So I drive a standard transmission 2000 dodge ram 1500 v8 magnum and for some reason the rpms started having to go higher and higher to gain speed and it just now stopped on me. A friend says I could be anything from it simply needing trans fluid to a whole new clutch assembly. It now will not go more than 20 mph in 5th gear and will stall after so long.

 

Do engine RPM's go up, but speed does not?

 

In a standard trans, the fluid is a lubricant, not hydraulic fluid. It may be low on fluid and destroying parts but it would probably work normally until it locks up and dies.

I'd start with the clutch. Shift fine, no binding in or out of gear?

 

yes the RPMs will go to about 5k RPMs before i even start to roll

 

Glazed or bad clutch.