removing distributor

[rdou]

i need to replace vacuum valve on my 1983 it is not holding a vacuum,i want to rebuild new bearings and seal, i have a shop manual for the 2 LT engine but very unsure as to procedure the manual says to line up crankcase to timing marker on pulley and remove distributor, then replace in roughly the same position it was removed from the rotor pick up tip should be facing # 4. do i need to worry cam position if i dont crank over the engine with distributor out

[geospider]

easiest way is to turn the crank by hand until the crank mark is at the timing mark: TDC and the cam gear markings are lined up with the pointers. the rotor should be aligned with the #4 pick up in the dizzy cap. Mark this spot on the dizzy body: its just easier that way. then you can put it back in the same spot and not lose timing.
I would check timing with a light anyway.

Geo