56 Thunderbird distributor

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Originally Posted by Yotehunter66

Thanks. I also read about pulling the distributor and replacing bushings if needed? Does that affect timing?

Yes absolutely.
Once the distributor is removed from the engine it is no longer synchronized with the valves, cam shaft, pistons & crankshaft.
Replacing the bushings in a T-Bird distributor is not a DIY job unless you have some specialty tools.

If you have a Dwell meter for setting the points you can check the bushings.
With the engine running the dwell angle should not vary by 5 degrees or more. Less and the bushings are fine, more means new bushings. Oil the upper bushing with the filler cap tube at the side of the housing. (photo #1)

Before you remove the distributor (IF you need to) mark the position of the rotor tip on the edge of the distributor housing and also note/mark the rotation position of the distributor housing relative to the top of the engine.
Remove and reinstall the distributor & rotor in the exact same position and do not do anything that could turn the camshaft & crankshaft while the distributor is out.
There are 14 teeth on the gear at the bottom of the distributor shaft and it needs to be put back in, in the exact same position. This will be slightly complicated by the angled pitch of the gear teeth.