Hey, I recently finished rebuilding a 2.6L with my buddy in my 88 Trooper. He set up the timing without a light and after 200km or so I was noticing some pinging. I put a light to it and it said it was 40* <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> advanced, when it is supposed to be 12*. I adjusted the distributor until it could turn no more (If I turned it further I would not be able to tighten it), but only got it to 24* <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. It is running much better, but this all concerns me.
Do I have to undo any vacuum lines when doing the timing? (The instructions under the hood say to unhook all vacuum lines then rehook them after timing is set)
Can these engines run at 40*?
Am I doing this wrong, cause I feel like I am. Please help.

PS- I searched and read alot on timing and the HB slipping, is this possible in my situation?
Thanks, Grant.