2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE piston ring

(16) Install the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
NOTE: During installation, lubricate the hydraulic
valve tappets and all valve components with
MoparTEngine Oil Supplement, or equivalent. TheMoparTEngine Oil Supplement, or equivalent must
remain with the engine oil for at least 1609 km
(1,000 miles). The oil supplement need not be
drained until the next scheduled oil change.
(17) Install the radiator (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION).
(18) Check the ignition timing and adjust as nec-
essary.
(19) Install the grille and bumper, if removed.
(20) Connect negative cable to battery.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FITTING
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring and
bent alignment tabs (Fig. 35) (Fig. 36). Check the
bearings for normal wear patterns, scoring, grooving,
fatigue and pitting (Fig. 37). Replace any bearing
that shows abnormal wear.
Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of
scoring, nicks and burrs.
Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause
abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder
walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft con-
necting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to
any of these components indicate the probability of a
misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod
alignment. Replace misaligned, bent or twisted con-
necting rods.
Fig. 33 Crankshaft / Camshaft Chain Drive
InstallationÐTypical
1 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
2 - TIMING MARKS
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
Fig. 34 Timing Case Cover Components
1 - TIMING CASE COVER
2 - OIL SLINGER
3 - CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL
4 - VIBRATION DAMPER PULLEY
Fig. 35 Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection
1 - UPPER BEARING HALF
2 - MATING EDGES
3 - GROOVES CAUSED BY ROD BOLTS SCRATCHING
JOURNAL DURING INSTALLATION
4 - WEAR PATTERN - ALWAYS GREATER ON UPPER BEARING
5 - LOWER BEARING HALF
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 33
CAMSHAFT & BEARINGS (Continued)

BEARING-TO-JOURNAL CLEARANCE
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Use short rubber hose sections over rod bolts
during installation.
(3) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and install
in connecting rod.
(4) Use piston ring compressor to install the rod
and piston assemblies. The oil squirt holes in the
rods must face the camshaft. The arrow on the piston
crown should point to the front of the engine (Fig.
38). Verify that the oil squirt holes in the rods face
the camshaft and that the arrows on the pistons face
the front of the engine.
(5) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plas-
tigage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
(6) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten nuts to 45 N´m (33 ft. lbs.)
torque. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.
(7) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to- journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 39).Plastigageshould indicate the same clearance across the
entire width of the insert. If the clearance var-
ies, it may be caused by either a tapered jour-
nal, bent connecting rod or foreign material
trapped between the insert and cap or rod.
(8) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(9) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, install a pair of 0.0254 mm (0.001 inch)
undersize bearing inserts. All the odd size inserts
must be on the bottom. The sizes of the service
replacement bearing inserts are stamped on the
backs of the inserts. Measure the clearance as
described in the previous steps.
(10) The clearance is measured with a pair of
0.0254 mm (0.001 inch) undersize bearing inserts
installed. This will determine if two 0.0254 mm
(0.001 inch) undersize inserts or another combination
Fig. 36 Locking Tab Inspection
1 - ABNORMAL CONTACT AREA CAUSED BY LOCKING TABS
NOT FULLY SEATED OR BEING BENT
Fig. 37 Scoring Caused by Insufficient Lubrication
or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Fig. 38 Rod and Piston Assembly Installation
Fig. 39 Measuring Bearing Clearance with
Plastigage
1 - PLASTIGAGE SCALE
2 - COMPRESSED PLASTIGAGE
9 - 34 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)

