Prior to removing the piston and connecting rod assemblies, the cylinder head(s), oil pan, and oil pump (except for 3.8L V6 models) must be removed. Use your fingernail to check for any ridge at the upper limit of ring travel, approximately 1/4-inch down from the top of each cylinder; if ridges are present due to carbon deposits or cylinder wear, they must be completely removed with a special tool, following the manufacturer's instructions, as failure to do so may result in piston breakage. After removing the cylinder ridges, turn the engine upside-down with the crankshaft facing up. Before removing the connecting rods, check the endplay with feeler gauges, ensuring that the play is removed between the first connecting rod and the crankshaft throw; if the endplay exceeds the service limit, new connecting rods will be necessary, and if new rods or a new crankshaft are installed, the endplay may need to be adjusted. Check the connecting rods and caps for identification marks, and if they are not marked, use a small center-punch to create indentations. Loosen each connecting rod cap nut by 1/2-turn until they can be removed by hand, then take off the number one connecting rod cap and bearing insert without dropping the bearing insert. To protect the crankshaft journal and cylinder wall during piston removal, slip a short length of plastic or rubber hose over each connecting rod cap bolt. Remove the bearing insert and push the connecting rod/piston assembly out through the top of the engine, using a wooden hammer handle to apply pressure on the upper bearing surface; if resistance is encountered, ensure that all ridges have been removed from the cylinder. Repeat this process for the remaining cylinders. After removal, reassemble the connecting rod caps and bearing inserts in their respective connecting rods and install the cap nuts finger tight, leaving the old bearing inserts in place until reassembly to prevent accidental damage to the connecting rod bearing surfaces. Avoid separating the pistons from the connecting rods.