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Dual Black MAX Steering Damping for 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Trucks
The Skyjacker 8218 is a Black MAX dual steering stabilizer kit designed for 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD trucks, as well as Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks from the same generation. The third-generation Ram's front steering geometry can develop shimmy and wandering as the factory stabilizer ages or when modified with larger tires. The 8218 adds two Black MAX twin-tube cylinders with dedicated mounting hardware to deliver the damping needed for a confident, straight-tracking Ram in daily driving and trail use. A complete bolt-on kit with no cutting or welding required.
Key Features
- Skyjacker 8218 Black MAX dual steering stabilizer kit for 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 4WD
- Dual twin-tube Black MAX cylinders with specialized compression and extension damping valving
- Eliminates front-end shimmy from aged factory stabilizers, oversized tires, and lifted suspensions
- Skyjacker 8218 bolt-on design; no drilling, cutting, or welding required
- Black powder-coated finish for durability in off-road and road salt environments
- Reduces wear on tie rods, ball joints, and steering gearbox from high-frequency vibration
- Includes all mounting brackets and hardware for a complete installation
Vehicle Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1998-2001 | Dodge | Ram 1500 |
| 1998-2002 | Dodge | Ram 2500 |
| 1998-2002 | Dodge | Ram 3500 |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 8218 |
| SKU | SKY8218 |
| UPC | 803696152622 |
| 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 8218 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
Based in West Monroe, Louisiana, Skyjacker Suspensions has engineered 4WD suspension and steering solutions for over 40 years. The Black MAX dual stabilizer line was developed to address the unique front-end dynamics of Dodge Ram platforms, where solid-axle geometry and heavy-duty driveline components create steering shimmy that a single factory stabilizer cannot fully control.
Related Parts on Our Site
- Skyjacker 8217 Dodge Ram 1500 Steering Damper Kit 1994-1997
- 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 8218?The Skyjacker 8218 is a Black MAX dual steering stabilizer kit for 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 and 1998-2002 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 4WD trucks. It installs two twin-tube Black MAX cylinders to reduce steering shimmy and restore front-end control on third-generation Ram platforms.
Does the Skyjacker 8218 fit the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 from 1998-2002?Yes. The 8218 is compatible with 1998-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 models in addition to the 1998-2001 Ram 1500, as these generations share the same front steering and axle geometry for stabilizer mounting purposes.
How is the Skyjacker 8218 different from the 8217?The 8217 is built for 1994-1997 Dodge Ram 1500 and the 8218 is for the 1998-2001 generation. The Ram 1500 received front suspension and steering updates between these generations, so the bracket kits are not interchangeable. Selecting the correct kit for your model year is essential.
Does the Skyjacker 8218 work with a 3-inch body lift on a Ram 1500?A body lift does not change the front axle or steering geometry, so the 8218 remains compatible. Suspension lifts that alter the front axle or tie rod position may affect bracket clearance and should be evaluated before ordering.
Will the Skyjacker 8218 help with death wobble on my Ram?The 8218 reduces shimmy and vibration by adding dual-cylinder damping force to the front steering. It is not a repair for worn tie rod ends, track bar bushings, or other steering components that typically cause death wobble. Replacing worn components alongside the 8218 installation provides the best outcome.
Is the Skyjacker 8218 compatible with the Ram 1500 Laramie and Sport trims?Yes. The 8218 fits all 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD trims including Laramie, Sport, ST, and WS. The front steering and stabilizer mounting positions are identical across trim levels.
How do I verify that the 8218 fits before purchasing?Confirm that your truck is a 4WD Dodge Ram 1500 from model years 1998-2001, or a Ram 2500/3500 from 1998-2002. The 8218 is designed for the 4WD models with solid front axle setups. 2WD trucks use different front steering configurations and are not covered by this kit.
What warranty covers the Skyjacker 8218?The 8218 is protected by Skyjacker's standard limited warranty against defects in materials and manufacturing. Contact Skyjacker Suspensions or your authorized dealer for warranty terms and claim procedures.
Installation Overview
- Chock the rear wheels, engage the parking brake, and straighten the steering wheel.
- Press greased hourglass bushings into both stabilizer cylinder body eyes.
- Mount the center axle bracket to the front axle housing using the supplied U-bolts. Do not fully tighten yet.
- Install both tie rod brackets on the tie rod and secure with U-bolts. Snug only.
- Install washers and poly stem bushings on each stabilizer shaft end and attach 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 and tie rod bracket U-bolts to 240 in-lbs.
- Cycle the steering lock to lock and confirm no binding or contact. After the first 100 miles, re-check all torque values.
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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