It is not necessary to charge the tappets with
engine oil. They will charge themselves within a very
short period of engine operation.
(1) Dip each tappet in MopartEngine Oil Supple-
ment, or equivalent.
(2) Use Hydraulic Valve Tappet Removal/Installa-
tion Tool to install each tappet in the same bore from
where it was originally removed.
(3) Install the cylinder head (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the push rods in their original locations.
(5) Install the rocker arms and bridge and pivot
assemblies at their original locations. Loosely install
the capscrews at each bridge.
(6) Tighten the capscrews alternately, one turn at
a time, to avoid damaging the bridges. Tighten the
capscrews to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7)
Pour the remaining MopartEngine Oil Supple-
ment, or equivalent over the entire valve actuating
assembly. The MopartEngine Oil Supplement, or equiv-
alent must remain with the engine oil for at least 1 609
km (1,000 miles). The oil supplement need not be
drained until the next scheduled oil change.
(8) Install the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
The pistons (Fig. 55) are made of a high strength
aluminum alloy, the piston skirts are coated with a
solid lubricant (Molykote) to reduce friction and pro-
vide scuff resistance. The connecting rods are made
of cast iron.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON FITTING
(1) To correctly select the proper size piston, a cyl-
inder bore gauge, capable of reading in 0.003 mm
(.0001 in.) INCREMENTS is required. If a bore
gauge is not available, do not use an inside microme-
ter.
(2) Measure the inside diameter of the cylinder
bore at a point 49.5 mm (1-15/16 inches) below top of
bore. Start perpendicular (across or at 90 degrees) to
the axis of the crankshaft at point A and then take
an additional bore reading 90 degrees to that at point
B (Fig. 57).
(3) The coated pistons will be serviced with the
piston pin and connecting rod pre-assembled.The
coated piston connecting rod assembly can be
used to service previous built engines and
MUST be replaced as complete sets.Tin coated
pistons should not be used as replacements for coated
pistons.
(4) The coating material is applied to the piston
after the final piston machining process. Measuring
the outside diameter of a coated piston will not pro-
vide accurate results (Fig. 56). Therefore measuring
the inside diameter of the cylinder bore with a dial
Bore Gauge isMANDATORY. To correctly select the
proper size piston, a cylinder bore gauge capable of
reading in 0.003 mm (.0001 in.) increments is
required.
(5) Piston installation into the cylinder bore
requires slightly more pressure than that required
for non-coated pistons. The bonded coating on the
piston will give the appearance of a line-to-line fit
with the cylinder bore.
Fig. 55 Piston and Connecting Rod Assembly
Fig. 56 Moly Coated Piston
1 - MOLY COATED
2 - MOLY COATED
9 - 44 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
HYDRAULIC LIFTERS (Continued)

PISTON SIZE CHART
CYLINDER BORE SIZE PISTON LETTER SIZE
98.438 - 98.448 mm
(3.8755 - 3.8759 in.)A
98.448 - 98.458 mm
(3.8759 - 3.8763 in.)B
98.458 - 98.468 mm
(3.8763 - 3.8767 in.)C
98.468 - 98.478 mm
(3.8767 - 3.8771 in.)D
98.478 - 98.488 mm
(3.8771 - 3.8775 in.)E
98.488 - 98.498 mm
(3.8775 - 3.8779 in.)F
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the engine cylinder head cover. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER
HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the rocker arms, bridges and pivots.
(3) Remove the push rods.
(4) Remove the engine cylinder head. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - REMOVAL).
(5) Position the pistons one at a time near the bot-
tom of the stroke. Use a ridge reamer to remove theridge from the top end of the cylinder walls. Use a
protective cloth to collect the cuttings.
(6) Raise the vehicle.
(7) Drain the engine oil.
(8) Remove the oil pan and gasket. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL).
(9) Remove main bearing cap brace (Fig. 58).
(10) Remove the connecting rod bearing caps and
inserts. Mark the caps and rods with the cylinder
bore location. The connecting rods and caps are
stamped with a two letter combination (Fig. 59).
Fig. 57 Bore Gauge
1 - FRONT
2 - BORE GAUGE
3 - CYLINDER BORE
4 - 49.5 MM (1-15/16 in.)
Fig. 58 Main Bearings Caps and Brace
1 - BLOCK
2 - MAIN BEARING CAP BRACE
Fig. 59 Stamped Connecting Rods and Caps
1 - CONNECTING ROD CAP
2 - CONNECTING ROD
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 45
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

