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Good!! Glad you got it figured it out!! I don't think the timing belts have ever had a lifespan of over 100K Miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. I seem to recall the first time I ever heard of one, they were suggested to be replaced after 60K. More than likely, this is not the first time this has had a timing belt replaced on it. But definitely good for you to replace it if you don't know the last time it was done!! I did the belt on mine for the first time 10 years ago. It had 285K on it then, and I replaced it about 2 years ago after I went through the top end. I think I might have thought to re-use the belt, but, as you mention, the hash marks were worn off. I think the marks on the timing covers are just a ballpark location. The hash marks are probably more of a hard and fast position that you line the dimples on. I haven't done a ton of these, but that's how I have always done it. I'll probably forget that tidbit of information on the next one I do....

Another aside - this tech was great, AND he has his own ‘94 Hardbody with the 2.4L. He was like “wow I don’t envy you having to fit your hands in this engine bay” haha

Okay party people - the content you've been waiting for: an answer!! I got the timing wrong. I messed up the tooth counts (I must've gone from the marks on the cover, not the actual dimples on the cam gears), and ended up with the left cam two teeth advanced and the right cam 6 or so teeth behind. I really don't know how - they must've moved from spring tension while I was getting the old belt off, as I was probably at TDC on the exhaust stroke. Anyway, it's sparking and fueling at the right times relative to the crank/piston positions, but the valves aren't opening/closing at the right times. So this weekend I get to redo it, aligning the cams properly. At least I don't have to deal with the water pump again?

Thank you, @Slartibartfast and @gamellott! I will source those connectors, once I take inventory of what I need. Disassembly is complete as of this AM, taking Heads to the machine shop for pressure test today. No obvious blown gasket, but the PS Head between #3 and #5 smells like burnt oil. I also found a bunch of coolant in #6 which makes no sense to me...need to figure that out. Good news is that all cylinder walls look cherry and only minimal carbon on pistons. She definitely deserves a refresh, I'm happy with what I'm seeing so far. Also, almost no rust anywhere - other than EGR and exhaust manifold heat shield screws - I broke 2 off. I got lower EGR tube nut off after a bottle of penetrating fluid, 60 secs of heating the manifold and sledge hammering a wrench connected to the nut. And 3 beers.