YotaTech Forums - Timing/ignition issue

Hello all. I having a very frustrating problem with my ignition/timing, and wondered if anyone has any suggestions. The first thing is this, to even drive my truck (86 22re 4runner) I have to advance my timing almost all the way. If I set the timing a 5 btdc its almost impossible to make it out of second. I have done extensive work on this truck in the past few months, including two head gaskets (separate motors) and three engine removals/re-installations. I had a similar problem on the last motor and it was partially corrected by replacing my distributor. My logic was that a weak spark could be compensated for by advancing the timing (less cylinder pressure at the time of spark). If anyone has any ideas they would be appreciated. Thanks.