I was out wheeling the other day. Hit a good bump got some air, my steel bumpers absorbed the dip and cut the dirt and as far as I can see I blew a shock. I am worried that the little hit may have bent the frame or maybe hurt the axel. Nothing visibly I see but I'm Gunu have my mechanic check it out. In the case that I bent/twisted the frame or thrown off the axels, what happens next? Idk If that sort of stuff is repairable?

 

Any pictures of the front of the Cherokee to see if anything is visibly tweaked? You can replace a bent axle but the frame is a little tricky depending on what happened.

 

The front hit hard, most of it going to the driver side and blew my shock. Here are pics as it sits and of the front axel. My drive way is a little bit of incline but as level as I could get.

 

From the pictures I can't really see anything out of the ordinary but it doesn't hurt to go over it carefully.

 

Does it drive any different? If it doesn't I wouldn't worry about it.

 

No rides fine. Minus the shock that has to be replaced. I didn't notice any difference in the way I drive it. No other noise or fluids leaking.

 

Keep an eye on the tires and check the tread wear on a regular basis. If you start to see any uneven wear then there may be something bent. Could be as simple as needing an alignment or a bent axle tube or steering knuckle.

 

Check your control arm brackets for busted welds... They seem to go first after a hit like that. Usually the lowers are the ones that have the problems. It wouldnt hurt to spray some strong degreaser on that entire front end and pressure wash it real well. That way you can see cracks in welds and any sort of mangled metal easier.

 

Ive jumped my XJ several times and have noticeable chassis twist, it hasnt caused any issues except cracking the tailgate around one of the taillights before readjusting and some misalignment here and there with body panels. Can still drive 80 on the highway, Recommend unibody stiffeners b/c it does quit up the chassis alot