Two problems related to transmission fluid leaking have been reported for the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
From day 1 of the new truck, I had shifting problems. Before I had 1200 miles on the truck it was in the shop twice. The first time they took the transmission apart and inspected and placed back into the truck. Problem shifting continued. The 2nd time in the shop, they replaced the transmission, clutch and slave cylinder, this worked. Then at 53000 miles I took the truck in for recall work (828), to replace the slave cylinder. At 60000 miles I had shifting problems again. They replaced the transmission and clutch which was 50% out of my pocket. The day I picked the truck up from the dealer I went on vacation for 2000 miles which resulted in shifting problems. I took the truck back at 62000 and they replaced the slave cylinder, but the transmission was leaking. At 64470 miles the trans went dry and dealer replaced another trans. After I picked the truck up from the dealer, the slave cylinder blow apart 5 miles away from the dealer on the way home. Hydralic fluid spilled on to the hot exhaust pipes, which cause smoke. After picking the truck up from the dealer on 11/28/01 the slave cylinder blow again 1 mile from the dealership with fluid again pouring onto the exhaust pipes which cause smoke. The truck is currently at the dealer putting in a 5th cylinder with 64477 miles on the truck.
While I was driving the vehicle at about 35 mph, the truck began revving, then stopped. I could see transmission fluid leaking. The truck was towed to the dealer, who removed the transmission and rebuilt it.