Connecting Rod: Service and Repair

Fig. 26 Piston Measurements 3.9L/V6-238 & 5.2L/V8-318 ENGINES:

Fig. 27 Piston & Rod Assembly:

Fig. 28 Piston Measurements 5.9L/V8-360 Engine:

When installing piston and rod assemblies in the cylinders, the compression ring gaps should be diametrically opposite one another and not in line with the oil ring gap. The oil ring expander gap should be toward the outside of the ``V'' of the engine. The oil ring gap should be turned toward the inside of the engine ``V.''

Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil and, with a suitable piston ring compressor, insert the piston and rod assembly into the bore. Tap the piston down into the bore, using the handle of a hammer.

Assemble and install the pistons and rods as shown in Fig. 27.

Refer to Figs. 26 and 28, for piston specifications.