86 dodge pick up 318 5.2 v 8

Why would you adjust the timing? Did somebody lean against the motor and accidentally bump the distributor suddenly causing it to run rough? Hate when that happens! Logically, this must have been a progression. Timing does not work its way out of spec over time, but plugs and wires and distributor caps and rotors do. I believe this truck has a pick-up coil in the distributor that could cause this. If not it has a crank sensor at the back of the motor. I have seen them cause problems. Do you have means of testing sensors? Temp sensor, O2 sensors, map sensor all play a role in helping the motor to run smoothly.

None of this means anything if the battery is very low. The motor will not run right with an extremely low battery and malfunctioning charging system. First things first, charge the battery and have it tested. Then make sure you have 14 volts at the battery when its running. You must also have the correct amperage, bad diodes will show 14 volts but still cause problems.