I'll try to help, but it prolly won't be much. I do know that the rod and piston should have been marked when being torn down. I would try to find a exploded view (lawnboys website) to see if there are any physical features on how the rod is supposed to be installed. I also know that the conn-rod also may also be offest to 1 side on the piston. I would look at them both very closely. I sorry if that doesn't help you much, but I hope it helps.