Alberta Dave

First off, Hello. David here from Alberta. I have searched the forums but I can't find the answer to the troubles that I have.
I have a 1990 4runner that I am trying to install a new timing set that I bought from Engine Builder. It appears the head may have been milled, but maybe I am trying to line it up wrong. I don't know the vehicle history, I picked it up at auction last fall. It has 153000 km's (about 95000 Miles ) But the PO tried putting a timing kit in as well and failed before getting it towed and me buying it. If I line up the marks at 12:00 and 6:00 and use the bright links, the timing will go retarded(?) (Distributor needs to go all the way counter-clockwise), if I set it a link off the the other way, it goes to what would appear the opposite effect; advanced. I have re-assembled once not knowing better. No matter how I arrange the links, I cannot get it to line up when I rotate the crank to tighten up the drivers side. Now, the only hints I have as to other mods is a sticker on the front of the head that says "OK to Ship" with a written name and a date of 08/08/06. Thinking the head was rebuilt and maybe milled. How can I tell? What are my options? If I have to get an adjustable timing gear, fine, but I don't want to get something that isn't going to solve the problem. I am not a novice when it comes to wrenching my rides, but this is the first Toyota I have owned. I figure it might give me hell now, but once I get her running, she should run forever.