Full-Floating Piston Pin

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: With the piston and connecting rod properly assembled, both the flat flange area of the connecting rod and the alignment mark on the top of the piston will be facing the front of the engine.

Install the pin to the piston and connecting rod.
Install the retaining clips.

Fig 1: Installing Pin, Connecting Rod & Retaining Clips
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: When installing the piston rings onto the piston, use a ring expanding plier type tool. Do not roll the piston rings into the grooves of the piston.

Use caution and care to expand the piston rings only slightly larger than the outside diameter (OD) of the piston.
Using piston ring pliers, install the piston rings onto the piston.
1. 3.1. Install the oil control ring spacer in the groove.
2. 3.2. Install the lower oil control ring.
  The oil control rings do not have a dimple or orientation mark and may be installed in either direction.
3. 3.3. Install the upper oil control ring.
4. 3.4. Stagger the three oil control ring end gaps a minimum of 90 degrees.
5. 3.5. Using piston ring pliers, install the lower compression ring.
  The lower compression ring has a dimple or orientation mark and must face the top of the piston.
6. 3.6. Using piston ring pliers, install the upper compression ring.
  The upper compression ring does not have a dimple or orientation mark and may be installed in either direction.
7. 3.7. Stagger the compression ring end gaps a minimum of 25 mm (1.0 in).
  
  Fig 2: Installing Piston Rings
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.