weight DODGE RAM 2003 Service Service Manual

CRANKSHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft (Fig. 23) is of a cast nodular steel
splayed type design, with five main bearing journal-
s.The crankshaft is located at the bottom of the
engine block and is held in place with five main bear-
ing caps. The number 3 counterweight is the location
for journal size identification.
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder bores to the flywheel or
flexplate.
REMOVAL
NOTE: This procedure can be done in vehicle. How-
ever the transmission must be removed first.
(1) If crankshaft is to be removed while engine is
in vehicle remove the transmission. Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE.
(2) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the oil pump from the rear main bear-
ing cap (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL
PUMP - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the vibration damper (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the timing chain cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(6) Identify rod bearing caps before removal.
Remove rod bearing caps with bearings.CAUTION: Support crankshaft before removing
main bearing caps. failure to do so will allow the
crankshaft to fall damaging the crankshaft.
(7) Using a suitable jack, support the crankshaft.
(8) Identify main bearing caps before removal.
Remove main bearing caps and bearings one at a
time.
(9) Lower the crankshaft out of the block.
(10) Remove and discard the crankshaft rear oil
seals.
(11) Remove and discard the front crankshaft oil
seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean Gasket Maker residue and sealant from
the cylinder block and rear cap mating surface. Do
this before applying the MopartGasket Maker and
the installation of rear cap.
(2) Lightly oil the new upper seal lips with engine
oil.
(3) Install the new upper rear bearing oil seal with
the white paint facing towards the rear of the engine.
(4) Position the crankshaft into the cylinder block.
(5) Lightly oil the new lower seal lips with engine
oil.
(6) Install the new lower rear bearing oil seal into
the bearing cap with the white paint facing towards
the rear of the engine.
(7) Apply 5 mm (0.20 in) drop of MopartGasket
Maker, or equivalent, on each side of the rear main
bearing cap (Fig. 24). DO NOT over apply sealant or
allow the sealant to contact the rubber seal. Assem-
ble bearing cap to cylinder block immediately after
sealant application.
Fig. 23 Crankshaft with Journal Size Identification
Fig. 24 Sealant Application to Bearing Cap
1 - MOPARTGASKET MAKER 5 mm (0.20 IN.) ON BOTH SIDES
OF REAR MAIN CAP
9 - 252 ENGINE - 5.9LDR

intake side of oil pump through which air can be
drawn will create the same tappet action. Check the
lubrication system from the intake strainer to the
pump cover, including the relief valve retainer cap.
When tappet noise is due to aeration, it may be
intermittent or constant, and usually more than one
tappet will be noisy. When oil level and leaks have
been corrected, operate the engine at fast idle. Run
engine for a sufficient time to allow all of the air
inside the tappets to be bled out.
TAPPET NOISE DIAGNOSIS
(1) To determine source of tappet noise, operate
engine at idle with cylinder head covers removed.
(2) Feel each valve spring or rocker arm to detect
noisy tappet. The noisy tappet will cause the affected
spring and/or rocker arm to vibrate or feel rough in
operation.
NOTE: Worn valve guides or cocked springs are
sometimes mistaken for noisy tappets. If such is
the case, noise may be dampened by applying side
thrust on the valve spring. If noise is not apprecia-
bly reduced, it can be assumed the noise is in the
tappet. Inspect the rocker arm push rod sockets
and push rod ends for wear.
(3) Valve tappet noise ranges from light noise to a
heavy click. A light noise is usually caused by exces-
sive leak-down around the unit plunger, or by the
plunger partially sticking in the tappet body cylinder.
The tappet should be replaced. A heavy click is
caused by a tappet check valve not seating, or by for-
eign particles wedged between the plunger and the
tappet body. This will cause the plunger to stick in
the down position. This heavy click will be accompa-
nied by excessive clearance between the valve stem
and rocker arm as valve closes. In either case, tappet
assembly should be removed for inspection and clean-
ing.
(4) The valve train generates a noise very much
like a light tappet noise during normal operation.
