The Dodge Ram Pick-ups, Dakota, Durango Repair Manual 1997-2001 by Chilton covers U.S. and Canadian models, including 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks 1997-2001, Dakota and Durango 1997-2000; 2- and 4-wheel drive, gasoline and Cummins diesel engines, with distributorless ignition systems.
Book Excerpt: 1997-2001 Dodge Ram Pick-ups, Dakota, Durango Repair Manual CLUTCH: UNDERSTANDING THE CLUTCH

The purpose of the clutch is to disconnect and connect engine power at the transmission. A vehicle at rest requires a lot of engine torque to get all that weight moving. An internal combustion engine does not develop a high starting torque (unlike steam engine) so it must be allowed to operate without any load until it builds up enough torque to move the vehicle. To a point, torque increases with engine rpm. The clutch allows the engine to build up torque by physically disconnecting the engine from the transmission, relieving the engine of any load or resistance. The transfer of engine power to the transmission (the load) must be smooth and gradual; if it weren't, drive line components would wear out or break quickly. This gradual power transfer is made possible by gradually releasing the clutch pedal. The clutch disc and pressure plate are the connecting link between the engine and transmission. When the clutch pedal is released, the disc and plate contact each other (the clutch is engaged) physically joining the engine and transmission. When the pedal is pushed in, the disc and plate separate (the clutch is disengaged) disconnecting the engine from the transmission.

Subject: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Dodge Ram Pick-ups, Dakota, Durango service, maintenance, repair. ISBN-10: 1563926989 | ISBN-13: 9781563926983