1996 Dodge Ram 1500 single cab - 5.2 4x4 5-speed - 125,000 miles

Was pulling onto our road and headed for our driveway when I noticed the engine was increasing in rpms while the truck was getting slower. I coasted all the way home and luckily made it where I needed to be in order to park it.

I have lost every gear, including reverse. The master and slave cylinder "look" intact far as visual inspection goes, have not lost a drop of fluid from the reservoir.

Truck will start as normal- hold in clutch, turn key, starts engine. Release the clutch- nothing. No matter what gear. You can shift between them all and no matter what, goes no where. I did notice, however, if you really hit the gas the truck acts like it wants to move maybe an inch, thought that was interesting.

I crawled underneath, and already having an excessive amount of gunk on the transmission, I noticed it was wet on top of the grease.

Truck is full stock transmission wise. I have done quite a bit of work to the truck, but not in this area. I am new to the transmission side of things but am willing to do what it takes versus sending it to a mechanic.

Please if anyone has any help or ideas send them this way! Thanks in advance!

 

I tried to post pics, but told me they were to large to upload?

 

You can post the large photos to something like DropBox and provide a link to them as a post on this thread.

 

Sounds like your clutch is smoked….but also make sure there’s fluid if your seeing gunk…

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2ssyolou0...zJ-MwMZPa?dl=0

This should do it, thanks for the info on posting using Dropbox

I apologize, probably not the best pics.

Going to check the fluid now.

 

As 95RAM360 stated, sounds like its likely time for a new clutch based on the symptoms you described. You will need to remove the driveshaft, transmission and transfer case to replace it. Once in there, I typically replace the clutch disc, pressure plate and throw-out bearing. Also, will likely need to surface the flywheel as well.

 

T-case slip into neutral?

 

No I double checked, and it is confirmed in 2Hi. Will not operate in any placement (2Hi-4Hi-4Lo)

 

I've read about doing the clutch disc and flywheel. How does one go about doing the throw-out bearing?

Also, will be my first, does one need a transmission jack as I've seen in a couple videos? Or is there a (safe) suitable alternative?

The truck is parked slightly uphill and in the grass, guessing I should probably push it to a level place on the driveway.

Is the throw-out bearing the same as the 'release' bearing im seeing in several of these 'clutch kits' for sale?

 

Yes a release bearing and throwout bearing are the same. I'm leaning towards clutch replacement too. A transmission adapter for a floor jack like this. I use ratchet straps to hold the transmission to the plate. The tilt is the reason I like them. You don't need a $1000 clutch, stock works. Get a set, it usually comes with a plastic alignment tool with the pressure plate and clutch disc. The oil looks like you have a engine leak, if it was from the clutch you would have to refilled the reservoir a few times. https://www.ebay.com/itm/13416831489...kAAOSw5lFiyWOn