I just installed a new cam and gear drive on my 383.
is there a way to install the timing cover without dropping the oil pan?
I heard that there was a trick to do it but ive forgotten it.

You might try getting two long 1/4-20 bolts, say 3-4 inches, cut off the heads, and install them just above the dowel pins.

Trim the gasket channel ears on the cover, ie., cutoff about 1/8-3/16 inch in a verticle line, at the pan rail junction.

Insert the bottom of the seal channel onto the oil pan, teo guide bolts into the cover, and slide on the cover with a rubber hammer. Align cover with dowel pins for flush mounting.

The above had worked for me years ago. But recently, I used a thin seal, a good bead of RTV, and installed by hand without the guide bolts. Worked very well and doesn't leak. I still trimmed the ears, and trim away the oilpan gasket also for both methods.

I've done something similar - after installation - I ran a bead of black rtv in between the oil pan and timing cover lips externally on the motor, then wiped off the excess and let it setup - so far - no leaks!