Need lift help!

[killj0y]

Ok so I just ordered the rough country 4in lift for my 96 ranger Xlt. I got zero answers I'm the general forum so presser help me out. Do I need the sway bar drop brackets? I ordered them because I could not find a clear answer whether I need them or not. Also will I run into any problems with the stock drive shaft? I didn't order the steering stabilizer because I read I didn't need it.

Set my mind at ease here guys. I have the tools to get the job done but I'd like to install it this week since I have the week off and am able to have it parked a few days assuming I can get it here on time.

Any other tips or warnings on installation?

 

[inuyasha2875]

i used the Rough Country lift in my b2 I didn't run into any problems with it. I would put the sway bar drop brackets in if it's your DD it will handle better. A grinder and a good grind disc are helpful and you will have to have alinment right away. I got mine done in a weekend with a friends help good luck

 

[killj0y]

i used the Rough Country lift in my b2 I didn't run into any problems with it. I would put the sway bar drop brackets in if it's your DD it will handle better. A grinder and a good grind disc are helpful and you will have to have alinment right away. I got mine done in a weekend with a friends help good luck

Cool thanks, yea if it's beneficial I'll put the sway bar brackets in I just didn't want to put stuff that shouldn't be there lol. Yea I got an air and electric grinder, air ratchet, impact, huge pry bars etc plenty of tools the only one I might have to pick up is the Pitman arm puller

 

[daniel3507]

If you're truck has sway bars then you will need the brackets or drop links or whatever their called. You mind have some driveshaft vibration. Best thing to do then is swap in a one piece driveshaft.

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[shermbodius]

Glad to here this because in a few months I will be doing the same thing.
Sherm...

 

[killj0y]

Ok good cuz the sway bar brackets are ordered lol. Also I checked and it looks like I have a one piece drive shaft so no worries. Guess my year had a one piece shaft woot.

 

[daniel3507]

They used a 2 piece through 97. Unless a previous owner changed it you have the 2 price. You should notice a shaft coming from the transmission going to a carrier bushing and then another shaft from there to you're rearend. If not than you got really lucky haha.

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[killj0y]

I'll check again but I'm fairly certain I have a one piece hmm. I'm gonna go check again right now lol. I checked in the evening with a flash light so maybe I missed something.

 

[brinker88]

I vote completely removing the sway bars. My truck doesnt feel that much different with the front/rears off.

 

[killj0y]

Ok yup one piece kick ass. Also to previous poster is it your dd? Mine is so hesitant as it already has done body roll as is. do you gain a fair amount of flex? Also it's 2wd so not gonna offroad that much lol. At least until I get a locker

 

[brinker88]

It's a DD in the winter. Secondary in the summer as I have a 2wd 5 speed as well. I dont really have that much body roll to tell you the truth. You can feel it but I dont drive my truck like a moron in the first place. It's a completely different animal driving a lifted truck. Oh, and it flexes 10x better with no sway bars. They limit that considerably.

 

[173dave]

If you lift your rig you will most likely need a longer drive shaft. You should disconnect one end of the drive shaft and see if you have any play left. If it is too short it will destroy your pinion bearing. I know this from experience. If 4wd then check the front shaft too.

 

[killj0y]

If you lift your rig you will most likely need a longer drive shaft. You should disconnect one end of the drive shaft and see if you have any play left. If it is too short it will destroy your pinion bearing. I know this from experience. If 4wd then check the front shaft too.

Hmm well so far I've heard of lots of guys here installing this lift with zero problems over many years. I'll def keep an eye on it but I think it's fine. Your the first to mention that problem. it is only 4 inches of lift so not crazy or anything. In the near future I might try the washer lift or spacers in case I need to level it or go an inch or two higher but I think this will be fine for this truck. I would like to be able to cross a ditch, that's good enough for me lol. More importantly I want a locker and a winch with some serious bumpers (btw any tips on good offroad bumper manufacturers?) I want it to look tough and be an able ranch truck. No crazy offroading but I don't want to get stuck easily either. Budget build but practical for a ranch truck.

 

[brinker88]

A suspnsion lift over 4 inches calls for extended driveshafts. You should be fine if you dont go over that. Altho you WILL need a new driveshaft regardless if you install a 4" lift on your vehicle. You need a double cardon 3rd gen driveshaft + yoke on the transfer case.

 

[daniel3507]

You're gonna have to build a bumper probably. Not many people make one for a ranger.

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