(11) Lower the vehicle until it is about 2 feet from
the floor.
CAUTION: Ensure that the connecting rod bolts DO
NOT scratch the crankshaft journals or cylinder
walls. Short pieces of rubber hose, slipped over the
rod bolts will provide protection during removal.
(12) Have an assistant push the piston and con-
necting rod assemblies up and through the top of the
cylinder bores (Fig. 60).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean the cylinder bores thoroughly. Apply a
light film of clean engine oil to the bores with a clean
lint-free cloth.
(2) Install the piston rings on the pistons if
removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/
PISTON RINGS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Lubricate the piston and rings with clean
engine oil.
CAUTION: Ensure that connecting rod bolts DO
NOT scratch the crankshaft journals or cylinder
walls. Short pieces of rubber hose slipped over the
connecting rod bolts will provide protection during
installation.(4) Use a piston ring compressor to install the con-
necting rod and piston assemblies through the top of
the cylinder bores (Fig. 61).
(5) Ensure the arrow on the piston top points to
the front of the engine (Fig. 61).
(6) Raise the vehicle.
(7) Each bearing insert is fitted to its respective
journal to obtain the specified clearance between the
bearing and the journal. In production, the select fit
is obtained by using various-sized, color-coded bear-
ing inserts as listed in the Connecting Rod Bearing
Fitting Chart. The color code appears on the edge of
the bearing insert. The size is not stamped on inserts
used for production of engines.
(8) The rod journal is identified during the engine
production by a color-coded paint mark on the adja-
cent cheek or counterweight toward the flange (rear)
end of the crankshaft. The color codes used to indi-
cate journal sizes are listed in the Connecting Rod
Bearing Fitting Chart.
(9) When required, upper and lower bearing
inserts of different sizes may be used as a pair (refer
to Connecting Rod Bearing Fitting Chart). A stan-
dard size insert is sometimes used in combination
with a 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) undersize insert to
reduce clearance 0.013 mm (0.0005 inch).
CAUTION: DO NOT intermix bearing caps. Each
connecting rod and bearing cap are stamped with
the cylinder number. The stamp is located on a
machined surface adjacent to the oil squirt hole
that faces the camshaft side of the cylinder block.
(10) Install the connecting rod bearing caps and
inserts in the same positions as removed.
CAUTION: Verify that the oil squirt holes in the rods
face the camshaft and that the arrows on the pis-
tons face the front of the engine.
(11) Install main bearing cap brace (Fig. 58).
Tighten nuts to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 60 Removal of Connecting Rod and Piston
Assembly
1 - PISTON
2 - CONNECTING ROD
3 - BLOCK
Fig. 61 Rod and Piston Assembly Installation
9 - 46 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

(12) Install the oil pan and gasket (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/LUBRICATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLA-
TION).
(13) Lower the vehicle.
(14) Install the engine cylinder head (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD - INSTALLATION),
push rods, rocker arms, bridges, pivots and engine
cylinder head cover(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER
HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLA-
TION).
(15) Fill the crankcase with engine oil.
PISTON RINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PISTON RING
FITTING
(1) Carefully clean the carbon from all ring
grooves. Oil drain openings in the oil ring groove and
pin boss must be clear. DO NOT remove metal from
the grooves or lands. This will change ring-to-groove
clearances and will damage the ring-to-land seating.
(2) Be sure the piston ring grooves are free of
nicks and burrs.
(3) Measure the ring side clearance with a feeler
gauge fitted snugly between the ring land and ring
(Fig. 62) (Fig. 63). Rotate the ring in the groove. It
must move freely around circumference of the groove.
RING SIDE CLEARANCE CHART
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Top Compression Ring 0.042 - 0.084 mm
(0.0017 - 0.0033 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.042 - 0.084 mm
(0.0017 - 0.0033 in.)
Oil Control Ring 0.06 - 0.21 mm
(0.0024 - 0.0083 in.)
(4) Place ring in the cylinder bore and push down
with inverted piston to position near lower end of the
ring travel. Measure ring gap with a feeler gauge fit-
ting snugly between ring ends (Fig. 64).
RING GAP MEASUREMENT CHART
ITEM SPECIFICATION
Top Compression Ring 0.229 - 0.610 mm
(0.0090 - 0.0240 in.)
Second Compression
Ring0.483 - 0.965 mm
(0.0190 - 0.080 in.)
Oil Control Ring 0.254 - 1.500 mm
(0.010 - 0.060 in.)
Fig. 62 Piston Dimensions
Fig. 63 Ring Side Clearance Measurement
1 - FEELER GAUGE
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 47
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD (Continued)

