Duff stage 3 lift questions

[callsigntater]

I recently bought a 94 Ranger 4.0 4x4 supercab and have been doing a lot of research on different lifts. I think I have decided on the JD stage 3 that will give me around 5 inches(says 5-5.5 on site). That's being said I'm trying to learn all I can about what it takes to do this lift right the first time. I'm aware I need to do the 1 piece driveshaft swap. I guess really my concerns are with alignment and pinion gear angle. Anyone here put this lift on a ranger like mine and have to address these issues ?

So far I'm planning on the lift kit, traction bars, axle pivot bushings, and the driveshaft swap. Am I missing anything ?

 

[4x4junkie]

Pinion angle should be fine, especially with the new driveshaft.

JD makes a great lift for sure, though something you may want to also look into getting for it is the longer Skyjacker pt# FA600 drop pitman arm.
Like many other lifts for these trucks, the pitman arm provided by JD is much too short to fully correct the angle of the steering linkage. This causes bumpsteer which degrades the truck's handling, as well as rapidly accelerates tire wear. The Skyjacker arm drops down a true 4" from stock, which matches considerably closer with the height of the lift (a 1" height disparity in the steering shouldn't create any noticeable issues in most cases).
The other option is a steering linkage swap (K-link or crossover steering). A linkage swap adds a bit of complexity (and almost universally requires a bit of custom set-up work), but has the benefit of not putting as much leverage onto your steering gear like a longer pitman arm would. Other benefits of course are greatly improved handling, and an even further reduction in tire wear due to it's better ability to maintain toe alignment.

 

[callsigntater]

I'll have to research that steering linkage swap, sounds like the way to go. Thank you for the detailed response.