Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 43654 Piston Pin Retaining Clip Remover/Installer

Lubricate the piston pin with clean engine oil.
Install one of the piston pin retainers into the retainer groove.

Fig 1: Installing Piston Pin Retainers Into Retainer Groove
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the connecting rod and piston pin. Push the piston pin in until it bottoms against the installed piston pin retainer.

Fig 2: Installing Connecting Rod And Piston Pin
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the second piston pin retainer.

Fig 3: Installing Second Piston Pin Retainer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The piston ring end gaps must be staggered 90 degrees apart.

NOTE: Use a piston ring expander to install the piston rings. The rings may be damaged if expanded more than necessary.
Install the following components of the bottom ring assembly (oil control ring).
1. 5.1. The expander
2. 5.2. The lower oil control ring
3. 5.3. The upper oil control ring
  
  Fig 4: Installing Piston Ring
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the middle ring - compression ring with the manufacturers mark facing up.
Install the top ring.

Fig 5: Installing Rings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.