Two problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While operating brake pedal, brake pedal travel suddenly increased when I applied brakes. I stopped along the shoulder of the rural road upon which I was traveling and checked for a brake problem. I discovered that the front passenger side brake hose connecting the steel brake line to the brake caliper assembly had burst where visible wear indicated the hose had repeatedly made contact with the truck frame during right turns. On 07/20/2002 I spoke to the dealer from whom I'd purchased the used vehicle and suggested we check the right front hoses on the other used Dodge trucks for sale on his lot. One of the vehicles had wear on its right front brake hose in a manner similar to mine. He said he would have to replace it 07/22/2002 and thanked me for informing him of the problem. I replaced the hose and retained the failed hose. I cannot determine whether or not the failed hose is original equipment .
Line rubbed against frame, and rubbed hole into brake line.