OK so the truck.
1998 Ram 1500 5.2 V8 all stock no mods what so ever.

On initial startup it goes like this: Starting is is difficult and sounds like the problem is the ignition is trying to fire on an upstroke and almost stop the engine from turning.
Now correct me if I am wrong you cannot adjust the advance or retard on these Magnum engines can you? I haven't touched the dissy just the cap, all I did is install a new ignition coil, the old one was arching out.

 

Nope, you are correct, timing is not adjustable.

Does the engine struggle to turn over? Is it any better if you jump it? How old is the battery?

 

With a full battery all healthy and charged up and cranks harsh almost as if it's hydrolocking or getting way to much advance and trying to fire before tdc.
I can start it by working the throttle but it runs really rough and will shut off on it's own if I try and let it idle.
When running it will rev up but idle is totally dicked.

 

So, you have several possibilities there.... Think I would go visit one of your local parts store, and have them do a starter draw test for you. Think I would also see if you have a stuck injector dumping gas into a cylinder. Getting any codes??

 

Don't forget the possibility of the ubiquitous jumped timing chain.

 

I checked and I do not have any stored or active codes.
Today I will grab some used injectors from the junk yard and also check my timing.

Were timing chain failure common on these 318s My last Dodge Ram Magnum 318 had 233,014 mi on it without much issue besides it burning oil badly.

 

How common is it on these magnum engines?
This current truck only has 100,000mi on it.

 

Failure is rare. Chain stretching is common. I generally recommend replacing timing set it you are close to/over 100K miles.

 

Got it figured out.
rechecked everything and found I was one wire off. DOH
So i just moved all the wires ahead one position on the distributor and runs like a champ again. A reminder to remember *K-I-S-S* keep it simple, stupid

 

The relationship between which cylinder is firing, where the distributor is turned, and where the crank is, is very important. Number one cylinder is marked on the cap, and it NEEDS to be there. (and yup, its fun to see....) Has the distributor been moved/replaced?