72 340 - What Did We Miss

This only works if the distributor is clocked like an OE distributor. I've seen OE distributors not cooked like that and countless aftermarket distributors. The rotor can be pointing at 12 o'clock and the drive is a 9 o'clock.
no matter where the distributor clocks, it can't hurt to have the intermediate shaft clocked correctly per FSM, can it? Once you clock the IS correctly, install the distributor with the vacuum advance(if it has one) in approx correct position (see FSM or Motors Manual), and rotate dist body CCW slightly until points open or magnetic pickup lines up with reluctor ridge. This should be close to your particular #1 terminal on cap. Install #1 spark plug wire there, and continue with firing order(18436572) in CW rotation(sometimes that info is cast into the stock CI intake manifold). If you are unsure of cylinder numbering, consult FSM or MM.
See if that works for you.