OEM 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Piston Ring Set

2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Piston Ring Set Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Check and Install a Piston Ring Set on 2004 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Prior to fitting later or new rings, first clear off the cylinder bore, slide a ring in it and inspect that you collect the ring spacing 12 mm (0.50 inch) above the bottom of the bore with the ring well inside. After squaring the ring in the cylinder by sliding the piston down, test each ring end gap with a feeler gauge and remove the ones that measure wrong. Make sure the ring grooves are clear of damage and that feeler gauge lies neatly inside between the ring and the ring land, before replacing any rings not fitting correctly. Twirl the ring in a circle inside the piston groove to confirm it doesn't get stuck. The shapes of the No. 1 and No. 2 pistons are different, so remember to align the side with the manufacturer's I.D. mark at the top of the No. 2 piston. Assemble the piston ring system as follows: oil ring expander, upper oil ring side rail, lower oil ring side rail, No. 2 intermediate piston ring and finishing with the No. 1 upper piston ring. Put the oil ring expander in first and then place the side rail between the expander and piston ring, hold it tight and press until it clicks into place. Do the same for the lower side rail as well. Download and use a piston ring installer to put in the No. 2 intermediate piston ring and the No. 1 upper piston ring. The piston ring gaps should be at least 45° away from the side rail gaps, without putting them on the piston pin center or in front of the thrust.