Need Help. Terrible steering issues

[Riotfunk]

So my jeep was involved in a low speed head on collision approx 8 months ago where some kid nodded out and drove into me. It’s a 22 two door Willy’s. The shop replaced the front bumper and some other things they said they did but actually didn’t. I just got it back. It’s been aligned about 8 times and it’s still so messed up is dangerous to drive and have no recourse but to fix myself.
I have a 2” lift, rancho front track bar and rear track bar relocation bracket, mopar extended LCA. It drove perfect before this. 90mph on highway and tracked straight. Now I can’t do 30 without feeling like I’m going to die.

I found out the dealer that did the work put a regular LCA on it and left one longer one. I think the mopar lift ones are 1/8”-1/4” longer. So there’s that. I ordered two new LCA to put on. If I hit a bump or uneven road where the wheels are going up and down it turn towards that side when the one wheel is lower.

When going straight the jeep pulls right pretty bad. Is also affected under braking. The ball joints were replaced and an axle tube I believe. The insurance still will not provide a detailed work order same with the dealer. They stated they replaced parts that they didn’t, track bar is the one I put on. Is my only vehicle and is undrivable. Here is photos of it at full lock where I can feel it binding up.

What should I look at to do to make it right. When I installed everything it was perfect. Now I have to rely on ships since I injured my back and cannot do the work myself

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[Aussicon]

Man that sucks. I see you’re in MA. You could do worse than contact Eric at Offroad Elements and get him to take a look at it. Could have misaligned or bent axle/tie-rod damage.

 

[Riotfunk]

I’m in western Ma. Basically NY, that shops like 3 hours plus from me. I don’t want to leave the area since it’s driving so bad. They literally had it 8 months for a job that should’ve taken 2 days. It was in the shop longer than I’ve had it. And it drives worse now than when it was hit. The drivers side axle shaft was replaced and was tie rod per insurance. Finally got that info. But whether or not it actually was is a mystery.

 

[Ratbert]

Your insurance company won't make it right?

 

[Riotfunk]

Your insurance company won't make it right?

They won’t replace the parts that dealer said they replaced and didn’t. Insurance fraud is ok apparently when it’s done by a preferred shop from insurance company. I’m gonna trade it if I can’t fix it which I don’t want to. But, I need a working vehicle.

 

[TheBirdie72]

My thoughts: Get rid of it and get a new one. Trying to fix this feels like it could be a never ending battle. That kid that hit you screwed you but good. Sorry.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Alignment sheet? Could be as major as a bent axle or as minor as a toe adjustment. Without specs you're throwing darts in the dark.

 

[Riotfunk]

I know. They wouldn’t provide the alignment stuff either. I just did the lift, tires, armor etc before I got hit

 

[Zandcwhite]

I know. They wouldn’t provide the alignment stuff either. I just did the lift, tires, armor etc before I got hit

I think it would be more cost effective to take it to an alignment shop and get actual specs before guessing and throwing parts at it. Just tell them you want closer to 6⁰ of caster not the 4⁰ Jeep recommends. Drives much better at that setting.

 

[JLRyder]

Do as others have said and get your numbers. If you want to throw parts at it start with take offs from Craig’s or a fourm member; most stock take off parts can be had as complete kits/sets (control arms, springs, and trac bar) from folks who did a lift for 100 bucks or less.

 

[VKSheridan]

Put it on a U-Haul or get it towed to a different dealer. Have them confirm/reject if parts installed are new replacements so that you have an outside firm supporting your claim of charged but not installed parts.

I’m assuming you’re complaining about “wander”. Verify your drag link is parallel to your tie rod. Verify your steering dampener isn’t damaged. Verify your steering box isn’t a recalled will-fit. Verify your steering wheel is centered.

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