I live in Mexico and I have read your article with great interest, as I am trying to figure out what is wrong with my steering.
I have a 1999 Sahara TJ, and it was running perfectly before I had a no fault collision. The only slight problem before that, was a slight oil leak at the steering box, but it was not affecting the steering.
The Insurance Company insisted that they haul the Wrangler away to their preferred Body Shop in Guadalajara, which is about 11/2 hours difficult journey from where I live. They made a reasonably good bodywork repair, but something is wrong with the steering. After the collision, the passenger side front wheel, was turned out at an angle of about 30 degrees, and all the oil was on the ground from the steering system. They said that they did not do anything to the steering, but made me pay for a replacement steering box, because they said that it was bad before the collision.
I have attached a photo of the front end, after the collision, and I can not understand how they straightened the wheel, without renewing something.
My symptoms now when driving, are: slightly heavy feel, and wandering slightly to the left and right. I have checked my tire pressures, and had a local repair shop, re-align the steering to 1/16 -1/8 toe in. it was set to toe out. I also note that they have filled the system with ATF fluid instead of Steering Fluid.
It will be impossible to find any place here, that has proper alignment equipment, and trained mechanics. They just work with a tape measure, and smile!
ANY thoughts and comments that you may have, will be most appreciated.