basically got my auto to 5 speed done, using a junkyard starter. i forgot to attach the positive, and had everything hooked up and it wouldnt start, so i went to attach the positive on the starter and it started shorting everything out.

with the starter unplugged nothing is shorting, when i attach the starter it shorts, i have the little clip that i assume is negative, as well as the positive cable all attached.

please help time is limited.

 

.... You should have a service manual beofre performing any repairs.

Just about every vehicle, including 1996 Ford Rangers, use a clip for the S terminal, which is a live power wire. Connecting ground to this point will ruin the wire, and possibly anything attached to it due to over-current.

Big lug = Battery +
Small connector/lug = starter trigger
starter body = Ground