[Brackneyc]

I pulled off the right front fender (passenger side) today to work on the wiring, and I noticed a small dent in the frame. This dent is just behind the front tire, and seems to have only been dented, and not bent the whole frame. If the frame is a tiny bit bent (it doesn't look ,like it) can the front end still be aligned and be made to drive straight. The few times I was able to drive it (very slowly) I did not notice anything unusual in the front.

Now, here is what is bothering me. The front tire seems to be leaning in a little at the top (is that a good explanation). In other words, I think the toe, or is it caster, is off a little. Will an alignment fix this once I have the new front end kit installed and aligned? The ball joints are loose, but not terrible. When I had the rear end up, I really noticed this problem, but with it back on level ground, it is hardly noticeable, but now to me it seems like there is something wrong. You know how it is when you see a blemish, and the more you look at it, the worse it seems.

[gene_sc]

A dent behind the wheel is the signs of a front end colllision..... if the tire is layed in at the top you may have camber issue... any shimes on the upper control arm?? How does the frame horn look? ( front of frame by bumper mounting)

[MARTINSR]

Yep, classic bend, very common in that area. The frame horn goes out to the right and back, that is the "weak" point so it gives.

Brian

[Brackneyc]

There are some shims on one side of the a-arm. The frame appears to be ok in the front, at least as best as I can tell. If there was a collision, am I screwed, or can it be adjusted. The inside of the frame does not look like it has moved, only the outside, like it is a little bit collapsed. The dent is very minor, and the onyl way I was able to tell that it wasn't supposed to be there was to look at the other side.

[gene_sc]

If it is bent hehind the wheel, the crossmember can be off ect... If the front of the frame looks sweet then car may have had a wheel shot..... A body shop or a frame and axle shop should be able to fix it if not too bad... take along a frame diagraim, so you have measerments and they shouldn't whine too much