on a 4x4 how can i tell or check if ttb bent?

[harleytech]

I lost the steering in my 96 mazda 4x4 and ran over some stuff there's no visible damage to the front undersides of the truck but my tires are now toed out and canted in at the top. I do know at least the driver side has been pushed up to hit the top back of the fender well and the radius arm washer is bent flat.ive pulled the ttb back foward with a ratchet strap but the tires still out of wack. how can i check it for straightness?

 

[4x4junkie]

Check that the driverside axle shaft rotates freely, and that there is plenty of clearance around the center u-joint on the passengerside shaft (chances are pretty good if the driverside beam is bent, oil would start seeping out from around the diff somewhere).

My guess is you fubared the radius arm and possibly the frame bracket (crossmember).

 

[mrcarcrazy]

I lost the steering in my 96 mazda 4x4 and ran over some stuff there's no visible damage to the front undersides of the truck but my tires are now toed out and canted in at the top. I do know at least the driver side has been pushed up to hit the top back of the fender well and the radius arm washer is bent flat.ive pulled the ttb back foward with a ratchet strap but the tires still out of wack. how can i check it for straightness?

Alignment shop. have them check normal specs and SAI/Included angles...then you may need to have things pulled on @ a frame shop.

Luckily radius arms can be easily replaced. but this is one that the #'s need to be assessed to see the severity of the damage.