M, perhaps this will help, the top ring is the lighter grey one, It has a oxidized coating on it's outer edge which aids seating. also, look closely at the face of rings at end gaps, there are usually either an R, or o/s number stamped there, if so this should face up. on 3 piece oil rings, the scraping rings will not be marked, but have an orientation... to determine, simply hold by outside diametre w/end gap to you and squeeze lightly, end gap will flex one direction or the other 9 times out of 10.. it doesn't matter which way you install them, just as long as both agree. hope this helps, G