would the vaccum pump leak air if the seals in between the power steering and pump were shot or would it just leak ps fluid?

 

They are two seperate pumps driven by a common shaft. The vacuum pump leaking would not show up as a power stearing fluid leak. By the way in 97 they didn't have ATF in the power stearing system so if you replace it make sure you use the correct fluid. Go to www.fixinrams.com for more info. If low vacuum is the issue, check for oil in the vacuum lines or an oil rotted rubber elbow attached to the vacuum pump outlet. Ken Irwin

 

i do have oil in my vaccum lines. what does this mean?

 

you don't have a check valve in the vacuum line or it is bad if you do have one, they get gummed up,clean with break clean and also take each line off one at a time and flush out.

here is a link http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/D-97-10.htm

 

If I found oil in any vacuum lines I would replace all the contaminated hoses. If oil finds it's way to your climate control or 4wd switches it will melt them causing you more expense and repair hassle.