Rocker Arm Assembly: Service and Repair

Fig. 12 Rocker Arms & Shaft. Except 1992 3.9L/V6-238 Engine:

Fig. 13 Rocker Arm & Shaft Assembly Installed. 5.9L/V8-360 & 1988-91 5.2L/V8-318 Engine:

When disassembling rocker arms, place all parts on the workbench in their proper sequence to ensure correct assembly.

Clean all sludge and gum formation from the inside and outside of the shafts. Clean oil holes and passages in the rocker arms and shafts. Inspect the shafts for wear.


To provide proper lubrication of the rocker arms, the rocker shafts have a small notch machined at one end. Install rocker arm and shaft assemblies with notch on end of rocker shaft pointing to center line of engine and toward front of engine on the left bank and to the rear on the right bank. If rocker arms are removed from shaft, care must be taken to ensure proper reassembly. Some exhaust rocker arms have a relieved area on the underside for rotator clearance. Refer to Figs. 12 and 13 for proper positioning of rocker arms. Note placement of long stamped steel retainers in the number two and four positions between the rocker arms.