Care must be taken to ensure that tappets are mak-
ing the noise. If more than one tappet seems to be
noisy, it's probably not the tappets.
LEAK-DOWN TEST
After cleaning and inspection, test each tappet for
specified leak-down rate tolerance to ensure zero-lash
operation (Fig. 37).
Swing the weighted arm of the hydraulic valve tap-
pet tester away from the ram of the Universal Leak-
Down Tester.
(1) Place a 7.925-7.950 mm (0.312-0.313 inch)
diameter ball bearing on the plunger cap of the tap-
pet.(2) Lift the ram and position the tappet (with the
ball bearing) inside the tester cup.
(3) Lower the ram, then adjust the nose of the ram
until it contacts the ball bearing. DO NOT tighten
the hex nut on the ram.
(4) Fill the tester cup with hydraulic valve tappet
test oil until the tappet is completely submerged.
(5) Swing the weighted arm onto the push rod and
pump the tappet plunger up and down to remove air.
When the air bubbles cease, swing the weighted arm
away and allow the plunger to rise to the normal
position.
(6) Adjust the nose of the ram to align the pointer
with the SET mark on the scale of the tester and
tighten the hex nut.
(7) Slowly swing the weighted arm onto the push
rod.
(8) Rotate the cup by turning the handle at the
base of the tester clockwise one revolution every 2
seconds.
(9) Observe the leak-down time interval from the
instant the pointer aligns with the START mark on
the scale until the pointer aligns with the 0.125
mark. A normally functioning tappet will require
20-110 seconds to leak-down. Discard tappets with
leak-down time interval not within this specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the air cleaner assembly and air in-let
hose.
(2) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
Fig. 37 Leak-Down Tester
1 - POINTER
2 - WEIGHTED ARM
3 - RAM
4 - CUP
5 - HANDLE
6 - PUSH ROD
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 259
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (Continued)

PISTON MEASUREMENT CHART
PISTON A DIA = PISTON BORE
SIZE DIAMETER DIAMETER
MIN. MAX. MIN. MAX.
mm
(in.)mm
(in.)mm
(in.)mm (in.)
AÐÐÐ Ð
B101.580 101.592 101.605 101.618
(3.9992) (3.9997) (4.0002) (4.0007)
C101.592 101.605 101.618 101.630
(3.9997) (4.0002) (4.0007) (4.0012)
D101.605 101.618 101.630 101.643
(4.0002) (4.0007) (4.0012) (4.0017)
EÐÐÐ Ð
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PISTON PIN BORE 25.007 - 25.015 mm
(.9845 - .9848 in.)
RING GROOVE
HEIGHT
OIL RAIL 4.033 - 4.058 mm
(.1588 - .1598 in.)
COMPRESSION
RAIL1.529 - 1.554 mm
(.0602 - .0612 in.)
TOTAL FINISHED 470.8   2 grams
WEIGHT (16.607   .0706 ounces)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine from the vehicle (Refer to 9
- ENGINE - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the cylinder head (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the oil pan (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reli-
able ridge reamer before removing pistons from cyl-
inder block. Be sure to keep tops of pistons covered
during this operation.
(5) Be sure each connecting rod and connecting rod
cap is identified with the cylinder number. Remove
connecting rod cap. Install connecting rod bolt guide
set on connecting rod bolts.(6) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. When removing the
assemblies from the engine, rotate crankshaft so that
the connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore and at
BDC.Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.
(7) After removal, install bearing cap on the mat-
ing rod.
CLEANING
Clean the piston and connecting rod assembly
using a suitable solvent.
INSPECTION
Check the connecting rod journal for excessive
wear, taper and scoring (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/EN-
GINE BLOCK/CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the connecting rod for signs of twist or bend-
ing.
Check the piston for taper and elliptical shape
before it is fitted into the cylinder bore (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/PISTON & CONNECT-
ING ROD - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Check the piston for scoring, or scraping marks in
the piston skirts. Check the ring lands for cracks
and/or deterioration.
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure that compression ring gaps are stag-
gered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
(2) Before installing the ring compressor, be sure
the oil ring expander ends are butted and the rail
gaps located properly (Fig. 39).