(5) The oil control rings are symmetrical, and can
be installed with either side up. It is not necessary to
use a tool to install the upper and lower rails. Insert
oil rail spacer first, then side rails.
(6) The two compression rings are different and
cannot be interchanged. The top compression ring
can be identified by the shiny coating on the outer
sealing surface and can be installed with either side
up. (Fig. 65).
(7) The second compression ring has a slight
chamfer on the bottom of the inside edge and a dot
on the top for correct installation (Fig. 66) and (Fig.
67).
(8) Using a ring installer, install the second com-
pression ring with the dot facing up (Fig. 66) (Fig.
68).
(9) Using a ring installer, install the top compres-
sion ring (either side up).
Ring Gap Orientation
²Position the gaps on the piston as shown (Fig.
69).
²Oil spacer - Gap on center line of piston skirt.
²Oil rails - gap 180É apart on centerline of piston
pin bore.
²No. 2 Compression ring - Gap 180É from top oil
rail gap.
²No. 1 Compression ring - Gap 180É from No. 2
compression ring gap.
Fig. 64 Gap Measurement
1 - FEELER GAUGE
Fig. 65 Top Compression ring identification
1 - TOP COMPRESSION RING
Fig. 66 Second Compression Ring Identification
1 - SECOND COMPRESSION RING
2 - CHAMFER
3 - ONE DOT
Fig. 67 Compression Ring Chamfer Location
1 - TOP COMPRESSION RING
2 - SECOND COMPRESSION RING
3 - PISTON
4 - CHAMFER
9 - 48 ENGINE - 4.0LWJ
PISTON RINGS (Continued)

VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Remove the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL) and fan shroud.
(3) Remove the vibration damper retaining bolt
and washer.
(4) Use Vibration Damper Removal Tool 7697 to
remove the damper from the crankshaft (Fig. 70).
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply MopartSilicone Rubber Adhesive Seal-
ant to the keyway in the crankshaft and insert the
key. With the key in position, align the keyway on
the vibration damper hub with the crankshaft key
and tap the damper onto the crankshaft.
(2) Install the vibration damper retaining bolt and
washer.
(3) Tighten the damper retaining bolt to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install the serpentine drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION) and fan shroud.
(5) Connect negative cable to battery.
STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
REMOVAL
The engine bending braces are used to add
strength to the powertrain and to address some
minor NVH concerns.
Fig. 68 Compression Ring Installation
1 - COMPRESSION RING
2 - RING EXPANDER RECOMMENDED
Fig. 69 Ring Gap Orientation
1 - TOP COMPRESSION RING
2 - BOTTOM COMPRESSION RING
3 - TOP OIL CONTROL RAIL
4 - OIL RAIL SPACER
5 - BOTTOM OIL CONTROL RAIL
6 - IMAGINARY LINE PARALLEL TO PISTON PIN
7 - IMAGINARY LINE THROUGH CENTER OF PISTON SKIRT
Fig. 70 Vibration Damper Removal Tool 7697
1 - VIBRATION DAMPER REMOVAL TOOL
2 - WRENCH
WJENGINE - 4.0L 9 - 49
PISTON RINGS (Continued)