I am no expert. You all don't have to agree at once !
Think about this, bandit48 probably hit it on the button.
When the crank gear pulls on that timing chain and it's loose the chain can jump one or more teeth before the cam responds. That would mean the timing is now late and would possibly explain why it needs to be advanced to start and then winds up fighting itself.
The rotor usually comes close to directly pointing to #1 cyl , but I don't recall it being exactly at #1 cyl plug wire on the cap. It does appear there is no shortcut here so for piece of mind , Ya gotta actually check it.
There are checks you can do to verify excess slop in the chain, but mileage wise the decision has already been made.

 

there is probably too much slop in the timing chain and when you put number 1 piston all the way up it,s not actually on top dead center so turn the crank with your hands until it shows (0) on the timing scale, then set the distributor to where number 1 plug wire is pointing to number 1 plug wire on the cap !

 

One tooth off on the dist installation can do unbelievable things.

 

i have a 96 ford f-150 4x4 and it has those automatic hubs which don,t work so i am going to change them over to manual hubs ! my hubs has 3 holes so people say i need a conversion kit ! what do they mean by a conversion kit ? does the kit goes in the wheels ? mine has that button on the dash for 4 wheel drive ! am i right i don,t have to bother the transfer case and all the work is at the wheels ? thanks guys !