Fig. 39 Proper Ring Installation
1 - OIL RING SPACER GAP
2 - SECOND COMPRESSION RING GAP OIL RING RAIL GAP
(TOP)
3 - OIL RING RAIL GAP (BOTTOM)
4 - TOP COMPRESSION RING GAP
DRENGINE - 5.9L 9 - 261
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

ENGINE 8.0L
DESCRIPTION
The 8.0 Liter (488 CID) ten-cylinder engine is a
V-Type lightweight, single cam, overhead valve
engine with hydraulic roller tappets. This engine is
designed for unleaded fuel.
Engine lubrication system consists of a gerotor
type oil pump mounted in the timing chain cover and
driven by the crankshaft. The V-10 uses a full flow
oil filter.
The cylinders are numbered from front to rear; 1,
3, 5, 7, 9 on the left bank and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 on the
right bank. The firing order is 1-10-9-4-3-6-5-8-7-2
(Fig. 1).
The engine serial number is located on the lower
left front of the cylinder block in front of the engine
mount (Fig. 2). When component part replacement is
necessary, use the engine type and serial number for
reference.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS - INTRODUCTION
Engine diagnosis is helpful in determining the
causes of malfunctions not detected and remedied by
routine maintenance.
These malfunctions may be classified as either
mechanical (e.g., a strange noise), or performance
(e.g., engine idles rough and stalls).
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING - Preformance) or (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING - Mechanical). Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM for fuel system diagnosis.
Additional tests and diagnostic procedures may be
necessary for specific engine malfunctions that can-
not be isolated with the Service Diagnosis charts.
Information concerning additional tests and diagno-
sis is provided within the following:
²Cylinder Compression Pressure Test (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
²Cylinder Combustion Pressure Leakage Test
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
²Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Diagnosis (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING)
²Intake Manifold Leakage Diagnosis (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
²Lash Adjuster (Tappet) Noise Diagnosis (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/HYDRAULIC LIFT-
ERS (CAM IN BLOCK) - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)
²Engine Oil Leak Inspection (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING)
Fig. 1 Firing Order
Fig. 2 Engine IdentificationÐ(Serial Number)
1 - ENGINE SERIAL NO.
2 - ENGINE MOUNT LOCATION
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 353

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
CONNECTING RODS
Piston Pin bore Diameter 24.940 ± 24.978 mm
(0.9819 ± 0.9834 in.)
Side Clearance 0.25 ± 0.46 mm
(0.010 ± 0.018 in.)
Total Weight (Less
Bearing)744 gms. (26.24 oz.)
CRANKSHAFT
Rod Journal Diameter 53.950 ± 53.975 mm
(2.124 ± 2.125 in.)
Out of Round (Max.) 0.0254 mm (0.001 in.)
Taper (Max.) 0.0254 mm (0.001 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.005 ± 0.074 mm
(0.0002 ± 0.0029 in.)
Service Limit 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.)
Main Bearing Journal
Diameter76.187 ± 76.213 mm
(2.8995 ± 3.0005 in.)
Out of Round (Max.) 0.0254 mm (0.001 in.)
Taper (Max.) 0.0254 mm (0.001 in.)
Bearing Clearance 0.0051 ± 0.058 mm
(0.0002 ± 0.0023 in.)
Service Limit 0.071 mm (0.0028 in.)
End Play 0.076 ± 0.305 mm
(0.003 ± 0.012 in.)
Service LimitÐEnd Play 0.381 mm (0.015 in.)
CYLINDER BLOCK
Cylinder Bore Diameter 101.60 ± 101.65 mm
(4.0003 ± 4.0008 in.)
Out of Round (Max.) 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.)
Taper (Max.) 0.127 mm (0.005 in.)
Lifter Bore Diameter 22.982 ± 23.010 mm
(0.9048 ± 0.9059 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
CYLINDER HEAD AND VALVES
Valve Seat Angle 44.5É
Runout (Max.) 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.)
Width (Finish) ± Intake 1.016 ± 1.524 mm
(0.040 ± 0.060 in.)
