i was wondering how much play in the dist. shaft. how is the gear removed and where would you get a new one? thanks

Usaually just bend a coat hanger wire into 3-4 prongs / hooks, and lift straight up. The shaft is long enough so with a handle on the situation it won't fall in. A extendable magnet may help as a safety.

Just put a big screwdriver into the slot and twist, it will come right up. Then hook it and pull up, magnet, etc. - pretty easy and obvious.

If you're a newbie, you might want to note the orientation before removing (and don't crank the engine while removed.)

The Mopar Performance one is the way to go, it is tapered and pinned. A real engine saver!

If the oil pump is installed, there should be no perceptible slop in the bushing. if you change the bushing (in the block) it must be burnished to size with the factory tool.

Rick

the slop i have is rotating the dist. shaft. turning back and forth it acts like a worn gear.i could tell its not play in the advance.the rotor tip moves almost 3/16 from one side to the other.

That sounds more like the distributor bushing. yeah if it's not freed up twist a screwdriver to pop it, or ride the bumps to the correct timming gear placement.

Do the gear teeth look marred ?

i can't realy tell how the teeth look till i get the gear out.the bushing in the dist. is pretty good.it acts like the teeth are worn. i'll pull the gear out and see.thanks