Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Piston - Ring-to-Groove Clearance
1. Inspect the piston for ring land damage or accelerated wear.

2. Measure the piston ring-to-groove clearance.
- Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure.
- If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure.

Piston - Ring End Gap
CAUTION: Use care when fitting piston rings to avoid possible damage to
the piston ring
or the cylinder bore.
CAUTION: Piston rings should not be transferred from one piston to another.
NOTE: Cylin ...
Piston - Pin Diameter
1. Measure the piston pin diameter in two directions at the points shown.
Verify the diameter is
within specification.
Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure.
If out of s ...
Other materials:
Spark Plug - Inspection
1. Inspect the spark plug for a bridged gap.
Check for deposit build-up closing the gap between the electrodes.
Deposits are caused
by oil or carbon fouling.
Clean the spark plug.
2. Check for oil fouling.
Check for wet, black deposits on th ...
Symptom Chart
Condition
Possible Sources
Action
Dogtracking
Excessive rear
thrust angle.
Front or rear
suspension
components.
Drive axle
damaged.
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary
INSPE ...
Spindle
Special Tool(s)
Tie-Rod End Remover
211-001 (TOOL-3290-D) or
Equivalent
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect
performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expen ...
