Engine cranks rough will not start most of time

Lots of rattling and started running rough so I took out four wheel drive axle. Ran good most of the time for couple weeks then quit running one night when raining towed home. Started back up after three days of dry weather. Ran good until next rain. Realized dc was cracked and ears wear broke off. Drove it when it was dry enough for a month or so then it lost power and had to stomp it to get it going, starter began grinding and eventually broke. Put a new starter, crankshaft sensor, distributor cap sensor, distributor cap and button. Still won't start. Ears were broke off distributor so I super gorilla glued just around ears. Oh yea, I replaced dc one day without the button and put wrong during pattern. It ran rough and misfired when climbing. Ran the rest of way home and wouldn't start again. Starter began grinding again on the second day of trying to start it after all replacements. Need advice on next step. I've heard replace distributor and reset timing. Would either of those cause starter to grind on crank?