lol...I decided to reinstall the distributor before I put the timing cover back on so I knew where I was easy (spent most the afternoon just cleaning all the gunk and gasket off the timing cover and getting the seal out). Just a matter of putting everything back together now. Thanks for the help I really appreciate it!!

Back in business!! Throttle response is better now too don't know why but for now I'm just going to enjoy my victory. One thing that did puzzle me is that I went point to point on the timing chain when I set the distributor and it was 180 off. After a big backfire on start attempt #1 I swapped it 180 and it started right up? Any thoughts?? Could the PO have put a different cam in it or something? I know I might sound crazy but I check everything 5 (literally) times cuz I didn't want to take that timing cover back off. To end my long post my jeeps running better than before I started and I'm happy thanks again for all the help gentlemen!!

idk man that contradicts just about every bit of info I've gathered on the subject. It seems to me that the ignition timing and stroke timing have to be synced or the spark won't fire at the right time on the stroke and shoot won't run. If it isn't firing on tdc comp then it won't force the piston back down right?? I'm not trying to be a hater or anything I just want to have a good understanding of the method to the madness.

ok I think I got it now..I think I just got a little stressed with this being my first rodeo lol. Overloaded my head with too much information. Either way I really do appreciate all you guys for the help and the knowledge!! I'm getting a better handle on all this stuff but I still have an huge amount to learn