Valve Face Angle 45É
Valve Head Diameter
Intake 48.640 ± 48.900 mm
(1.915 ± 1.925 in.)
Exhaust 41.123 ± 41.377 mm
(1.619 ± 1.629 in.)
Overall Length
Intake 145.19 ± 145.82 mm
(5.716 ± 5.741 in.)
Exhaust 145.54 ± 146.18 mm
(5.730 ± 5.755 in.)
Lift (@ zero lash)
Intake 9.91 mm (0.390 in.)
Exhaust 10.34 mm (0.407 in.)
Stem Diameter 7.900 ± 7.920 mm
(0.311 ± 0.312 in.)
Guide Bore 9.500 ± 9.525 mm
(0.374 ± 0.375 on.)
Stem to Guide Clearance 0.025 ± 0.076 mm
(0.001 ± 0..003 in.)
Service Limit ( Runout) 0.4318 (0.017 in.)
Valve Spring Free Length 49.962 mm (1.967 in.)
Spring Tension
Valve Closed 378 N @ 41.66 mm
(85 lbs. @ 1.64 in.)
Valve Open 890 N @ 30.89 mm
(200 lbs. @ 1.212 in.)
Number of Coils 6.8
Installed Height 41.66 mm (1.64 in.)
Wire Diameter 4.50 mm (0.177 in.)
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 365
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
HYDRAULIC TAPPETS
Body Diameter 22.949 ± 22.962 mm
(0.9035 ± 0.9040 in.)
Clearance (to bore) 0.0203 ± 0.0610 mm
(0.0008 ± 0.0024 in.)
Dry Lash 1.524 ± 5.334 mm
(0.060 ± 0.210 in.)
Push Rod Length 195.52 ± 196.02 mm
(7.698 ± 7.717 in.)
OIL PRESSURE
Curb Idle (Min.*) 83 kPa (12 psi)
@ 3000 rpm 345 ± 414 kPa (50 ± 60
psi)
* If oil pressure is zero at curb idle, DO NOT RUN
ENGINE.
OIL PUMP
Clearance over Rotors
(Max.)0.1906 mm (0.0075 in.)
Cover Out of Flat (Max.) 0.051 mm (0.002 in.)
Inner Rotor Thickness
(Min.)14.925 ± 14.950 mm
(0.5876 ± 0.5886 in.)
Outer Rotor
Clearance (Max.) 0.1626 mm (0.006 in.)
Diameter (Min.) 82.461 mm (3.246 in.)
Thickness (Min.) 14.925 mm (0.5876 in.)
Tip Clearance between
Rotors
(Max.) 0.584 mm (0.0230 in.)
PISTONS
Clearance at Top of Skirt 0.013 ± 0.038 mm
(0.0005 ± 0.0015 in.)
Piston Length 82.5 mm (3.25 in.)
Piston Ring Groove
Depth
#1&2 91.30 ± 91.55 mm
(3.594 ± 3.604 in.)
#3 92.90 ± 93.15 mmDESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
(3.657 ± 3.667 in.)
Weight 463 ± 473 grams (16.33
± 16.68 oz.)
Piston to Bore Clearance 0.013 ± 0.038 mm
(0.0005 ± 0.0015 in.)
Service Limit 0.0762 mm (0.003 in.)
PISTON PINS
Clearance in Piston 0.010 ± 0.020 mm
(0.0004 ± 0.0008 in.)
Diameter 24.996 ± 25.001 mm
(0.9841 ± 0.9843 in.)
End Play NONE
Length 67.8 ± 68.3 mm
(2.67 ± 2.69 in.)
PISTON RINGS
Ring Gap
Compression Rings 0.254 ± 0.508 mm
(0.010 ± 0.020 in.)
Oil Control (Steel Rails) 0.381 ± 1.397 mm
(0.015 ± 0.055 in.)
Ring Side Clearance
Compression Rings 0.074 ± 0.097 mm
(0.0029 ± 0.0038 in.)
Oil Ring (Steel Rails) 2.591 ± 2.743 mm
(0.102 ± 0.108 in.)
