Try jumping out the resistor and if it starts, you’ll know that is the problem or at least part of the problem. It won’t harm anything! If it doesn’t start you’ll know that it’s down to distributor, coil or the wiring.
I don’t know if you know this or not but a 12v conversion that has ballast resister is also supposed to have a starting bypass circuit. Usually a wire from the starter switch that bypasses the ballast resistor on starting to supply a full 12v to the coil. It almost sounds to me that you are missing this bypass circuit. Many people run their trucks without this circuit but it’s not recommended especially if you live in colder climates.
Good luck!
Yes, this has that bypass circuit.
