Changing out a distributor

The P.O. of my '85 CJ7 swapped out the electronic ignition for an early '70s distributor. Wear and tear has resulted in my pneumatic spark advance dieing on me. Of course I couldn't find an early 70s, 300 cu.in. straight-6 with a good spark advance. In fact I couldn't even find a junk yard with that old a model ford truck. So, I'm now the proud owner of a replacement distributor (from Advanced Auto).

My question is...will I be able to remove the old unit and put in the new one be just marking the orientation of the existing distributor and orientation of the existing points and matching those "markers" with my new unit? Or, do I just need to "bite the bullet" and take it to a shop?

[Edit] Oh yea, I don't have a timing gun. So, it'll have to be close enough for me to drive somewhere to have the time and dwell set.

 

Were you looking for a Hei distributor?

 

NO, not yet. But, have you got one, if I decide to change?

 

Not one I'm willing to part with, But your plan with the distributor seems good. You might want to pick up a timing light if you work on your own vehicles.

 

Yea, you think?? It's been a long time since I had to worry about timing and dwell. 'Guess it's time to retro my tools to match my vehicles!

 

Spend the $ and get the DUI. the extra dough is worth the loss of headaches.

 

here's a great link............

http://www.geocities.com/jeeperaz/hei.htm

the cork trick to find TDC/ no 1 plug worked great on my 258

 

I totally agree. Put a DUI in my CJ-5. What an improvement.