Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble




1. Install the retainer. The retainer should be seated in the groove of the pin bore.




2. The mark (1) on the top of the piston and the large set of tabs (2) on the side of the connecting rod should be facing the same direction.




3. Install the piston pin to the piston and connecting rod.

4. Install the retainers. The retainers should be seated in the groove of the pin bore.





Important: When installing piston rings, use a ring expander plier type tool. Do not roll the rings into the grooves of the piston. Use caution and care to expand the rings only slightly larger than the outside diameter (OD) of the piston.


Important:

* For the 4.8L and 5.3L engines the cylinder contact face, outboard edge, of the top compression ring has a shinier finish than the lower compression ring. The dimple or mark on the lower compression ring should face the top of the piston and the chamfer on the inboard edge of the bottom side of the ring should face the bottom of the piston. There is no dimple, or mark, on the top compression ring, and it may be installed in either direction.


* For the 6.0L and 6.2L engines the cylinder contact face, outboard edge, of the top compression ring has a shinier finish than the lower compression ring. The dimple or mark on the upper and lower compression rings should face the top of the piston. The lower compression ring has a grooved channel along the entire bottom face of the ring and should face the bottom of the piston.


5. Using piston ring pliers, install the piston rings onto the piston.

6. Position the oil control ring end gaps 180 degrees opposite each other.

7. Position the compression ring end gaps 180 degrees opposite each other.




8. Install the connecting rod bearings to the rod and cap.