1998 Ram 1500 318 5 speed 275k

Clutch has been making some pretty interesting noises of late. I have never tore into one of these on this year of truck but I would be willing to bet its probably the bearing. My question is that should the worst happen, since I will want to do a complete clutch overhaul because of its mileage rather than just replacing the worn out part(s) what brand of parts should I go with and what kind of time should I expect to put in on on this?

 

Probably 4 to 6 hours, depending on 2 or 4 wheel drive.

Replace the clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Have the flywheel resurfaced. (this is important..... if you don't, you could end up with some serious clutch chatter.... no fun at all.)

Having a clutch alignment tool will make reinstalling the trans MUCH easier. You might be able to rent one from the parts store.

 

Its 2wheel drive. I called around to the local tranny shops and they said they wouldnt charge anything to look/drive it around and give a diagnosis but that if they have to drop the tranny and open it up it would be $850. :S

 

Doing the clutch really isn't that much of an ordeal. The big money comes from the time involved....... (labor rates are killer...)

Call around to see if there are any machine shops within spittin' distance, and how long they would have to have your flywheel to resurface it. Some can do it while you wait, others can take up to three flippin' weeks.... best to know what kind of time you are looking at before you take your truck apart.