Take a minute before you do anything else and consider a few things.

1. Can you afford to disable this vehicle in your driveway (I assume that's where you're working on it) and pay for a tow to a shop to fix this if you get to a point of failure?

2. Are you absolutely sure the noise you heard is from the distributor?

I see lots of expensive red flags here. Don't want you to get in over your head.... And wallet.

 

I noticed that this rotor cap is incorrectly positioned, compared to how mine was, look:

 

Orlo's point #2 is well taken. My original suggestion was to check the old distributor once pulled before actually replacing it. But if you find that the distributor shaft is not binding, causing that squeal, and decide you don't need the new one, if you don't install it, you should be able to return it. If it is indeed the distributor that is squealing, there is nothing else on the distributor that could be making the noise other than the failed bushings. I don't understand your question about the position of your "rotor cap." A little PB Blaster might help in the removal. Gently tap the side of the distributor housing to help loosen it.

 

Rotors 180 out which dont really matter as long as distributor is installed in Exact position as removed.

 

The rotor is pointing at #6 cylinder. If you have the damper timing marks aligned at zero you'll have to rotate the crank another 360 degrees to align the marks again. This time it should be pointing at the #1 cylinder position.

 

Setting Your 4.0 at #1 TDC


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. Mark the 0 with chalk or white-out. You will see the timing mark on the balancer. Mark it 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.

 

Thanks guys, seems like I will be waiting to see what happens. I sprayed the base of the distributor with Wd-40, since it was stuck, and while taking those pics, I noticed the rotor looked worn out and had an extra one so I replaced it and the squeal/chirp has disappeared for now, haven't gone back to see if the distributor is loose from the Wd-40 since it's been raining for the last 2 days.

Will re-visit when the rain stops, or the chirp returns.

 

Im gonna go ahead and ask this ..Did ya remove the bolt that holds distributor down ?

 

Hahaha, no I didn't! Didn't see it! Glad you asked, good thing to know I'm not some weakling! I will report back once the weather clears.

Do you think it still needs to be done since the noise is gone?

 

If the noise is gone Don't Fool With It!

Edit: It's always a good idea to use a matched set of cap and rotor. I recommend using the NAPA Echlin cap and rotor set.

 

Did I see an OCoD?..........say it ain't so.

 

You did. But I don't think it's his truck. LOL

And...I think that's a chinese communist cap in the pic.

 

Well ok then.

 

pb blaster, wait a few minutes and a slight nudge with a mallet ( hammer with rubber ends)

 

.......only after removing the hold down bolt. Unless the next tool she wants to use is the AAA card for a tow.