I'm looking at a 1996 ranger base model. It has no factory radio from the factory. Would the harness still be in the dash for it?

 

Wow! I've never seen that, though it is understandable Ford would offer a 'no-radio' package for XL models intended as fleet vehicles.

A stock radio has 2 connectors and I'd expect the one for power/continuous power/dimming/signal might be there but the connector for speakers (including wiring to speaker locations and the speakers themselves) probably is not there. That's all just a guess but if that's the case you could source those missing parts from a local salvage yard. An antenna might need to be found as well and that can be a pain to fish through the plenum. If the other connector is missing too those wires could be spliced in from the harness if you know what you're doing.

This is potentially all adding up to a lot of work and should be weighed against the Ranger's purchase price...

 

Take it to a radio shop have them install the unit of choice and speakers as they will do probably for a set price. Some have 99 cent installs and stuff like that. Got a new radio for mine and the guy installed NO CHARGE. Speaker wiring is pretty easy hard part is if the door panels are not drilled for speakers but again no big deal. antenna easy to run, top of fender then a hole probably already there thru cab fender connection, but even if not there still an easy install.

 

I can install a radio. I just don't feel like running wires through the dash and door jams. I'm in the middle of no where and no one around here does this during the weekend.

 

Go to Crutchfield.com or 12Volt Install Bay to print a wiring diagram .Pull radio delete panel and check for wiring harness plug with matching colors. Bet harness is already in place. Ditto with door panel speaker harness.

 

Some idiot ripped the factory wiring harness out of my ranger. Any advice on how to replace or fix it?

 

I ran into a truck like that one time. I went to salvage yard and got the missing wiring and components. I then just soldered the wires together. It was easy because all the wires were color-coded and I didn't even need a wiring diagram.