Just discovered my timing gear is sliding in & out on the cam. I can grab the gear and slide it in & out about 1/4". The nut is tight and it's like the entire cam is sliding in & out. Is this normal?
No, not normal. The spring and plunger is stuck in, or the spring is weak or broken. You'll have to remove the cover in front of the timing gear. To do this, you'll need to support the engine by the oil pan.
I already have the cover off. Are you saying that the in & out movement is normal and the only reason I'm seeing it is because the cover - pin & spring would normally hold it in place?
The cam will move some in and out with the cover off but not much. 1/4" is about the limit. It will twist as it moves in and out because of the helical cut in the dist drive and the timing gears.