Hi there i too got a timer off a jap jeep.
in the harness there is two plugs that can join together only there not as there is a additional harness about 3 inch long to allow easy connection /disconnection of the timer this then has a second plug on it to allow the unit you have pictured to fit to the 3inch adaptor harness.
In short it should just unplug out of the jeep harness and allow you to reconnect it without the timer getting in the way.
If you get stuck when re-connecting it to the escort its only 3 or 4 wires as most of the timers have the same std wire colours, so i should beable to help.