last weekend i slid in to a very stout pole with my 98... the runell bumper took most of it, and bent the steel pole over then the right front tire hit it hard, now there is half turn difference to the left in the steering wheel, still drives straight and no play in the steering, i have checked every bolt, ball joint, tie rods, for signs of movement and bends but cant find anything out of the odinary any ideas what happened?

 

I'm guessing that this is a 4x4? If so, there is a adjusting collar on the drag link ( I think that's what it's called). Look for the steering stabilizer and you'll see it there. Could be that it just slipped the threads in a bit when you hit. it has two clamps that hold it, so if you don't see any bends that would be my guess. If all that you're seeing is steering wheel off center with no other driveablilty problems, you can adjust it there without impacting anything else on your steering.

 

sorry... yes is 4x4 w/ 5in lift. i checked the cams on the bottom trailing arms but no signs there either. i adjusted the wheel straight again w/the drag link, but that much movement still has me on the worried side

 

5" lift.. Are you running factory steering? If so , what design is it? Y -type or T- type? Something is probably bent and you just can't see it with the naked eye. It does not take much. you say the front bumper absorbed most of the impact?? You might of tweaked the chassis...throwing the track bar and control arms out of whack... alot could be going on... especially with a 5" lift...

 

the steering is all stock except for the drop piman arm and a steering box shaft stabilizer. the bumper basicaly bent the pole over and slowed me down then the tire hit it and ran up it then jumped off the side, pole was a 4in. dia. 1/4 wall cemented in the ground and about 10-15 mph impact. it hit the bumper about 10in. in from the edge... i dont think it could have got the frame, but anythings possible

 

Well, I have heard that the front part of the Dodge Chassis is on the weak side.. That's why I brought it up. You said Runell... But if it was a Ruenel.. which is just about bomb proof... that will transmit most energy into the Chassis where it is bolted to. Those nasty bumpers have their pros and cons too!

 

I've seen this problem a couple of times when folks have hit the curb hard.
The shaft out of the steering box is twisted, the entire box needs to be replaced.