Blue wire w/white stripe & red marks??

That is the other end of the electrical part of the ignition switch. You will have to remove the lower steering column plastic cover to get to the part the key engages. It has been a while since I did one of these, but I think the speedometer cluster removal makes getting to everything a little easier.

The speedometer cluster removal makes getting to everything a little easier if you have to install a new electrical part of the switch, makes it easier to get to the connectors.

Of course, I didn't know this back in the mid 1990s (I was using Microsoft Window, not Windows), so I installed mine from underneath the dash, was cussing Mazda for not making the body wires a little longer, didn't know this trick.

Explains why my ignition is a bit sketchy. Ordered a new Capacitor/condenser. I was told by many (& have seen this on a few forums) that the little black box that goes to the + side of the coil was to prevent radio noise. It is in fact an ignition condenser. It is in the wiring schematic in the Haynes manual. I have heard many of you say your truck runs fine without this connected. But I have heard a few say that they have sluggish power & misfires with out it. My plug wires say "Radio Suppression" too...Does that mean they are there to keep my radio reception clear? I don't think so. I do however appreciate all of the tips & advice. You all have helped me go from a non-running truck to a yard driver. Dying to get it on the road, but at least I can move it in the yard.

This might be the pinnacle of stupidity but is is possible that its a fusable link? it doesn't look like it in the picture but that kinda what it sounds like. they are not usually in the cab area for fire safety though. hmm I think I just answered my own question but I already typed this now so...