Varying spark, out of ideas

Finally after 15 posts. Thanks. Have you checked the intermediate shaft bushing for wear?
I have not. If I am understanding correctly, this is the distributor drive shaft bushing inside the block by the back of the cam, correct? I check the teeth for excessive wear by using a screwdriver to rotate that gear as described by another poster and found little rotational movement. The gear did rock back and fourth a bit which I am now thinking could indicate wear on the bushing.