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Fits the following 2002 Dodge Dakota Submodels:
Base, SLT, Sport, WS | 2.5L L4, 4 Cyl 2.5 L GAS
2002 Dodge Dakota Piston Parts and Q&A
Q: How to Remove and Replace a Piston in an Engine on 2002 Dodge Dakota?
A: Before removing or replacing the piston, take the engine out of the car, remove the cylinder head and then the oil pan. Remove the top ridge on cylinder bores using a trusted ridge reamer as you keep the piston crowns covered. Name each connecting rod and connecting rod cap after their cylinder number, then take out the connecting rod caps and fit the connecting rod bolt guide set on the bolts. Pull out the pistons and connecting rods by rotating the crankshaft to have the connecting rod in the bottom of its bore right at BDC. After you remove the bearing, screw the bearing cap on to the rod. Wash the piston and connecting rod together with a proper solvent, then monitor the connecting rod journal to ensure there is no heavy wear, taper or damage such as scoring. While you are at it, check for signs of a twist or bending in the rod. Check the piston for any sign of taper, if it has an elliptical shape and if either the walls or ring lands show scoring or deterioration. When installing, put the compression ring gaps so they don't line up with the oil ring rail gap. Before using the ring compressor, check that both sides of the oil ring expander are flush and your rail gaps are adjusted correctly. Soak the head and rings of the piston in clean engine oil, then slide the C-385 Piston Ring Compressor Tool over the piston while the wrench is tightening the tool around the ring. Make sure the main protector on the bolt is installed on the numbered side of your connecting rod. Move the crankshaft until the connecting rod journal is right in the middle of the cylinder bore and confirm that their numbers are the same. Gently place the rod and piston inside the cylinder bore, direct the rod over the journal on the crankshaft and use a hammer handle to push the piston into the head. The notch of the piston should face toward the front of the engine and the connecting rod's larger hole should face the crankshaft journal fillet. Snap each of the rod caps on, confirming that all the numbers from the connecting rod, connecting rod cap and cylinder bore are the same, then place the nuts on the cleaned and oiled bolts and tighten them to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.) torque. After that, install the oil pan, cylinder head and the engine into the vehicle.