Good morning,

I have a 2002 Dodge Durango and I hit a curb while icy with the DS front tire. It is not significantly toed out, so much so I can't drive it to get it looked at. Nothing I can find is loose, nothing is broken or noticeably bent. Is there an easy way to get it toed in enough to drive to the shop and have an alignment done?

Thank you

 

Assuming your other wheel is still fine you should be able to get it pretty much fixed on your own.

Find a nice smooth and flat surface to work on.

Set the steering so that the wheel that wasn't hit is straight.

In neutral rock the truck back and forth a bit and jounce the suspension to make sure the suspension is settled.

Jack up the front end and adjust the tie rod end on the wheel that got hit until it looks about the same as the other wheel.

While the front end is off the ground put a strip of masking tape along the center of each wheel, then with a sharpie that is stationary and leaning against the tire make a line all the way around on the tape.

Here's a visual of the tape and sharpie line:


Put the truck back on the ground, then rock it forwards and backwards again and jounce the suspension.

Now measure the distance from the line on one wheel to the other on the front and back of the tire. They should be the same if they're aligned properly.

It might not be bad idea to get a shop to check everything out at that point.

 

?? First sentence says it it's ok to drive, 3rd sentence says it's not.

It's just tire wear anyway. Just drive it to get it aligned, assuming it's not 100 miles away. There is likely more wrong than toe anyway.

 

wtf...

yeah, just drive the heap to the shop. As jeeper said, it’s just tire ware. Unless your wheel falls off not much you can do. Otherwise just foot the bill for a tow (you SHOULD have this as an option on your insurance policy. So foolish not to with a 10+ yr old vehicle..)

 

I don't have that option, but then again, I have other trucks and my own trailer, so I cheap out by being self sufficient. Lol.

Just drive it, unless it's that bad and you're afraid to. The. Call a tow truck, or hopefully you have a friend you can buy a six pack for, who happens to have a truck and trailer. If you live near San Antonio TX, pm and I'll help you out if needed.

Do you have a picture of the tire in question?

 

^haha I’m a cheap ***. You better pay for the gas AND 6 pack lol

 

Almost on topic...lol... I had to have the D towed 6 months or so ago [hint: don't drive in driving rain with 80mph winds (microburst storm in Abq), D things quit working.]. I called my ins co from the side of the freeway, found out I did not have towing coverage, but they had a deal with their local towing co that the total price for their subscribers was only $65 for up to a 40 mile tow.

I had it towed home (10 mi), got it in the garage, and it dried out over night. It's run fine since, no actual repairs.

 

That’s good they have that option.

It’s still foolish to not have TOW on your insurance policy. For any vehicle unless under manufature warranty.

Rental car is also good to have as well.. My policy offered $50day/$900 max for like $8 each policy periord (6 months). I thankfully don’t need such as I have three vehicles under my name but still.. always good to have such services just in case if they apply.. And a 12+yr old vehicle qualifies!!!!!

 

AAA membership is cheap and gives other perks too.

SJ02

 

Sorry guys, I disagree strongly here. If you slid into a curb hard enough to change the toe-out of the wheel *something* broke. Don't drive the truck in that condition. Not only is it endangering you, it is also dangerous for other drivers on the road. Have it towed somewhere and start looking for what is broke.

A number of years ago my wife slid into a curb with my D while in an icy parking lot. Didn't look bad, just cut the right front tire. She called me and I came out to change it for her. Jacked it up, changed the wheel and it all looked good. She started it up, backed out of the spot and turned the wheel only to have the right front wheel turn in completely as the outer tie rod snapped. That could have just as easily happened when she was driving on the open road with serious consequences.

Don't take chances with steering components.

Bob