Tie rods out of adjustment?

Went offroading everything was great then I drove over what looked to be a small puddle on a dirt road but it was actually a pretty large pothole. Hit with the right front wheel and my buddy riding shotgun bounced up and almost gave me an aftermarket sunroof. Alignment was instantly off steering wheel was turned a bit left to go straight.

Brought it back and took it to the off road shop I use for an alignment. Gets working on it calls and tells me the tie rod on the front passenger wheel that hit the bump is out of adjustment so they cant bring the toe in anymore. He says its bottoming out and wants to undo the tie rod and cut a little of the thread off so he can bring the toe in more. He said nothing looks bent or broken and can;t really explain why just knows thats the issue...

He does a lot of work on my buddies jeeps and has always been very knowledgeable so I trust him but any of this make sense to anyone?

 

Something did get bent. Did he have to push out the other side?

 

What I am thinking as well. Any guesses as to which part would get bent the easiest?

 

I couldn't venture to guess. That's why I asked if the other side had to be moved out. As in if it shifted the entire steering rack.

 

Sorry I missed your questions,said the other side was fine. I would be impressed if it moved the entire steering rack... Said the only problem is right front. Right now it's drive able but said the tire wear would be bad.

 

Maybe time to just replace them and get some beefy end links from Coach builder.

 

The thought has crossed my mind, prob would if I knew it would fix my current issue

 

If you have loose steering rack bushings could it have caused the rack to shift?

 

I'm thinking it could have but I have zero play in my steering wheel...

 

Yeah I’m definitely no alignment guru by any means. But it is known that many folks, when they get an alignment, don’t get their lower A arm cam eccentric bolts tightened enough. They take 200+ftlbs to keep them from getting out of whack. I’m sure your tech would’ve checked that but worth a thought. Also the cam tabs can get bent.

 

It sounds to me like something bent or shifted. If the LCA cam bolts didn’t shift, a bent spindle is my next suspect.

 

Forgot about the cam tabs being so weak. I know some vendor sells a product to strengthen them.

 

Hoping not the spindle but I agree it could have gotten pushed out from the force of the uptravel hitting my extended bumpstops

 

If the alignment cams are fine, and it sounds like they are, have him check the spindles. Super simple, measure in between the top of the knuckle and tire on both sides, if different ones bent. If they are good you probably pushed the frame and coil tower in. Not much you can do, I would and have re-clocked the steering wheel instead of cutting the tie rod threads.

 

Thanks man, great info here. Whats it take to re-clock the steering wheel?

 

Look under dash up by brake pedal, there is a pinch bolt splined clamp on the shaft, it’s easy.

 

Call or David at CB he will tell you if it will fix it or not. David is not like other aftermarket place. Very smart guy and will not BS you and tell u to buy it if it will not fix it!!