Ignition System Problems? HELP!

[dieselrab]

I have recently bought an '81 VW Rabbit Pickup with a '84 1.8L GTI motor (very fun and was told that it needed a tie rod replaced. So I ordered the parts replaced them (both inner and outer) adjusted them according to my Bentley repair manual, and the wheel wont keep the alignment. So i gave up 2 weekends ago went back to school then came back last weekend and now all it does is crank over. It won't even change cranking speed if i spray starting fluid in it and i wiggled the spark plug wires and still didn't do anything, however i could smell fuel from the exhaust while i was cranking it over. By my standards any input is good input, so if u have any ideas please let me know.