Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 1083

62. Remove the oil pan bridge and baffle assembly.
63. CAUTION: The connecting rods and bearings are matched to the crankshaft
journals. Make sure the components are marked and installed in the correct location.
CAUTION: Each connecting rod and connecting rod cap are matched sets. They will
fit together only one way. Mark them before removing.
CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage the connecting rod and the
connecting rod cap fractured joint face surface or engine damage may occur.
NOTE: Before removing the pistons, inspect the top of the cylinder bores. If necessary, remove
the ridge or carbon deposits from each cylinder, using a cylinder ridge reamer and following the
manufacturer's instructions.
Remove the pistons.
1. Make sure the piston being removed is at the bottom of the cylinder bore.
2. Remove the bolts.
3. Remove the connecting rod cap and the lower connecting rod bearing.
4. CAUTION: Be careful to avoid damage to the cylinder wall when removing the
piston.
Push the piston and the connecting rod out of the cylinder.
64. Repeat the removal steps for the remaining pistons.
65. CAUTION: The crankshaft main bearings and the main bearing caps are matched to
the crankshaft journals. Make sure the components are marked for position.
NOTE: The crankshaft main bearing located at the rear main bearing cap is the thrust bearing.