Good question on lifters,I think they pumped back up, holding the valves a bit open,from your relashing them?give it a try

So I loosened up the nuts like you had said, I reinstalled the new distributor and tried firing it up getting a rotation only until I tapped the accelerator pedal. I stopped after it backfired. I tried starting it again and still the same thing. I can hear the sucking whenever we open the throttle plate but still only a backfire. What's my next move? I feel at so much of a loss, I've never had an engine give me so much of a hassle as this one.

Darn truck,ok,a bit ago you said you were 180 out and corrected it, maybe,or now off?are you feeling for the stronger of the two puffs at plug hole with finger?my bad thinking you had no vacuum,cause of valve lash

Just reread,you verified #1 tdc,so when you are cranking engine,have you turned distributor clockwise to retard timing a bit?backfire in intake is,intake valve still open with spark,too advanced

I have tried turning the distributor clockwise but still the same, I'm going to try setting the distributor at TDC once more and hope and pray it starts, maybe you are right maybe the distributor is 180 off but I watch for the exhaust valve to close as I begin TDC. I haven't really felt for the "poof" of the piston since cranking the engine myself by hand.

Just a way I do it,leaves the valve cover on,no oil cleanup,one test to try,finger in plug hole,spin motor with plug in wire,puff and spark,same time?

I shall try that, now do you have someone else crank the engine or do you manhandle the motor?

Yep,remote switch or a helper,for safety I would disconnect injectors,but it's a no start,so safe,but no need to flood engine,so close,stinks, just overlooking something

Currently my helper, my father in law, is resting for work and is unable to help me and I don't have a remote switch unfortunately. Ill have to wait until tomorrow morning when I get off work to try it, I'm praying that this thing is as simple as resetting the timing because it is seriously frustrating me. One thing I never do however is give up, I will dig and dig and dig until I find the root of the problem. I appreciate your time and patience and I will post back upon working on the truck again, should be tomorrow morning.

Sorry I haven't posted in so long, I started a new job overnight. I had my wife try and start the truck while the spark plug is out and its sparking before the blow of the cylinder, I am unsure of my next step, Any help is appreciated now.