if i left the clutch line connected at the slave cylinder and placed a vacuum on the resevoir line, would that collapse the bubbles in the line.. to be replaced with fluid when vacuum was removed? I have a hand pump harbor freight brake line bleeder. I really don't want to have to remove the entire clutch line as it looks like a pita

 

you've got a bleeder comming out the tranny.
Easiest way i've found to bleed the installed line is;
1 - Open the bleeder
2 - Depress clutch
3 - Close bleeder
4 - Repeat if neccesary

 

removing the clutch line and burping it on the bench is the only way to truly get the air out of the system. i tried the bleeders, i tried pumping the pedal, and this is the only thing that works. i got mine done in a half hour. alot easier than you think. this vid is very hepful!

 

miller did you pull the transmission end of the line up and out from of the engine bay? the line looks like there is no room to manuever away from the frame of the truck. not to mention getting the master free from the firewall. looks like a big pita

 

the master cylinder looks hard but it twists and pulls right out after you undo the linkage at the pedal. i pulled the whole line out just like in the video, the reservoir unclips and with that and the master removed and the line undone at the trans you should be able to maneuver the system out. remove the plastic inner fender from the front driver side, this helps with access.

 

Vacuum does not collapse bubbles in the line. It can expand them if enough vacuum is applied. Typical vacuum bleeders bleed by attaching to the bleeder valve on a slave cylinder. When vacuum is pulled on the open bleeder, it draws fluid out along with the air. The fluid is replaced by fluid in the reservoir. Once all the air is flushed out the slave bleeder is closed and it is good to go. If you have bad seals anywhere, vacuum can actually draw air into the system.

The problem with bleeding a clutch is the master cylinder is at an angle and air can get trapped with no way of bleeding it with out removing the master cylinder to rotated it to a position that will allow bleeding of the air.

 

cool thanks guys, Im not looking forward to this