I was told the number 1 piston is at the back side of the motor closet to the passenger side.
piston pin, piston rings, side bearings, connecting rod bearings
Driver side, front piston.
If they are the same as a 97 Maxima then you twist them, don't compress them. To compress the piston you do it with a 'Disk Brake Piston Tool'. You can get this at Pep Boys for $12. To compress the piston on the passenger side you turn the piston clockwise. To compress the piston on the driver side you turn the piston counter-clockwise. Be careful trying to turn the piston using pliers or some other tool as you may tear the rubber seal around the piston.
Driver's side.
Piston crown is the top, skirt is the side below the ring lands (ring grooves). The as you say, the skirt often has cut aways to clear the counterwieghts on the crankshaft.
I believe that you are talking about the piston.
Driver side front.
the number one piston is on the left of you when facing the vehicle, it is the right side or passenger side and it must be at TDC for timing settings. (FENIX)
Dodge: front driver side.
front drivers side
piston slap is when the piston inside the cylinder is somewhat smaller than the cylinder bore. when the piston moves up and down, it ends up moving side to side too. this causes a knocking/slapping sound as the piston slams into the cylinder walls.this can cause harm if the play between the piston and bore are significant, otherwise it's nothing to worry about. if the car is hammering you might want to take it to a garage.Piston slap is the piston lose is the cylinder and it is making a rattling noise.Hope this helps.