distributor out of wack 98 jimmy 4.3

I removed the distributor and didnt mark it, how do i get it back right?

Pull the # 1 plug out, turn the engine till compression comes up on one #1, get the timing marks on the crank as close to 0 as possible when doing this. I assume you know where # 1 on the dist cap, set the rotor just before #1 and as you put the dist down on the block it will turn as it engages the cam, issue here is engaging the oil pump drive. Has the engine moved since you pulled the dist?

yes it has

Ok, then you must start from scratch, I would try and turn the engine by hand with a wrench on the crank bolt. then do as I said. If this is the type dist that only has the cam sensor and rotor, the final position of the dist will have to be set with scanner that can see the cam sensor advance or retard degrees, then the dist can be moved slightly to get as close to 0 as possible. You may have to get a pro to do the final set up here.

I removed the distributor and didnt mark it, how do i get it back right?

As Maxwedge said get it on TDC compression stroke.
Setting the dist is a little trickie.
The wires in the cap crossover ever which way so do not try to point the rotor to no 1 wire where it comes out of the dist cap.
You need to point the rotor to the little no 8 if a eight cyl or the no 6 if a V6 on the dist base under cap.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51302

Also remember turning the dist does not change the engine timing. The timing is set with the crank sensor.
And as Maxwedge after after dist installation and you get the engine running the camshaft off set will need to be adjusted with a scanner by turning the dist to get the rotor dead on with the plug wire terminal to zero in with cam retard setting.
As close to 0 or within -2 or +2 on cam retart setting as you can get.

Also I have run in to some where the dist has been replaced or the engine changed they will no turn quite far enough one way or the other to zero in.
If that is the case the dist gear on the bottom of the dist can be removed and turned 1/2 turn to get it centered back up.
We had A member a while back that had that problem with a replacement engine.
Good luck
MT

Thanks MT-2500, just needed that confirmation on the advice!