VALVE TIMING
Exhaust Valve
Closes (ATDC) 25É
Opens (BBDC) 60É
Duration 265É
Intake Valve
Closes (ATDC) 61É
Opens (BBDC) 6É
Duration 246É
Valve Overlap 31É
9 - 366 ENGINE 8.0LDR
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

CRANKSHAFT JOURNAL MARKING
LOCATION
MEASURE-
MENTITEM IDENTIFI-
CATIONLOCATION
OF
IDENTIFI-
CATION
0.0254 mm
(0.001 in.)
U/SCrankshaft
JournalsRorM
M-2-3 ect.
(indicating
No. 2 and
3 main
bearing
journal)
and/or
R-1-4 ect.
(indicating
No. 1 and
4
connecting
rod
journal)Milled flat
on No. 8
crankshaft
counter-
weight.
0.508 mm
(0.020 in.)
O/SCylinder
BoresA Following
engine
serial
number.
0.2032 mm
(0.008 in.)
O/SHydraulic
TappetsLDiamond-
shaped
stamp top
pad - front
of engine
and flat
ground on
outside
surface of
each O/S
tappet
bore.
0.127 mm
(0.005 in.)Valve
StemsX Milled pad
adjacent to
two tapped
holes 3/89
on each
end of
cylinder
head.
SPECIAL TOOLS
8.0L ENGINE
Valve Compressor Adapting Stud Tool 6715
Valve Spring Compressor Adapter Tool 6716A
Valve Spring Compressor Tool MD-998772A
Valve Spring Compressor Screw Tool 6756
Black Valve Guide Sleeve Tool C6819
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 367
ENGINE 8.0L (Continued)

(4) The valve train generates a noise very much
like a light tappet noise during normal operation.
Care must be taken to ensure that tappets are mak-
ing the noise. If more than one tappet seems to be
noisy, it's probably not the tappets.
LEAK-DOWN TEST
After cleaning and inspection, test each tappet for
specified leak-down rate tolerance to ensure zero-lash
operation (Fig. 35).
Swing the weighted arm of the hydraulic valve tap-
pet tester away from the ram of the Universal Leak-
Down Tester.
(1) Place a 7.925-7.950 mm (0.312-0.313 inch)
diameter ball bearing on the plunger cap of the tap-
pet.
(2) Lift the ram and position the tappet (with the
ball bearing) inside the tester cup.
(3) Lower the ram, then adjust the nose of the ram
until it contacts the ball bearing. DO NOT tighten
the hex nut on the ram.
(4) Fill the tester cup with hydraulic valve tappet
test oil until the tappet is completely submerged.
(5) Swing the weighted arm onto the push rod and
pump the tappet plunger up and down to remove air.
When the air bubbles cease, swing the weighted arm
away and allow the plunger to rise to the normal
position.
(6) Adjust the nose of the ram to align the pointer
with the SET mark on the scale of the tester and
tighten the hex nut.
(7) Slowly swing the weighted arm onto the push
rod.
(8) Rotate the cup by turning the handle at the
base of the tester clockwise one revolution every 2
seconds.
(9) Observe the leak-down time interval from the
instant the pointer aligns with the START mark on
the scale until the pointer aligns with the 0.125
mark. A normally functioning tappet will require
20-110 seconds to leak-down. Discard tappets with
leak-down time interval not within this specification.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
(2) Remove the air cleaner.
(3) Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove rocker arm assembly and push rods
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER
ARM / ADJUSTER ASSY - REMOVAL). Identify
push rods to ensure installation in original location.
(5) Remove upper and lower intake manifold
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - REMOVAL).(6) Cut the cylinder head gasket for accessibility if
the end tappets are to be removed.
(7) Remove yoke retainer spider and tappet align-
ing yokes (Fig. 36).
