Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Squishy/Useless Clutch

[CSchuchmann]

2002 6-speed w/ a SB DD Clutch:

One minute the clutch worked fine. Stopped the truck. Next time starting it, the clutch squishes straight to the floor, like stepping on a plum, and the problem is only getting worse. I can barely get it into or out of gear. When I press down on it, there is a split second of pressure, and it instantly bleeds off, and the pedal squishes down, becoming ineffective (making it impossible to get in or out of gear). I was able to drive home by stomping the clutch down while simultaneously slamming it into gear before the pressure bleeds off at the same time (at which time the clutch catches and the truck either stalls or jerks forward).

I think it's the clutch fork actuator, but I'm not 100% sure. The fluid is full, and has not moved. It is not a problem that has gradually come on. One minute the clutch worked fine, the next, it's like this. Would the actuator just fail all of a sudden like that? Or is there something else in play that I should be looking at?

Thanks.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Did you replace your OEM slave/master cylinder setup when you installed the dual disk? The 98-02 slave cylinders are 1/2 the size of the earlier 12V (94-97) model's that South Bend highly recommends converting too when installing any dual disk clutch.

 

[CSchuchmann]

It is actually a 12v (conversion) engine mated to the 6-speed in the 2002. I don't know if the cylinder is the original or not. Doesn't Napa make a beefier version of these too? Part #'s for either? What all is involved with replacing these? I am not at home, and don't have a wide assortment of tools... just some very basic hand tools.

 

[Got Smoke?]

It is actually a 12v (conversion) engine mated to the 6-speed in the 2002. I don't know if the cylinder is the original or not. Doesn't Napa make a beefier version of these too? Part #'s for either? What all is involved with replacing these? I am not at home, and don't have a wide assortment of tools... just some very basic hand tools.

Just purchase the slave/master cylinder set from where ever you can obtain one, but your best bet will most likely be SBC pricewise.



Tools... ... no biggie..... resovior is held to the firewall in the engine compartment by 2 10mm screws, slave cylinder is held to transmission by 2 13mm nuts. Piece of advice becareful when removing & reinstalling the clip that holds the slave cylinder rod to the clutch pedal under the dash. I lost one once, it flew off and over back behind some wires/metal I couldn't get too!

 

[rubberneck]

Get the new slave/master set and its a 30-40 Min job max man. Dont sweat it you will get it done and be down the road in no time.

 

[CSchuchmann]

Is this an integrated (non-separate) set? OR can they come in two parts? No one seems to have the master/slave for the 02 6-spd in stock, and Napa can't even find one available to order. SBC doesn't have theirs either available. Any ideas?

 

[CSchuchmann]

Autozone has Luk Part Numbers LMC354 and LSC322 available for order. This would seem like a separate set. Dodge has an "integrated" set available for order as well, but they come as one piece. What's the difference? Are the autozone part numbers correct for this vehicle?

 

[JFlagg]

I had to replace the one in my dads 01, it was actual harder to find than you would think. Ended up getting the whole set at the dealership, think it was about 150-200 bucks for the slave and master cylinder. Keith at MCS got me my kit when I upgraded mine, think it was about 150 bucks for the upgraded unit. Putting it was actually pretty easy, as Got SMoke said, just 2 bolts and 2 nuts. Just be glad you don't have to put it in on in a 120 degree parking lot like I did! That asphalt is hot under the truck.