Steering wheel not aligned

[screwturner]

I have a 91 RV 1500 2wd. The truck was involved in a three car wreck, car1 ran stop light, t-boned car2, pushing car2 into me damaging the entire passenger side. The impact punctured the front passenger tire, damaged the rim.

I was able to drive the vehicle home from the accident scene. However, when the wheels are pointing straight, the steering wheel is upside down. Also, the steering wheel does not rotate a full 2.5 turns to the left. This increases the turning radius. I get full rotation when turning right.

Ideas on what might be damage or how to realign the steering wheel?

[maxwedge]

Steering knuckle where the tie rod connects is probably bent, , but other areas need to be checked such as the lower arm, tie rods and even possibly the gear box is damaged.

[screwturner]

Thanks for the info. I did examine the tie rods, only visually with the wheels on. This weekend I take a closer look and use a straight edge.

[screwturner]

Originally Posted by screwturner

Thanks for the info. I did examine the tie rods, only visually with the wheels on. This weekend I take a closer look and use a straight edge.

All the steering hardware is straight and true. This leaves just the gearbox I suppose. Right?

I wanted to post a picture but could not figure out how to do so. I'll try to describe. There are two 1 inch protrusion/knobs on the steering shaft where it mates with the shaft going to the steering box. Both knobs show signs of rubbing and one actually looks bent.

Suggestions???

[Redgriz]

i had a similar situation. replaced and re-aligned many times, finally the tranny went out. Put in a new goodwrench and it tracks well and no pull to the right. I think the hit to the right front passenger side did something to the torque converter and it spun out of balance. I know that sounds crazy but new tires, alignments and parts did nothing for it. I just replaced both sets leaf springs and I also noticed that the right one was a bear to take off. the cap screw had to be pounded out with a punch and hammer. Good luck with your situation and thanks for letting me but my two bits. in.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by screwturner

All the steering hardware is straight and true. This leaves just the gearbox I suppose. Right?

I wanted to post a picture but could not figure out how to do so. I'll try to describe. There are two 1 inch protrusion/knobs on the steering shaft where it mates with the shaft going to the steering box. Both knobs show signs of rubbing and one actually looks bent.

Suggestions???

Why dont you get this to an alignment shop and have them find what is bent, sounds like center steering link but again the steering arm on the knuckle can bent and be difficult to see, this requires some experience to find the problem. This is not an area for hit and miss.