OEM 2009 Dodge Dakota Piston

2009 Dodge Dakota Piston Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Replace a Piston and Connecting Rod on 2009 Dodge Dakota?

  A: The first step to take off and set in the piston and connecting rod is to remove the negative cable from the battery. After that, take out the oil pan and its gasket/windage tray and then remove the cylinder head(s). If the top ridge of the cylinder bores requires removal, use a reliable ridge reamer and cover the tops of the pistons before getting them out. After removing the pistons and connecting rods from the top of the cylinder block, turn the crankshaft so that each connecting rod is centered in the bore. Never stamp or punch the connecting rods or caps, as this may damage them. Scribe or mark where the connecting rods and caps go with a permanent tool, making sure not to harm the damaged parts at the faces. Lift out the connecting rod cap and set Connecting Rod Guides 8507 on the removed connecting rod, after which take out the piston from the cylinder bore and repeat for every piston. It is very important not to damage the crankshaft journals during the removal of the crankshaft. After taking out the piston and connecting rod, immediately fit the bearing cap onto the mating connecting rod to stop the damaging surfaces from touching each other.