You're right, it doesn't seem to flex with the lift by it does put extra stress on those bushings. Lift the front end up and wiggle the tires to see if you have any slop. If you don't, then you are fine... if you do, it should be replaced so you don't mess up your tires.
The pathy relay rod would be a good thing to look into. I will check with the parts guy to see if we can compare the two.