I'm sure everyone is probably sick of me asking all these questions, but no one I talk to up here seems to have any clue what's going on... The center of the right front wheel is set too far towards the rear of the car, I don't know the exact problem as no one has been able to really tell me anything. But I think I found at least part of the problem...

After getting home from work tonight I took a peek under my car and found something a little disturbing: a small crease in the subframe. I'm wondering if this is "fixable" or if I'd be better off just trying to find the same piece on a wrecked 05. Any input would be great.

On to the pics:

 

take it to the dealer for them to look at....could become a big problem...did you hit anything.go over a large pothole...ect.ect.. you get the idea....but it could be a quality problem....

 

Hit a curb. I've posted a few threads about it... Going 30mph & sliding sideways doing a burnout

 

That could be fixed. You need to take it to a good frame shop that has the "frame jig" for a 2005 stang. Your dealer should be able to recommend a good shop.

 

That damage to the sub-frame doesn't look too bad, at least from the pic. (I just found your other thread, I've never seen a wheel set back so far you can see it!)

I would have to say you bent the lower control arm, not the sub-frame. As far off as the RF wheel is, the damage has to be obvious. It would take a lot to damage the sub-frame, and I would think the control arm or strut would fail first.

Drilling into the frame or whatever they want to do is probably not the right way to fix it. That damage is too bad. Replace whatever is bent. Small alignment issues can be fixed, but something like that means parts replacement.

Like I said, damage that bad should be obvious, and any decent mechanic should be able to see it. Taking to the dealer may be the best, as they are more familiar with the new car. I'm sure measurements can be taken to locate that 1" of movement. Believe me, 1" is significant, and that's in the realm of collision repair, not simple alignments.

 

I wonder why the dealer said nothing could be checked without an alignment then. If something was that easily visible shouldn't they have been able to see it, right? I've come to think that most of the people at the dealership don't know a whole lot about these cars either. As soon as the guy said he'd have to drill into the subframe I knew something was wrong. Heck, even if I can find a couple hundred dollars worth of in-tact right front GT parts I'd be more than happy pay for it.

 

I think you should call your insurance company

 

I called them. It would be an at-fault and go against my insurance for 3 years. I have a really good driving record and would hate to blemish it over something like this.

 

Hum, I guess my next thought would be to take it and get estimates from 3 or 4 reputable vehicle repair shops/body shops in your area that can make frame/suspension repairs. I would want damaged parts replaced with new factory parts. I'm afraid this could be more expensive than we all might think/hope. Something is messed up pretty good for your wheel to be that far off.