Yep those front mount distributors can be difficult. On mine add the interference of a front loader and a hydraulic pump driven of the front of the engine it is a nightmare. How much does that manifold cost. I have a broken exhaust on mine that I have been running puttied shut with stove cement for several years.
That's why you pull the distributor out and do all your point setting and timing on the bench.
I figured you could static time it out, but wouldn't you need to put it on timing light to adjust for gear lash? Of course just turning distributor slightly isn't difficult.
No timing marks for a light. static time is all you get. The distributor doesn't turn more that the slop in the bolt holes. The plate in the distributor that carries the points has a clamping screw and can be turned slightly to vary timing but it is mostly point gap. I have heard that Fords plan was to build a tractor the farmer could rebuild in the field with minimal tools. The most exotic thing I needed when I rebuilt mine was a tool for driving in the new sleeves. I also used a valve seat grinder but could have avoided that by replacing the seats. then just lapping in the new valves.
I just find a drill bit that fits the hole snug then tape a 1/4 bit to it with the first one in the hole. Then it requires only one straight edge and less than 4 hands.
