We bought this 87 dodge 4x4 5.9l and it just keeps back fireing and won't start up. The person we got it from died and it looks like they put a aftermarket msd ignition box and coil on it and regular distributor I assume but we took the cap off and the rotor was facing the firewall so we turned it like the diagram and took #1 plug out and did all that and followed the diagram specifics and it's still just back firing and we've been messing with it for 2 days and can't seem to get it right I need some help please

 

I've seen the distributor turned 180 degrees before. However, there are other things it could be. If the engine has a bunch of miles 120,000 or more, it may have jumped time. Did it originlly have the regular or lean burn ignition? Lean burn is factory mounted on the air cleaner on the drivers side.

If I were to walk up right now, I would first and foremost check the firing order on the plugs. the cylinders are numbered like GM but NOT like a Ford. If the firing order is right, I'd make sure the distributor was set right. After that, I'd check the timing chain for slop.

 

It needs to be #1 cylinder ON THE COMPRESSION STROKE, Then check the wire routing.