Fig. 35 Leak-Down Tester
1 - POINTER
2 - WEIGHTED ARM
3 - RAM
4 - CUP
5 - HANDLE
6 - PUSH ROD
Fig. 36 Tappets, Aligning Yoke and Yoke Retaining
Spider
1 - TAPPET ALIGNING YOLK
2 - YOKE RETAINING SPIDER
3 - TAPPET
DRENGINE 8.0L 9 - 387
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (Continued)

(8) Pull tappet out of bore with a twisting motion.
If all tappets are to be removed, identify tappets to
ensure installation in original location.
(9) If the tappet or bore in cylinder block is scored,
scuffed, or shows signs of sticking, ream the bore to
next oversize. Replace with oversize tappet.
(10) Check camshaft lobes for abnormal wear.
CLEANING
Clean tappet with a suitable solvent. Rinse in hot
water and blow dry with a clean shop rag or com-
pressed air.
INSTALLATION
(1) Lubricate tappets.
(2) Install tappets in their original positions.
Ensure that the oil bleed hole (if so equipped)
faces forward.
(3) Install tappet aligning yokes. Position the yoke
retainer spider over the tappet aligning yokes (Fig.
36)Install the yoke retaining spider bolts and tighten
to 22 N´m (16 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the push rods in their original location.
(5) Install the rocker arms (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD/ROCKER ARM / ADJUSTER
ASSY - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install lower and upper intake manifold (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSTALLATION).
(7) The cylinder head cover gasket can be used
again. Install the gasket onto the head rail.For the
left side the number tab is at the front of
engine with the number up. For the right side
the number tab is at the rear of engine with the
number up.
(8) Install cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the air cleaner.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to valve mechanism,
engine must not be run above fast idle until all
hydraulic tappets have filled with oil and have
become quiet.
(10) Connect the negative cable to the battery.
(11) Road test vehicle and check for leaks.
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
The pistons (Fig. 37) are elliptically turned so that
the diameter at the pin boss is less than its diameter
across the thrust face. This allows for expansion
under normal operating conditions. Under operating
temperatures, expansion forces the pin bosses away
from each other, causing the piston to assume a more
nearly round shape.
All pistons are machined to the same weight,
regardless of size, to maintain piston balance.
The piston pin rotates in the piston only and is
retained by the press interference fit of the piston
pin in the connecting rod.
The pistons have a unique dry-film lubricant coat-
ing baked onto the skirts to reduce friction. The
lubricant is particularly effective during engine
break-in, but with time, the material becomes embed-
ded into cylinder bore walls and continues to reduce
friction.
The pistons are LH and RH bank specific.
Fig. 37 Piston and Connecting RodÐ8.0L Engine
1 - FRONT I.D. TOWARDS THIS SIDE
2 - ORIENTATION BUTTON TOWARDS REAR (R.H. ONLY)
2, 4, 6, 8, 10
3 - ORIENTATION BUTTON TOWARDS FRONT (L.H. ONLY)
1, 3, 5, 7, 9
9 - 388 ENGINE 8.0LDR
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (Continued)

LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT
SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END ................................31TIE ROD END
REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END..........31
INSTALLATION - OUTER TIE ROD END......32
LINKAGE - INDEPENDENT
FRONT SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OUTER TIE ROD
END
NOTE: If the outer tie rod end is equipped with a
lubrication fitting, grease the joint then road test
the vehicle before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower control arms as far outboard
as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to
support some or all of the vehicle weight.
(2) Remove the front tires.
(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the vehicle
steering knuckle and then zero the dial indicator.
(4) Position indicator plunger on the topside of the
outer tie rod end.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the outer tie rod
end.
(5) Position a pry bar in order to pry downwards
on the outer tie rod end.
(6) If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace
the outer tie rod end (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).
(7) If the outer tie rod end is within specs reinstall
the front tires (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
TIE ROD END
REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END
NOTE: Do not twist the boot anytime during
removal or installation.
(1) Loosen the jam nut.
(2) Remove the outer tie rod end nut from the ball
stud.
(3) Separate the tie rod ball stud from the knuckle
with Remover 8677 (Fig. 1).
(4) Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner
tie rod.
Fig. 1 TIE ROD SEPARATION
1 - TIE ROD END
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
DRLINKAGE - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION 19 - 31