Dont know if I am just misunderstanding you but I always install my 4 corner pistons without the rings and do a deck height check on each piston. Once you know your true deck height you can work from that if your heads are closed chamber. I mean perfect is zero deck and then just use the .039 head gasket as long as the flat (highest part of the piston) is zero deck not the dish. Or did I read it wrong ?