First, for future reference, a complete Samurai Shop Manual can be downloaded FREE from http://www.suzukiinfo.com/.
The distributor rotor rotates clockwise as viewed from the top. The engine cylinders are numbered 1 - 4 beginning at the front of the engine. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
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The distributor doesn't turn, the rotor inside turns clockwise.
Take the distributor cap off an crank the engine or turn the engine by hand clockwise and note the direction of the distributor rotor.
LOCK THE HUBS........
counterclockwise
Clockwise.
i do believe all the 360cid turn clockwise.
Turn it to the opposite direction that the rotor rotates.
Counterclockwise for the V-8, clockwise for the straight six.
To advance, rotate the distributor counter-clockwise. To retard, roatate it clockwise).
Clockwise.
In a mopar 440 the distributor drive gear notch is set inline with the crankshaft, but it's just a reccomended starting point as long as you have enough space to turn the distributor in either direction to adjust timing when installed.
There is no 2.8 Liter in a 1989 Ford Ranger. The Ranger V6is a 2.9 Liter and the distributor rotates clockwise.