You should have marked where the rotor was pointing to before removing it.

Remove #1 spark plug (first plug, passenger front side)
stick a screw driver in the spark plug hole
crank by hand until piston hits the screw driver
reverse crank (VERY LITTLE) enough to remove the screw driver
insert distributor and point rotor to #1 position on distributor cap
and then give a stab and crank it.

 

[QUOTE=javila2468;8057842]You should have marked where the rotor was pointing to before removing it.

I know, hindsight is a cruel ****#
I marked the outside where 1 is but lost train of thought when trying to remove that Ignition Module.
So turn it with a socket is your method of choice?

 

https://mustangforums.com/forum/5-0l...stributor.html

If I am not mistaken, This advice directly conflicts with your advice Javila.. It is saying the beginning of the compression stroke is TDC, and what you are telling me is the end of the first compression stroke. If I am not mistaken.

 

either way will work just fine...i just find it easier to just stab the #1 spark plug with a screw driver in my opinion.

compression stroke begins when the piston starts going up and ends at tdc.

either option works fine...i just wouldn't crank the motor. i would just turn it with a breaker bar or rachet.

regarding the "turning the engine counter-clockwise" that is a first for me. you learn something new every day.

 

Good to know.. was just confused as I am a newb to all this. And it seems backing it off slightly would only make it to where you have to adjust time slightly more than the other option.