Got everything else done but the timing. Would anyone know what position the distributor and oil pump should be in? (assuming it's different from the 4.0) Its currently backfiring through the exhaust manifold. Any shared wisdom would be great.

 

Its exactly the same as the plain old 4.0. I don't have the procedure readily available, but you might be 180 out. The timing mark hits 0 twice during the cycle....once at tdc firing and once at tdc exhaust. Take all spark plugs out, it makes the engine easier to turn. Set your timing mark 90 deg before 0. Either screw in a compression gauge, or just use your finger in the #1 hole and rotate the engine toward the 0 mark. If on the compression stroke you will feel or see an increase in cyl press. If on the exh stroke you will have no pressure, so continue to crank to the next time approaching 0. Stop at the correct 0 mark and then install the distributor per the manual's directions.

 

To find TDC: CRUISER'S MOSTLY RENIX TIPS

SETTING YOUR 4.0 TO #1 TDC

OCTOBER 30, 2015 SALAD 18 COMMENTS EDIT

With #1 spark plug removed, turn the engine over clockwise using the 3/4″ front crankshaft bolt.

You will see the degree marks on your front cover and you will see the timing mark on the balancer. Mark them with chalk or white-out.

While turning the engine over, put your finger/thumb over #1 spark plug hole. As the mark on the balancer approaches the marks on the front cover, if you are coming up on #1 TDC, pressure in the cylinder will push on your finger. If there’s no pressure, you’re at #6 TDC and need to crank the engine over until you see the marks coming together and you get pressure. Set the mark on the balancer to the 0 mark on the front cover.

 

Because I work on my vehicle pretty much by myself I found an interesting item to help find TDC. I used a 3" piece of Rodbacker. It is a round foam used for window frame insulation. When it came up on compression the foam "popped" out with a popping sound. Worked better than what I had been using before since I am underneath the vehicle turning the crankshaft.