Having heard and read many horror stories about Jeep 4.0’s not running after pulling the distributor, I was very careful installing the distributor on my new Titan Stroker Motor.

The procedure in the factory recommended procedure is surprisingly simple. Here is my method to implement the recommended procedure.

Use a 3/4-inch wrench to turn the motor to the zero degree mark on the damper. This is easier if the electric fan is out of the way. Also, you need to make sure you are on the compression stroke of the engine. One way to ensure this is to watch the movement of the valves and make sure you are using the mark just after the intake valve closes.

Another note: If your shock is old, this is a good time to make sure it’s not twisted by checking that the engine is actually at TDC when the shock lines up with the mark.

With the cap on the distributor, mark a line just to the left on terminal number one. Transfer this line to the metal distributor housing. In the Renix version, it will be close to where the cables come out.

Use a screwdriver to set the slot in the oil pump impeller at 11 o’clock.

Now remove the distributor cap. Look at the mounting stud over the mounting bolt hole in the block. Pick up the gasket you just dropped and put it back on.

Set the rotor to point at 4 o’clock. This will be a bit to the right of your mark.

Lower the distributor into the hole and allow it to engage the camshaft drive gears. The rotor will turn when the gears mesh. When it bottoms out, the rotor should be pointing at the mark you made earlier. If not, try again.

Attach the mounting bracket and tighten the bolt.

From the stories I’ve heard, the computer won’t work if the distributor indexing is off even on one gear tooth. By using this procedure, yours will be correct. Check another item off your list of Jeep Cherokee engine problems.