engine timing

I have a 1999 windstar thats making a pinging noise under load.
I tried premium fuel with no results. Can it be timed or is there
something else i can do

There is a tsb regarding this for the MY 99, 00 3.8 litres. The dealer reprograms the PCM to retard the ignition several degrees. I did not have pinging but last time it was at the dealer, they reprogrammed it anyhow.

A better idea is to fix the CAUSE of the pinging, which is usually elevated engine temperatures, or restricted EGR passages.