help me find an electrical gremlin, please

A voltmeter check to the supply side of the ballast, provides certainty that the ignition system has voltage when the igniton switch is on. Near battery voltage is good.

A voltage check at the mopar ignition box to ground can identify a bad ground at box. Near zero volts is good.

An Ohm test of pick-up coil should read about 300 to 350 ohms.

Why change parts or wonder? A multi-meter is a great tool to figure out what works, or not.