If you’re looking to replace the clutch on a Dodge Ram 3500
, it might end up costing you between $1,700 and $2,000 depending on the model year and labor costs. It’s hard to compete with the massive hauling and towing capacities of the Dodge Ram 3500—especially when you match it with a diesel engine. Introduced in 1994, this heavy-duty, full-size pickup truck was available with manual transmission up until 2019 for car enthusiasts that crave complete control over their transmission shifts.
But even due to regular wear and tear, clutch issues may become inevitable for certain models after a certain period—especially if you own a 2006-2007 Ram 3500 that was recalled due to a possible clutch ignition interlock switch breakage. We’ll cover everything you need to know about Dodge Ram 3500 clutch replacements, including common symptoms and how long your clutch should last.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Dodge Ram 3500?
Clutch replacement costs on a Dodge Ram 3500 can differ considerably depending on the model year, the average labor costs in your location, and the exact repair shop you take your pickup truck to for a clutch replacement. On average, you may end up paying a hefty $1,700 to $2,000 or more for a total clutch replacement.
According to RepairPal, clutch replacement parts alone on a Ram 3500 could run you between $1,300 and $1,400. But you can find OEM replacement clutch kits for Dodge Ram 2500/3500
from Redline 360 for less depending on your model year, while Dodge Ram 3500 clutch sets
from Advance Auto Parts, specifically for manual transmission, range from $215 to $1,300. Keep in mind that labor costs tend to be higher at a Dodge dealership, considering that you’ll be serviced by certified Dodge Ram technicians. But if you can locate an independent auto repair shop that specializes in transmission issues, you might snag a clutch replacement for a Dodge Ram 3500 at a much lower price.
What is a clutch?
So—what is a clutch, anyway? It’s an important component in any vehicle regardless of manual or automatic transmission. But those with a manual transmission in their Dodge Ram 3500 from 1994 to 2019—the year Dodge stopped making their mighty pickup truck with manual transmission—might experience clutch problems more often than their automatic counterparts.
The clutch transfers engine power to the transmission—permitting your wheels to turn. When you press the clutch pedal, this will disengage the clutch friction disc from the flywheel that briefly disconnects the engine from the transmission to allow drivers with manual transmission to shift between gears. But once you remove your foot from the clutch pedal, a different set of springs push the clutch disc against the flywheel to ensure that the transmission output shaft and engine are spinning at a similar speed to carry power to the transmission.
Since this system is based on friction, don’t be surprised when the unavoidable rears its ugly head on your Ram 3500: wear and tear. The malfunction of the friction material on the clutch plate is usually the culprit when it comes to clutch issues that wear down over time.
Additional common issues that may plague your clutch include:
Slipping due to a defective clutch cable
Worn clutch release bearings
What are the symptoms of a Dodge Ram 3500 clutch problem?
Typically, the biggest warning signs of clutch failure in a Dodge Ram 3500 include a clutch that shudders, slips, or you’re experiencing any abnormal difficulties pressing on the pedal. For example, you’ll know there’s an issue with your clutch if it goes all the way down to the floor
. But that’s not the only type of clutch problem you may have to contend with. Other common symptoms of a clutch issue might include broken cables, grinding sounds when you change gears, and fluid leaks from the cylinders—just to name a few possible problems.
If you think you have a failed clutch on your hands, take your Dodge Ram 3500 to a Dodge dealer or independent repair shop without delay for an experienced technician to diagnose the issue.
Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?
Absolutely not. If your clutch has truly broken, it would be impossible for you to drive at all. You might get away with driving with a broken clutch for a brief period, but once it’s completely broken, you’ll have to get it replaced to start driving again.
With that said, you should have your clutch inspected immediately if you suspect there are any possible clutch issues to prevent additional car failures from springing up on you.
How long should a Dodge Ram 3500 clutch last?
Generally, a clutch can likely last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. But in some cases, a clutch can last beyond 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and your driving habits.
Transmission problems are not completely uncommon with the Dodge Ram 3500. Some Ram 3500 owners have experienced jerking during the shifting of gears due to pressure solenoid failure, while other Ram owners have complained of a delay in shifting because of an issue with the transmission filter.
Dodge Ram 3500 clutch recalls
Back in 2015, the Chrysler
Group LLC recalled certain 2006-2007 model years for not only the Ram 3500 but also the Ram 1500
and 2500
, along with the Dodge Dakota
and the 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall only applied to these particular vehicles with manual transmissions that were built up until July 31, 2006. The reason for the recall was due to the likelihood of the return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch breaking. A staggering 54,000 vehicles were possibly impacted by this recall, so if you recently bought a used Dodge Ram 3500 from one of these model years, make sure this issue has been resolved.
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