Yup, I disconnected the timing advance. The computer is under the center console and there are two plugs (one for the code reader and another square one, I don't know what it's for), one wire for the 4X4 dash light and one other wire. By the process of elimination, I assumed that this last one must be the advance so I disconnected it. I reconnected it when I was done.
When I put the balancer back on I set the #1 cylinder to top dead center on the compression stroke (I used a straw in the sparkplug hole to determine TDC). The mark on the balancer lined up with 0 degrees on the timing belt cover. Since the mark lined up where I expected it to, I assumed I got it right. I static timed the ignition to 10 BTDC before I started it. After I got it running I checked the timing with a light and it showed 10 degrees. The balancer is keyed so I think that it can only go on one way.
I have been wondering if I got something wrong regarding the timing. Any suggestions how I might double check it? It doesn't backfire or diesel, and it starts right up.