Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual page 1296

DR
FLEX PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the transmission.
(2) Remove the bolts and flexplate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the flexplate onto the crankshaft and
install the bolts hand tight.
(2) Tighten the flexplate retaining bolts to 95 N·m
(70 ft. lbs.) in the sequence shown (Fig. 43).
(3) Install the transmission.
Fig. 43 Flexplate Tightening Sequence
1 - FLEXPLATE
PISTON & CONNECTING ROD
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: Do not use a metal stamp to mark con-
necting rods as damage may result, instead use ink
or a scratch awl.
The pistons are made of a high strength aluminum
alloy. The connecting rods are made of forged pow-
dered metal, with a "fractured cap" design. A full
floating piston pin is used to attach the piston to the
connecting rod (Fig. 44).
Fig. 44 PISTON AND ROD ASSEMBLY
1 - CONNECTING ROD
2 - PISTON
3 - PISTON PIN
4 - OIL SLINGER SLOT
ENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 47