1988 Ford Ranger ignition wire not hot

See below

Check the black fusible link at the starter relay and fuse no. 1 this the one that powers the ignition switch

If you are talking about the starter relay not getting power from the switch -check the neutral safety switch-power comes from the ignition switch thru the NSS then to the relay.

check the wires for any deteriation. if the wires are green or the plastic is melted then the wires need to be replaced. Make sure that the wires are also big enough to carry the load of amps that are traveling to the ignition if you repalced them, and thy are to small then it will not get enough amps to the system for it to work. also check the ignition coil pig tails, make sure that there is a good connection and that it is plugged in properly. also check the fuse for the ignition, sometimes there is a seperate fuse box for the ignition than for the lights.