I started replacing the sway bar links on my 2003 ranger edge 2WD yesterday because a bushing deteriorated. When installing the new links, one side fits in fine, but on the other side the sway bar seems to be an inch lower and i can't fit the new link and bushing into its spot. IDK if the sway bar is bent, the Truck is leaning or WTF! I’m doing the work with the truck on the ground...could that be causing things to be out of whack

 

I've done something similar. Its possible the one side is overtightened. Loosen the side that is attached, but don't uninstall it. Then try to install the second side. If you have your old sway bar end links still, figure out where the nut used to sit on the threads. (Just count the threads) and after instillation, tighten the new ones in the same location on both sides.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the reply. I ended up start one side (the one that fit okay), then put a bottle jack on the center frame and jacked it up to drop the lower control arm on the other side. Gave me just enough room to tap it in there. Got it started then lowered it and tightened both ends. On the one side the bushing is a little bit squashed, but I figured screw it. I'll check it every so often to see how things are looking under there. Besides, those things aren't very expensive to replace if it wears out again. Plus, I don't put a lot of mileage on the truck and drive like an old man. We'll see how it works out.

 

Awesome! Glad you got it.

Another thing, I interned at Ford back in the day as a front end technician and when those things would squeak, the M.O. was to put WD-40 or WD-40 with White Lithium Grease on them.
So if you get squeaking, try that.