Connecting rod orientation on 1988 ford ranger 2.9

[Realmarko]

I need some help on how to orient stock connecting rods on pistons. I’m replacing bearings, rings, and pistons. I didn’t pay enough attention when I was taking it apart, and forgot how they were. What is the easiest way to figure out how to orient them on the pistons? They have an oil squirter hole on one side, and bearing tangs on the other side. If someone could explain it to me, that would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[franklin2]

Do you know where the position of each rod is in the engine? If you do, the pistons should have a mark that goes to the front of the engine.

If you did not mark the position of the rods, and also have the rod caps un-marked where they can get twisted around, that can be a real problem.

If you marked the rods and caps 1,1 2,2, etc, and marked them all on the same side, then you should be good, just eyeball which side of the engine the rod goes, and that will tell you how to put the piston in place.

I hope you are hiring someone to install the pistons on the rods. They have a special heating appliance and jig to push them in. If you try a press at home, there is a very good chance you will damage your new pistons. That being said, the guy you hire can also probably help guide you to which way the pistons go.