I am having trouble installing a new distributor in my 73 ford. its got a 351C out of a 74 in it. I tried setting the engine to TDC. but still cant get the distributor to go in. ive tried it at 180 and also 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Im not sure what else to do.

 

You have to get the oil pump shaft aligned with distributor shaft. Number of ways to do that. One is an extention and socket taped to it to turn shaft where you need it or an oil pump priming tool which is handy to have around. Another is set in place with slight down pressure and turn engine with socket on crank bolt till it drops in. Third way is bump the starter, but personally I like first method with pump priming tool.

 

sounds silly but make sure there is some oil/lube on the socket of the distributor. It does make a difference. You should be able to get it down somewhere,and then work out where it has to be from the previous post for adjustment.