2WD suspension questions with 4" lift

[T-Bone]

I picked up a 97 Ranger for my son he is 16. It has a 4" lift (suspension) but feels a little "loose" while driving. There are no sway bars in the front or rear. My question, do they belong or are they typically removed once the lift kit is installed?? If they are recommended to be there, can anyone offer suggestions where I could buy them, THANKS.

 

[norcals91]

It definitely came with a swaybar factory. Depending on the kit, the swaybar extensions (because of the lift) are optional equipment, like you have to order the seperately (that was the case with my procomp kit). If you want to source a sway bar, a local yard, you pull it or full service will have what you need. I would figure what kit you have and order the extensions (or fab up a set). I don't run a sway bar on mine, and it is a bit "loose." Looking back on when I was 16 I thought my truck was a race car...definetly explain to him that it is a lifted truck and will ride as such. Oh, may want to check ball joints and steering linkage (it does have a drop pitman arm right?) to make sure thats not it.

 

[T-Bone]

Thanks,thats good info. The pitman arm looks factory,I did see a replacement pitman arm on-line and the one thats in the truck is oem (factory). If the replacement pit man arm makes a big difference, I will replace it. I just installed new ball joints on both sides and the rest of the front end parts are tight. My son thinks he is driving a monster truck, but thats what life should be at his age (wish I was him). Thanks again for the help. I am an "old" mechanic but have never got involved with trucks or 4x4's so this part is all new, but alot of fun especially being able to do it together with my son, thanks again for the help!