I just rebuilt the engine in my 85 ranger 2.8 and i can`t get the timing right.What the easiest way to set it.

 

Find top dead center on number 1 cylinder, align the 0 on your timing marks with the pointer or reference point your using on the block,

or you could consider the marks correct and rotate the damper with your finger over the number one cylinder spark plug hole, when you feel air blow past your finger your on the compression stroke, rotate engine until the initial timing your after lines up with the pointer on the block make a mark on your distributor cap base that shows you were the number one cylinder is, then take the cap off, rotate the distributor until the rotor is pointing at your number 1 cylinder mark, reinstall cap, tighten the distributor hold down, and start your engine. If it won't start more likely than not the pointer or reference point on the engine was incorrect and you need to find top dead center and go from there. Or you could advance and retard the timing until you get it to operate at the usual idle rpm or it run without detonation and lack of normal power. Good luck