Alignment or something else?

[Kip100]

Ok you guys are officially awesome and I already warned I'd be asking a lot of stupid questions....
I hit a huge pot hole a week ago doing about 35. Since then, steering has been more lax, especially to the left to the point it feels like a drift car. Already had a minor alignment issue where 10 degrees past center to the right was "straight". Assuming it's a more serious alignment issue since my confrontation with the pot hole, but would like more info in case a mechanic tries to screw me over. Any advice is welcome before I take it in

 

[pagrey]

Check your tire pressure, check your toe. The stock tie rod is tin foil and bends easily.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Look at your tie rod, it is most likely bent as it is nothing more than thin tubing. If it is straight, which would be surprising, then next most likely bent would be the track bar.

 

[Kip100]

Crap. The tie rod makes sense. Was told 2 years ago it would need replacing soon duh. Thanks guys will feel a bit more confident going to get it looked at

 

[Kip100]

Check your tire pressure, check your toe. The stock tie rod is tin foil and bends easily.

I'm just shocked it's lasted 13 years!

 

[pagrey]

If it's just the tie rod you can bend it back with the factory jack and adjust the toe yourself. It's all part of the fun.

 

[Kip100]

If it's just the tie rod you can bend it back with the factory jack and adjust the toe yourself. It's all part of the fun.

 

[Kip100]

Umm....hard to admit this but my skills extend to checking the oil and replacing the air filter. If there is ever a "jeep care for idiots " class in my area I'm so there

 

[L J]

Umm....hard to admit this but my skills extend to checking the oil and replacing the air filter. If there is ever a "jeep care for idiots " class in my area I'm so there

Replace the tie rod with Moog brand parts from RockAuto for a V8 Jeep ZJ. There's several install vids on YouTube.

 

[Gollywomper]

If you bent the tie rod hitting a pothole I would take that as a sign and upgrade either to the ZJ linkage or the Currie setup.

 

[Kip100]

Replace the tie rod with Moog brand parts from RockAuto for a V8 Jeep ZJ. There's several install vids on YouTube.

Thanks. I have a 2006 wrangler inline 6. Same recommendation?

 

[Gollywomper]

Thanks. I have a 2006 wrangler inline 6. Same recommendation?

Yes. Search on here for the ZJ mod and you will likely find all the part numbers needed for the swap. Or can just order the beefy
Currie Correctlync

 

[L J]

Thanks. I have a 2006 wrangler inline 6. Same recommendation?

I have an '06 LJ and used the ZJ tie rod before I upgraded to the Currie Currectlync. The V8 designation has nothing to do with our Wranglers. It's just that the upgraded tie rod was only available on V8 ZJs.

 

[Kon]

Another vote for Currentlync. I bit the bullet and replaced my stock tie rod and drag link with the Currie setup after I had a similar accident with the OP.

Difference in tube size is considerable, though I thought I would feel a difference in the steering wheel being heavier which I didn't.