2002 4.7L Toyota Tundra steering issues

I just went off-roading, and I've come back with issues. I believe the problems came from accidentally winching while the dang wheels were turned. As in, I was pulling the truck forwards while the wheels were turned to the side and dragging. It is now hard to turn the wheels to the left from when they are straight, and at the far right of the steering range. When turning to the left, there are rough spots where it is hard to turn and other regular areas. Also, my steering wheel has changed position, somehow. ALSO, I think the truck is swaying more than usual after bumps, but I think that is because the sway bar end links or whatever they are finally gave out. What do I need to do to fix these issues? (ESPECIALLY THE STEERING) Attached is a picture of whatever I believe is called the sway bar end link. It's the same on both sides.
(Sorry if this post is in the wrong area, I'm new.) Thank you.

 

You need an alignment. Since you fubar’d it the way serious off-roaders do (my steering wheel stayed a full quarter turn to the left after a day of repeated hucking), I’d suggest you find a “real” alignment shop… a place with suspension stickers in all the windows, the techs’ fancy off-road race trucks parked all around… and avoid places that will use a computer to tell them when it’s within range.

Also, it’s a good idea to list at least your home region in your profile, in the location field, which will get you better info going forward; like, if I knew you lived near me, I’d refer you to a specific shop.

Welcome from SoCal

 

I live on the opposite side of the country as you, unfortunately. I added it in my profile. How can I be sure an alignment is what I need? Also, how much does an alignment at a shop like that generally cost?
EDIT: Thank you for the welcome.

 

Might’ve bent a tie rod. Pics of steering bits. Sunniers right, you’ll need an alignment, but have a good hard look for something bent or broken thats causing the resistance.

also check your steering rack bushings.

 

I'll get pics by tomorrow. I'll have to take off the boots to look at the inner tie rods because the outer ones seem fine.

 

My favourite local place would do an “old school” alignment for ~ $100. A lot of shops cost more. But you’re not nearby; I have no idea what’s available near you, qualifications or cost. But I know you need an alignment based on what you described happened, and my own experience.

Anyway, imo, if you find a “real” old school alignment shop, you’ll pay for the alignment, but they’ll tell you all the other stuff you want to know: did I break anything? They’ll let you know about tie-rods, etc.

How to find a “real” alignment shop? Do an internet search; take the time to read the reviews, look for info on off-road trucks. The more reviews; the more detailed ratings on truck problems fixed for minimal costs, the more you should trust a shop is honest. Pick one and let them align your truck; to do this, they’ll tell you if anything is broken that needs fixing. (Pro tip; ask the tech to get as close to +4 caster as possible, and camber and toe close to specs). Keep us posted; good luck!

EDIT: You may get shop recommendations from others local to you if you edit your thread title to ask….

I have family in that general area; if you don’t get a good shop, I can ask.

 

My steering column attachment thing is rubbing on my frame. I never mentioned it but I have a body lift kit so there is an extension at the bottom there. I don't know if the column is bent or what. I think the power steering bushing or mount is bad as there seems to be a sizeable gap in the bushing at the bottom, which is in the picture. Also I found a very loose nut. The fourth picture is of the loose nut, which is for the rack mount. I realize now that I should have gotten a picture of the whole rack, but I have to go do something now. I don't know much, but because of the gap in the bushing I'm assuming the power steering rack is tilted. Thanks for the help so far.

 

You’re due for rack bushings, maybe new sway bar links.

I think this is where your rubbing issue stems from.

 

It is at least partly the square attachment that is causing the rubbing. I've tested it. The rod in the picture above doesn't seem to move from it's spot when turned, and the rubbing is intermittent. But I'll go ahead and replace my bushings at least.
Thanks.

 

I removed the rightmost steering rack bracket, and where the stud is attached seems to be bent. Am I right, or is it supposed to be slightly bent? I need to check before I ruin something. By removing the bracket and bushing, the middle bushing seated properly (last picture) and the square steering column connector is no longer rubbing on the frame. It doesn't look like it in the picture, but it gave it like half an inch of clearance.
Thanks.

 

Definitely not supposed to be bent, should be parallel to the frame/ground

 

I got the bottom bent back, but the top is also bent and much stronger. I heated up the bracket to bend it, but no dice. I didn't want to heat it for too long because a power steering hose is an inch away. Can I get some advice on how to bend it back?
Thanks.
EDIT: I'm just going to take off a section of exhaust in the way and use something with much more leverage like I should have in the first place. That will probably work. I'm not sure if anyone cares anymore, but I'll post my results anyways.

 

I care, but only if you give pics. We like pics.

 

I appreciate the follow up. We know it sucks for someone to come in here, find your thread which covers their problem, and not know how it turned out.

 

I got the top part bent back. The bracket that goes on there was messed up, so I had to reshape it a bit. The nut for the top bolt broke off and I messed it up, so the top bolt isn't tightened yet. The middle bushing is slipping out a bit (Second pic). Is that okay? Should I put washers or something in there to get rid of the gap, or is the rack supposed to be able to move up and down there? The bushing came in two parts to go in the top and bottom, and they don't even touch in the middle. As you can see in the third picture, whatever the thing is called isn't rubbing anymore. Or can't see. It's hard to tell from the picture.