make sure it isnt popped should be located under driver side dash up against fire wall.