Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 119

Fig. 205: Rear Crankshaft Seal Retainer Alignment 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Attach Special Tools 8225 (1) to pan rail using the oil pan fasteners. 

5. While applying firm pressure to the seal retainer against Special Tools 8225 (1), tighten seal retainer 

screws to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.).  

6. Remove special tool #8225 (1). 

7. Install oil pan. Tighten the 6mm fasteners to 12N.m (105 in.lbs.) and the 8mm fasteners to 28N.m (250 

in.lbs.).  

8. Install the flex plate and transmission.  

PLATE - FLEX 

1 - SEAL RETAINER
2 - SPECIAL TOOLS 8225

NOTE:

The following steps must be performed to prevent oil leaks at sealing 
joints.

NOTE:

Special Tools 8225 (1), are use to assist with the fit of the flush mount rear 
main seal retainer. The notch on tool should be located away the seal 
retainer.

NOTE:

Make sure that the seal flange is flush with the block oil pan sealing 
surface.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

REMOVAL 

PLATE - FLEX 

Fig. 206: Removing/Installing Flex Plate 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Remove the transmission.  

2. Remove flex plate attaching bolts (2).  

3. Remove the flex plate (1). See Fig. 206.  

INSTALLATION 

PLATE-FLEX 

1 - FLEX PLATE
2 - BOLT (QTY. 8)
3 - BACKING PLATE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 207: Removing/Installing Flex Plate 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Position flex plate (1) with backing plate (3) on the crankshaft. See Fig. 207.  

2. Apply Mopar® Lock & Seal Adhesive to the flex plate bolts (2).  

3. Install flex plate bolts (2). See Fig. 207. Tighten bolts to 95 N.m (70 ft. lbs.).  

4. Install the transmission.  

ROD - PISTON & CONNECTING 

DESCRIPTION 

ROD-PISTON & CONNECTING 

The pistons are made of a high strength aluminum alloy. Top land height has been decreased to reduce 
emissions. Piston skirts are coated with a solid lubricant for scuff resistance. Connecting rod is forged steel with 
a fractured connecting rod cap design. The connecting rod is also equipped with a squirt hole and attaches to the 

1 - FLEX PLATE
2 - BOLT (QTY. 8)
3 - BACKING PLATE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

piston with a full floating pin retained by lock rings.

OPERATION 

ROD-PISTON & CONNECTING 

The piston and connecting rod assembly is the link between the combustion force and the crankshaft. 

STANDARD PROCEDURE 

FITTING PISTONS 

Fig. 208: Piston Measurements 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The pistons are machined to two different weight specifications and matched to rods based on weight. All piston 
and rod assemblies weigh the same to maintain engine balance. 

Piston and cylinder wall must be clean and dry. Piston diameter should be measured 90° to piston pin at size 
location shown in Fig. 208. Cylinder bores should be measured halfway down the cylinder bore and transverse 
to the engine crankshaft center line. See SPECIFICATIONS. Pistons and cylinder bores should be 
measured at normal room temperature, 70°F (21°C).  

REMOVAL 

ROD-PISTON & CONNECTING 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro