1998 Ford Ranger XLT 4cyl manual not starting

Click once like a bad connection? Check battery terminals. Try smacking the starter with something takes a pretty good whack but you're not trying to hit a home run. If it starts the abendix is sticking in the starter, so bad starter.

Clicks once, like maybe the sound of a solenoid i assumed. I smacked it with a hammer 3 different times and no avail :/

Have you tried jumping the starter solenoid, or used a test light to determine there is power to the starter?

I'm unsure if the solenoid is only on the starter on this model, or if there is a relay elsewhere. If there is i cant find it. But no i have not tried jumping it

I jumped the starter solenoid and the starter tried turning over but didnt start the engine.

Okay, just to be sure, I pulled the starter and tested it. It is running just fine. I also bought a new battery because the one I had was running 12.14 volts. The battery did not help it. The only other things i can think of are the wiring, ignition cylinder, or a relay that I don't know about. I'm at a loss

The starter relay should be the same relay for the ac or something in the fuse box. Try swapping those relays and see if that helps