I have a vacuum leak in my 2004 ram w/ hemi, how do i fix it without spending too much money

First of all you need to locate exactly where the leak is. If its just a hose, vacuum line, or fitting then it's simply a matter of replacing or repairing the hose, line, or fitting. Other leaks such as the plenum or the intake manifold require R&R of the component and replacing the gasket(s). But first find out where the leak is. Visually check every hose and fittng to make sure they are not disconevcted, loose, cracked, or split. Running the engine and spraying carb cleaner around the hoses and joints will help to locate the leak. The engine RPM will pick up when it draws the carb cleaner into the leak. Spray sparingly and directed at a spot. Hoseing it down will not pin point the leak. Work close and purposely. Be very carefull around a hot engine. Carb cleaner is very flammable. Have an extinguisher ready just in case.

I learned this trick while working on dodge 4x4 vaccum lines. Get some heat shrink tubing, might be like 10 bucks for a box of them. find the broken area, slip tubing over area and heat shrink it. if it's not broken all the way through, snap it completly so you don't have to unhook anything. fast simple fix. now if the line has alot brakes, might just want to replace it all together.