Ignition timing for '97 3.9L

I'm trying to help out a friend with a 1997 2WD Dakota with the 3.9L V-6 and 5-speed manual transmission. He tells me that he must run at least 89-octane gas in it, else it pings. I want to check the ignition timing for him, but neither of us have a manual for this truck, and internet searches have been unsuccessful. Can anyone provide the timing specs and any other important information (idle speed, what needs to be disconnected, etc.)?

Thanks.

It is not adjustable and it says on the emissions label.If it has a crank sensor,not adjustable and computer does all the ignition timing.There is a cam sensor inside the distribitor you do not want to mess with.

I haven't been under the hood since maybe August, but you're saying there's no timing-light-on-harmonic-balancer-turn-the-distributor on this?

there is no mark for a timing light.It say Ignition timing and idle are not adjustable and refer to the service manual on the emissions label.This started in 1992 for this.

Thanks, wafrederick.