Eliminate Front-End Shimmy on Your 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD with the Skyjacker 8217
The Skyjacker 8217 is a Black MAX dual steering stabilizer kit engineered for 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD trucks. The second-generation Ram 1500 was a massive redesign with a bold new body and an independent front suspension that, when fitted with larger tires or a moderate lift, can develop steering shimmy and front-end wander that the factory single stabilizer fails to control. The 8217 delivers two Black MAX twin-tube cylinders with inline mounting and all required hardware to provide the dual damping force this platform needs for confident, shimmy-free steering. Bolt-on installation, no modification required.
Key Features
- Skyjacker 8217 Black MAX dual steering stabilizer kit for 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD trucks
- Dual twin-tube Black MAX cylinders with specialized compression and extension damping valving
- Eliminates steering shimmy from oversized tires and lifted suspensions on second-generation Ram 1500 platforms
- Skyjacker 8217 bolt-on design; no drilling, cutting, or welding required
- Black powder-coated cylinders resist road salt and off-road contamination
- Reduces wear on tie rod ends, ball joints, and steering components
- Complete hardware kit included for full installation
Vehicle Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-1997 | Dodge | Ram 1500 |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 8217 |
| SKU | SKY8217 |
| UPC | 803696152615 |
| Product Type | Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit |
| Cylinder Type | Twin-Tube Black MAX |
| Color | Black |
| Quantity | 2 stabilizer cylinders |
| Warranty | Skyjacker Limited Warranty |
| Prop 65 | Yes - See warning below |
What's Included
- 2x Skyjacker 8217 Black MAX twin-tube steering stabilizer cylinders
- Center axle mounting bracket
- Tie rod brackets (driver and passenger side)
- U-bolts, studs, poly bushings, washers, and lock nuts
- Installation instructions
About Skyjacker
Skyjacker Suspensions engineers 4WD suspension and steering solutions from West Monroe, Louisiana. Their Black MAX dual stabilizer line covers Dodge Ram truck generations from the mid-1990s through the 2010s, providing specific bracket kits for each Ram generation's unique front steering geometry and axle configuration.
Related Parts on Our Site
- Skyjacker 8218 Dodge Ram 1500 Steering Damper Kit 1998-2001
- Skyjacker 8213 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Dual Steering Damper Kit
- Skyjacker 8239 Ram 2500 and 3500 Steering Damper Kit 2009-2012
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skyjacker 8217?The Skyjacker 8217 is a Black MAX dual steering stabilizer kit for 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD trucks. It installs two Black MAX twin-tube cylinders to reduce steering shimmy and front-end wandering on the second-generation Ram 1500 platform.
Does the Skyjacker 8217 fit all 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 trim levels?Yes. The 8217 is compatible with all 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD trim levels, including ST, SLT, Laramie, Sport, and Base configurations. The front steering and stabilizer mounting positions are consistent across all trims for this generation.
Is the Skyjacker 8217 interchangeable with the 8218 for a 1998 Ram 1500?No. The 8217 is designed for the 1994-1997 Ram 1500 and the 8218 is for the 1998-2001 Ram 1500. These generations received front suspension and steering updates between model years that make the bracket kits non-interchangeable. Using the correct kit for your specific model year is essential for proper fit.
Will the Skyjacker 8217 work with 33-inch tires on a lifted 1996 Ram 1500?Yes. The 8217 dual kit provides substantially more damping force than the factory single stabilizer, which makes it well suited for second-generation Ram 1500 trucks running 33-inch and larger tires with a suspension lift.
Does the Skyjacker 8217 require any special tools to install?No special tools are required. The 8217 is a bolt-on kit that installs using standard hand tools and a torque wrench. Most installations take 1 to 2 hours.
Can the Skyjacker 8217 be used on a 1994 Ram 1500 daily driver?Yes. The 8217 is appropriate for daily driving as well as off-road use. It improves highway tracking and reduces steering fatigue in addition to controlling shimmy on rough surfaces.
What warranty covers the Skyjacker 8217?The 8217 is covered by Skyjacker's standard limited manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Contact Skyjacker Suspensions for full warranty terms and claim procedures.
Does the Skyjacker 8217 address death wobble on a Ram 1500 4WD?The 8217 significantly reduces shimmy and vibration symptoms. However, death wobble is typically caused by worn tie rod ends, ball joints, or other steering components. Inspecting and replacing worn parts in combination with installing the 8217 provides the most complete solution.
Installation Overview
- Chock the rear wheels, engage the parking brake, and center the steering wheel.
- Press greased hourglass bushings into both stabilizer cylinder body eyes.
- Mount the center axle bracket to the front axle housing with the supplied U-bolts. Do not fully tighten.
- Install the passenger-side tie rod bracket on top of the tie rod. Secure with U-bolts. Repeat for driver side.
- Install washers and poly stem bushings on each stabilizer shaft end. Connect to the tie rod brackets. Tighten until the bushings begin to swell.
- Extend each stabilizer to half travel. Torque center axle U-bolts to 30 ft-lbs. Torque tie rod bracket U-bolts to 240 in-lbs.
- Cycle steering lock to lock. Confirm no binding. After the first 100 miles, re-check all hardware torque.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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