Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Just lost slave cylinder

[EGaskamp]

I got out of class about 15 mins ago and got in my truck and I came to a stop sign and the clutch wouldn't disengauge. The pedal goes all the way to the floor but is real soft. I haven't pulled it out and looked at it yet but I'm just making an educated guess. Is there anyone who sells a stronger one than stock? I have an OFE and I will upgrade to an FE and maybe a DD one day. Thanks in advance.



Eric

 

[Ryanp]

Make sure you arent just out of hydraulic fluid before you decide to trash the cylinder for a new one

 

[cap-n-cray]

Mine did the same thing. Check the fluid, but it is a sealed system. No way to bleed. I had to buy a new system, both master and slave. Dodge makes it so you can install the slave then the master and connect them together with a tube all pre-charged. I did not find a after market replacement. Cheap system, but expensive to replace. :{



Cary

 

[benhall]

I will second what Cary said. I replaced mine around the first of the year. The hardest part to do is to get your hands under the dash to undo the little clip that holds the plug together on the pigtail. If you have someone with little hands and fingers, that would be best.



Ben

 

[EGaskamp]

I checked the fluid and its good. I held the slave against the frame and had a buddy push down the clutch pedal and it had tons of pressure. I couldn't hold it, but that doesn't mean its not weak. Hopefully it's just the slave. How much is it from Dodge? Thanks



Eric

 

[Got Smoke?]

If you end up replacing the slave/master cylinder make sure to upgrade to a 97 model available through South Bend Clutch for a much cheaper price than several other places.



The 97 and later model "12 Valve" slave cylinders are double the size of 98. 5 & newer "24 Valve" slave cylinders.

 

[cap-n-cray]

My cost from Dodge was about $180. I think I got the shop price discount. I needed it now at the time - work truck. I would look at the on line cost if you have the time to order.



Cary

 

[benhall]

What is the difference between the two? I'm guessing that the 97 version works.



Ben

 

[EGaskamp]

There is an electrical connection hooked to the clutch assembly under the dash? Where is it? All I've seen was the clip that holds the rod to the pedal. I'm fixin to go start the job. Thanks for the input and I hope this is the problem, because I really can't afford another Southbend.



Eric

 

[truckstom]

Eric,

call JaMan, he did his last year.

 

[EGaskamp]

I can't figure out which way that clip comes off the rod that hooks to the pedal. Does any one know? And if I leave the electrical connection off, will I gain clutchless starting or will it not crank at all? Thanks



Eric

 

[Tcolesanti]

You will have to close loop the clutch safety switch. hook the two wires together and you can start the truck without pushing the clutch down. On my 2000, it just snaps onto the rod, there might be a safety lock that flips up or something.

 

[nps]

IIRC, it's a U shaped clip that fits in a slot of the rod attached to the pedal. In the center is a spring-loaded keeper that clips over the end of the rod to keep it from falling off. Stick a small flat-bladed screwdriver over the end of the rod and gently pry up - the clip should then slide back.



The wires are easy to unhook-reattach. Whole job should not take more than 45-60 minutes.

 

[EGaskamp]

I got everything hooked up on the new slave cylider assembly from Dodge but I can't get the quick connect fitting thingy to hook together. I push as hard as I can and it won't snap in. Whats the secret?? Thanks



Eric

 

[nps]

No secret really. There are steel fingers on the male side - they fit into the female socket. IIRC, doesn't seem like a tight fit and doesn't make a snaping noise, but doesn't leak either and once connected doesn't come apart.



Are you sure you took off the caps first?

 

[EGaskamp]

They are big rubber caps, so yes I took them off. I'll righ again and push the S**T out of it! Thanks



Eric

 

[cap-n-cray]

I believe I used a pair of vise grips to squeeze them together. It was hard to do, but suddenly it click and was done. Nothing leaked out and it worked.



Cary

 

[EGaskamp]

Did you plug it together before you put the cylinder in the bellhousing? Mine is totally installed exept fot the 2 lines. Did you take the plastic band off that holds on the the rod in the cylinder? Thanks



Eric

 

[nps]

The intent is to put the lines together after you install both pieces. So you are on-track.



The band on the slave cylinder is intended to stay on. It will break the first time you push on the clutch (after you get the lines snapped together ).

 

[EGaskamp]

This Thing Is A Total Piece Of S**t!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm So ****** Off Right Now It Ain't Funny