Ford Repair: 1987 F-150 Ignition problem, ford f 150, starter solenoid

Question
My dad has a 1987 Ford F-150.  He recently ran out of gas and burned up the solenoid trying to restart it.  We put gas in it and replaced the solenoid, the truck would still not run.  We then replaced the starter, the ignition switch and the key tumbler. The truck will now start and run as long as the key is in the start position.  When you release the key and it goes to the run pos. it dies.  What would be our next line of attack?

Answer
Well, the pot metal rod in the column could be damaged. However, if you burnt the starter solenoid up and replaced it. Look at the inline fusable link right at the side of the solenoid on the power wire of course. The chance is strong that you're problem will lie in the link.