97 Ram CTD Clutch Cyl - Where to buy?

wbcarver

wbcarver

New Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2005
Location
Danville, VA
Looking for some suggestions on sources for Dodge CTD clutch parts.
Have one in the shop now - where the line from the clutch master to the slave is cracked. The clutch hydraulics were working until this crack. So I believe the master and slave to be good.
It "appears" the only way to get this is as a complete assy from the Stealership. This part lists for around $360 - OUCH !!!!!

Is there a way to get just the line or a better source of this part?
My local AP houses list the master and slave seperately, but do NOT list the line.

Any help is appreciated.

Application is 1997 Dodge 3500
4wd 1 ton dually
CTD 5 spd.


BTW - There also appears to be a recall on the clutch Mstr cyl for this vehicle. (Just not for this reason) I am trying to verify this.

Here is a link to some info

Models Affected:
1994-1999 (BR/BE) Dodge Ram Four-Wheel Drive (4X4) (4WD) Trucks

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/828.htm


.
 
IMO, a clutch line is no different than a brake line, so any place that makes brake hoses could do it. I got all my lines from a place in CA, but I doubt you wanna wait that long.
 
Rich said:
IMO, a clutch line is no different than a brake line, so any place that makes brake hoses could do it. I got all my lines from a place in CA, but I doubt you wanna wait that long.
Click to expand...

This is a nylon type line. With special ends on it that push into the cyls. I doubt it can be made up like a brake or hyd line.
At least not around here anyway.

Don't mind getting it from CA.
I actually found a line at
http://www.clutchco.com
Who is in CA.

They *said* they can ship it overnight and I would have it tomorrow.

Was this the place you got your stuff from?

How did they treat you?
Would buy from them again?

If not - if you don't mind saying who you got yours from.
 
I am curious who you got yours from also Rich. I need to replace the line on my clutch as well and I think a custom line with the correct thread on the ends is the best way for me to go.
 
Sorry, I meant I got my BRAKE lines from Crown Industrial.. They were very good, the only thing I don't like is that there's no swivel on either end, so you have to plan ahead...

Sorry 'bout that... but glad you found a source Bill!

Manual trannies are for motorcycles.. :flipoff2:
 
there is a similer setup on the jeep TJs and they can have issues melting, ive seen some companies selling replacement braided lines. So maybe they can make one suited to the truck or even offer them... (might help with the searching )
 
Solution - sort of

The short version:

Found a line at Clutch Co.

Line was $48. Had it sent overnight (S&H = $35)
Truck left the next day as promised. Customer is happy - saved him about $300.

Now for the rest of the story.

Customer needed truck back ASAP.
Truck had to go. One way or the other. so...

Paid for guaranteed AM delivery.
UPS managed to drag in at 11:58 (Did I mention I have NEVER had good luck w/ Brown? :flipoff2: )

When the line got there - it did NOT fit.
CRAP !!!!!!
Turns out the nipple that goes into the master and slave cylinder measures 0.224 on the new line. The orifice it is supposed to go into in the OEM master & slave cylinders measures 0.204. 0.020 too big. No way it is gonna fit.

Called Clutch co. They verified that the listing was very clear. And no other possibility existed. They were very appologetic and offered to make it right.
No questions asked.
They would either send an RMA and refund all my money including the Red Label shipping or Overnight a new master and slave that they quaranteed would fit the line. AT NO CHARGE for the overnight shipping!

I am impressed.

With a couple hours margin due to the time difference to Kalifornia. I had a little time to experiment. Nothing to loose at this point as I might have to replace the MC & SC anyway.
What I wound up doing was to drill out the orifice in the cylinders to a "push fit" on the nipple. The roll pin that retains the line went in with enough resistance against the groove in the nipple to make me feel pretty good about the fit. Install line and bleed the system and test. Works great. No leaks.

Summary:

Truck fixed.
Saved Customer almost $300.
(Happy customer will be coming back)

In the future, if this truck should need a slave cylinder, it can be replaced independently of the rest of the system.

Clutch Co delivered as advertised.
Even though there was a fittament issue with the part, their no questions asked we'll make it right customer service ROCKS
I will be buying from Clutch Co again.

All's well that ends well.

Hope this info helps out someone else in the future.
 
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