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Well I've got myself into a predicament. I had previously set up the timing by getting the oil pump and distributor set right. But now I find out the distributor ended up being set just in the way of the air cleaner. Now I'm having to remove the oil pump so I can turn the gear so I can set the distributor again where it won't be in the way of the air cleaner. It is a bugger bear trying to do it now since all the stuff is in the way. The exhaust, the drag link and the master cylinder heat shield the fenders, etc. My wife, my only helper is trying her best to help while I'm under the jeep cursing. No, not at her, just at the situation.
Ho Hum!

Ken

Ken,

I see in your post above you clearly understand that the oil pump indexing determines the rotor position and that the distributor shaft only fits the pump one way due to their offset tabs.

Just bring #1 TDC on compression. Leave the oil pump alone. Align the timing marks at 5 Deg BTDC. [Pull the distributor out] should read loosen distributor housing. Remove the top cap. [Reinsert the distributor] should read rotate the housing where you want it. Now install #1 plug wire aligned with the rotor. Now install the remaining plug wires in firing order sequence.1, 3, 4, 2 counter clockwise.



Although the preferred position for # 1 plug wire is shown in the photo the other three nipples will work as long as it leaves you room for the distributor to be adjusted for timing and the two tubes will connect and there's no interference with surrounding parts.

Ok, I've already been trying to mess with the pump. I'll see if I can get another position for #1 when I bolt up the pump.

Ok, I'm back after couple more hours. I believe I have it now as I can get the air cleaner on and have a small amount of room to adjust distributor if needed. And I thought modern front wheel drive cars were tuff to work on.

when the timing is set right, between the bottum coil side of the ditributor and the engine wall there is gap of about ±0.3 " . Be careful witht the little bolt at the underside, the distance between it and the + 24 volt at the starter is not big and tools can cause firework ! ( disconnect the battery's )

Looks like my wording above could be misleading to a novice so I'll correct it' I believe everyone in this thread understands that the oil pump timing determines the rotor indexing of the distributor. My comments were meant to point out that sometimes the incorrect pump position can still be tolerated by simply moving the wires ahead or back a little.

I was able to get it positioned without having to relocate position #1. When I get it cranked up again I'll be able to tell for sure if I accomplished anything.