Bent Frame. Extended Radius Arms?

[bendy_boi]

Hey guys, I'm hoping for some advice. I'm not much of an off-road guy, and I don't intend to off-road this truck or lift it, but I figure with the issue I have and what I'm thinking to solve it, getting advice from some 4x4 guys would be very wise.

I have a 1996 4.0L, extended cab, 5-speed, 4x4.

To the point. I have a slightly bent frame rail, it's at the driver's side radius arm bushing mount, it has pulled the driver's side wheel end back 2 inches.

I want to put on extended radius arms, likely at the trans crossmember (because I can't measure with a bent frame) to restore front axle geometry and make the truck alignable.

Can I equip the truck with extended radius arms without lifting it? They tend to change the caster angle since they are supposed to be used with a lift.

 

[SenorNoob]

I can't see why not if you can make your own radius arms.

Also, wasn't there a set of (Rancho maybe?) extended arms for stock height?

 

[Snoranger]

To the point. I have a slightly bent frame rail, it's at the driver's side radius arm bushing mount, it has pulled the driver's side wheel end back 2 inches.

Pushing the wheel back 2” is not a “slightly bent” frame. That’s a good amount of frame damage. If it is all frame damage and not radius arm or radius arm mount damage... I’d be looking for a new frame.

 

[Shran]

Factory radius arms are fairly easy to bend, I junked a truck that had been rear ended and that collision bent one of them. The bracket on the frame is kinda weak sauce too.

I'd be looking around for a body shop with a frame machine that can straighten it out. Replace the radius arm and bracket too if they look at all suspect.