I bought a 98+ 3 body lift kit off a ranger group on facebook and the guy said it should work on my 97 Mazda b4000. Im just wondering how different the 97 to 98 models would be. Am i going to be able to use this kit on my 97?

 

You're right in the middle of generations there.

93-97 were the second generation of Ranger, and 98-up was third. 97 may have been the last year of I-Beam/TTB and went to A-arms, but affecting the body?

I don't know the differences in body-to-frame mounts between those generations or if there are any distinct differences at all, but a body lift is merely a spacer. I wonder if the diameter of the actual body lift spacer is bigger or smaller, or if the amount of mounts and/or configuration is different.

It may be just an observance of different generations, but I would see if I can compare the cab mount bushings and bed mount bushings (local parts store) for each year and comparing those. If they're the same dimensions, there you are.

...or Craigslist your kit for sale or trade and get the one for yours.

 

Thanks for the input. I will go to an Auto parts store when i get a chance and compare them. My truck is definitely in between. The truck is listed as a 97 but yet my crankshaft uses an 8 bolt pattern for a 98. Even Mazda told me id have to check with them for when i replace parts because its a mixture of both generations apparently.