My dad has a 2004 3500 dully rear wheel drive. engine is diesel with manual trans. It has 285,000 miles. the engine was replaced with a factory engine at 200,000 miles. i don't know but i assume the clutch was replaced then as well. a few weeks ago it started to shake or grab when taking off with a load. (30" fifth-wheel trailer). it only happens when the clutch is partially engaged, in other words it stops when the clutch is fully out. It has progressively got worse. I was told by a mechanic with minimal "Dodge, Cummings, Clutch" experience that the clutch is two piece with springs between and he thought the springs were damaged. I have never had one apart but his description seems wrong. He told me it would cost $600 to replace the clutch. I want to be sure it is the clutch before I spend that amount of money and I want to know if $600 is reasonable, seems high.

Thanks

 

Sounds like a pressure plate issue. Not applying enough pressure on the clutch plate. Very possible to have a broken spring or two. You should fix it sooner rather than later. It may cause hot spots on the pressure plate, or flywheel.

 

Thanks for your reply. I want to fix it asap. what do you think of the price for a clutch?

 

Depends on what type of clutch you go with. If you tow alot. I would get a dual friction set up. Alot more clamping force, to keep the clutch from slipping. The catch is they require more force to the clutch pedal. I would say 3-6 price range.