if it is the same as my 1990 there is a timing window on the top of the bell housing on the drivers end of the engine. you have to remove the air filter housing to see it. there are some marks on the housing. 0 degrees on the left side and higher numbers towards the firewall. there is a mark on the flywheel to align with. the correct timing should be 12 degrees before top dead center.
Counter clockwise to advance.......clockwise to retard
mustang 10 +/-2dgrees
Use a timing light with vacuum advance disconnected set base timing to 6 degrees
Chevrolet s10 v6 2.8 liter pickup timing degree, how to set the degree
10 degrees BTD
The 2.7 liter 4 cylinder has a timing CHAIN and the 3.4 liter V6 engine has a timing BELT ( check Ford Ranger XLT - recently answered questions )
check timing, gas octane, next look at worn connecting rods
advance your timing 6 degrees due to this ethanol crap fuel we run now
0 Degrees top dead center.
Most people set the timing at idle speed. Around 700-800 rpm. If you have an advance timing light, you can set it for total timing, which is all in by 2800-3000 rpm.
The 4.7 liter has a timing belt and the 5.7 liter has a timing chain
you don't the computer does it for you. if it is out of time you may want to check cam sensor or possibly timing chain.