2.8 distributor install question.

[85rangerproject]

I’m going to be installing my distributor back in after I rebuilt it. I’m on #1 TDC (compression stroke). Marks on the balancer are lined up. Looking at the manual for the truck the number 1 position on the distributor is not going to have the rotor pointing to the number 1 piston. I’ve always pointed my rotor towards the number 1 piston. Is this engine different ?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Technically... you could point it anywhere you wanted... then just wire it in the correct firing order and it would work.

I personally would do it per the manual. Plug wore set might not be the right length if you change it.

 

[JoshT]

Even on the later DIS stuff with a cam position sensor, you can have the synchronizer positioned where ever you want as long at it aligns with the sensor when at #1 TDC. That said typically the factory position is best for connecting the wiring harness.

As for the distributor, I agree with Gunp's statement about wire lengths, but usually the aftermarket sets are a little sloppy anyway. Back when I ran a distributor engine, I usually got the wire set that you terminated yourself anyway, so length could be adjusted as needed.

Another reason to set up as factory is if someone else replaces the wires next time or you forget before then. Having it positioned as factory you can go by the manual. If you do it custom (aka your way), they might be connecting the #1 cylinder to the #2 post if they try to go by the book reference. Firing order would be all messed up and they'd likely end up restabbing the distributor to try and get it right.