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Originally Posted by 888
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Next, I have to deal with the front suspension damage. The body does not appear to be affected in the area of the suspension (guide rod for example), it just appears that the wheel was hit and the steering knuckle bent inwards in the middle of the unsupported span, which is what caused the wheel to tip inwards at the top. You can see how close to the shock the steering knuckle is, there is 3 or 4x the clearance between them on the other side and there is an impact mark from the inside of the wheel on the steering knuckle.
I have a replacement steering knuckle provided by another member and I'm having a Lemforder lower joint pressed in at a local import shop a buddy owns. I'll be picking that up today, I have a Lemforder upper control arm assembly purchased on here to put on as well.
I've replaced Jeep suspensions before but nothing like this one. My plan is to block the lower control arm in place where it is and remove and replace the UCA, steering knuckle, and go from there. I'm open to suggestions and comments on how to safely do this if there is a better/smarter way. Hopefully, this gets the front wheel back where it needs to be and makes the car safe to drive a little up and down the lane. I know an alignment will be needed but hopefully this gets me in the same zip code.
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I'm just going to cherry pick the bit about the suspension.
Examine the inside of the engine bay to make sure the structure isn't damaged.
You will need to replace the entire upper control arm. I think in the days of yore you could get a separate joint but these days I've only seen the entire assembly.
The front anti-roll bar may also have been damaged. Compare with the other side of the car. Replace the doughnut bushings on the anti-roll bar too. It is probably best to do this on either side.
Check the mountings / structure behind the inner / main mounts for the anti-roll bar too. If they are now distorted or loose the whole front end will be unstable.
Whilst you feel that most of the damage is to the upper part of the suspension don't disregard the lower control arm and the attachment to the frame.
Now is the time to look hard and it necessary measure before buying spare parts.