Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 120

Fig. 209: Connecting Rod to Cylinder Identification 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Remove the cylinder heads. See REMOVAL.  

2. Remove the oil pan. See REMOVAL.  

3. Remove top ridge of cylinder bores with a reliable ridge reamer before removing pistons from cylinder 

block. Be sure to keep tops of pistons covered during this operation. Pistons and connecting rods 
must be removed from top of cylinder block. When removing piston and connecting rod assemblies 
from the engine, rotate crankshaft so that each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore. 

1 - PAINT MARK OR SCRIBE

CAUTION: DO NOT stamp the connecting rods for cylinder identification

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

4. Inspect connecting rods and connecting rod caps for cylinder identification. Identify them with a paint 

mark or scribe, if necessary. See Fig. 209. 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 210: Installing Piston & Connecting Rod
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

5. Remove connecting rod cap. Install protectors, tool 8189, on connecting rod. See Fig. 210. Guide each 

piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore. 

6. After removal, install bearing cap on the mating rod.  

INSTALLATION 

ROD-PISTON & CONNECTING 

Fig. 211: Checking Connecting Rod Bolts For Necking 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Install the piston rings. See INSTALLATION. 

2. Check connecting rod bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all 

NOTE:

Be careful not to nick crankshaft journals.

1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT

NOTE:

The connecting rod bearing cap bolts must be examined before reuse. If 
the threads are necked down, the bolts must be replaced.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro