I own a 86 ford ranger 4x4 2.9 l 6 cylinder and last night me and a friend where trying to change the distributor cap distributor rotor and plugs and wires. We where very carful not to mix up wires even though it could have happened but I checked the firing order and cylinder placement and it seems to be right on... but it won't start and makes a god awful noise while trying to if anyone has any info of what I might of missed not tighted or just plan messed up I'd really really love to hear it thank you.

I forgot to mention that it turns over or well at least tries to but won't fire up

Did you properly seat the new rotor and distributor cap? Ensure the rotor is not chewing into the inside contacts.

Take plugs out, rotate engine to TDC, and ensure the rotor points to the #1 spark plug inside the distributor. Get a manual and verify spark plug wires are hooked up properly. Ensure spark plug wires are fully seated in the distributor cap (apply dielectric grease).

The new rotor is questionable I mean all it did was slide over the contact and I'm pretty sure I got it pushed down all the way and the cap I do believe can only go on one way do to the screw holes to hold the cap on... do you believe it is the rotor?

I'd take the distributor cap off and make sure the rotor is properly seated. Are the rotor and distributor cap a matched set; i.e. made by the same manufacturer?

If this isn't the problem, then you likely installed the new spark plug wires incorrectly.

I finally got it running, my problem was a previous own changed the #1 cylinder is what a mechanic told me... he told me to bring it to TDC and I don't know how so my next question is how to bring it to TDC and then what to do next because I'm a pretty amiture mechanic as much info would be great

Take plugs out, rotate crankshaft CCW to TDC (align TDC mark on the pulley with the index on the engine), and the rotor should point to the #1 spark plug inside the distributor. Retighten that spark plug and reattach the spark plug wire. One down, five to go. Get a manual and verify spark plug firing order on the distributor cap. Ensure each wire on the distributor cap goes to the proper cylinder. When you get it figured out, retighten each spark plug and connect the plug wire.

It probably best for you to get someone who's experienced with working on cars and trucks to help you.