How do I keep this from happening?

[4x4junkie]

I helped a friend with this issue on an Explorer a few years ago (I believe his too was Rough Country)... What we did was cut away the offending part of the bracket assembly, then welded the bracket to the drop plate, followed by a gusset up top to further strengthen the area where we cut it. Also we added a brace to it, though this part probably isn't necessary on something not wheeled hard.

If you don't have a welder, then yeah best option might be to just replace it outright with something of a better design.
Skyjacker I know used to sell brackets individually, though I think nowadays you might have to order the axle pivots as a pair, I'm not sure. Tuff Country may be another one worth looking at as well, although theirs are a bit less sturdy than Skyjacker.

 

[Jim Oaks]

You can also consider adding a bumpstop so the diff can't travel that far up. This is why i jatelifts with the drop plate to lower the factory pivot bracket.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Link to aforementioned article on this style of lift kit.

1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4x4 Lift Kits - The Ranger Station

Compare suspension lift kits for 1983–1997 Ford Ranger 4x4 from Skyjacker, James Duff, Solo, Tuff Country, BDS & more.

www.therangerstation.com