After some wheeling I noticed my front wheels point in different directions but about an inch. This has little effect during driving. I have also noticed that the tie rod shock cover has busted loose and where it was attached the metal is bent. Would this cause the misalignment? Should this be more observable at highway speeds?

 

Yup sure can, I hit mine on a regular basis which knocks my toe out, I would highly suggested you get a alignment

 

could stress have damaged the shock, thus requiring to be replaced and curing the alignment issue. Would something else be damaged causing the misalignment? Just wondering how I could have effected the alignment without damaging something as the cause. As you can tell from all my questions, I'm the guy that knows just enough to be dangerous. Hoping to know enough to know I don't know.

 

think ill replace the shock and try this.

Basic Jeep Front End Alignment

 

You probably hit the stabilizer shock mount on something, bending the tie rod, it can be bent back and or adjusted and they can setup your alignment again.

Like I said I hit mine all the time I have had 4 alignments this year

 

Had my Jeep aligned ONCE at a shop.. screwed me for $75 to adjust the toe and caster.. Screw that. I use this write up like my life depends on it.. been using it for about two years.. I can get the alignment within 1/16" almost.. not computer perfect but my tires wear normal and it's pretty easy to do!