I'm trying to check the ignition advance on my 2002 Dakota's 5.2 engine. (I have replaced the factory ECU with an aftermarket unit, so I am actually able to set ign timing).

The timing marks on the cover are almost impossible to see behind all the junk on the front of the engine. When I did a static fuel sync timing a few weeks ago, the only way I could figure out how to see the marks was from underneath the truck, with a mirror-on-a-stick. I can't figure out how to actually get a timing light in there, much less read it.

Is there some trick or easy way to use a timing light on one of these engines?

Hmm you could use a piston stop and where you can see paint a new line. make a pointer or find a place to mark close to balancer! That mark or pointer will act as marks on timing cover 0 do. So coming up on piston stop on compression stroke (or if rockers are off it does not matter) put piston stop in and turn motor till it stops mark balancer at O mark you made or pointer. remove piston stop and turn a ways past TDC and re install piston stop. back up till it stops again. now mark balancer again. 1/2 in between those marks will be your new TDC mark on balance that coincides with pointer or 0 mark you made.
they are cheap
https://www.summitracing.com/int/search/...mp;N=4294887537

If your real cheap knock everything off and out of a spark plug Tap it 5/16th then get a long 5/16th bolt and make threads go close to bolt head with 5/16th die and walla.
you can even spin a nut on to make a lock nut so it does not move!

As said, you could make a pointer & a new white paint mark across the dampener on the other side or even underneath confirmed with the cheap TDC tool or likely the OE TDC mark is accurate for a reference (your call there) if you can see in there to check it with that OE tab. Use your dialback or make (3) or (4) new paint marks across the dampener CW from your new TDC mark. 0.0632683" is (1) degree & say (10) (15) (35) what works for you oughta be plenty in addition to the TDC mark. 2&1/4 (2.246") is 35.5 degrees.

I do have a piston stop I made a while back, so could make some new marks if that ends up being the only way.

Anybody out there used a timing light on one of these engines?