Dakota 2WD V6-239 3.9L Magnum (1996)
Piston: Service and Repair
Identify connecting rods and caps by cylinder before removing. Remove pistons and connecting rods from top of cylinder only, with crankshaft
centered at bottom dead center. Do not nick crankshaft journals.
Fig. 16 Piston Measurements
It is important that pistons be checked for taper and elliptical shape, Fig.16.
Before installing pistons and connecting rods, ensure compression ring gaps are staggered so that neither is inline with oil ring rail gap. Install piston
and connecting rod assembly into engine with notch or groove on piston top facing front of engine and larger chamfer on connecting rod bore facing
crankshaft journal fillet.
Fit rods one bank at a time; do not alternate from side to side. Connecting rods and pistons are not interchangeable between banks.