Just wanted to update this thread, yes 8 months later. As I had the engine out, rebuilt the steering, did the axle squeeze I finally took off the spindles. All this time I just lived with the fact the steering wheel would top out about 1.25 turns left and .8 turns to the right lock to lock, even with the drag link length set to minimum. After replacing all 4 tie rod ends, checking the rods for straightness by rolling them - something was still off.
Visually looking at the spindles, nothing looked apparently bent- as I didn't see any cracked paint or anything obvious. Upon further inspection- I placed the spindles on my granite kitchen counter (fairly flat and level) and compared the two. Here, you can clearly see the spindle is bent - the one with the drag link connector.
From this perspective you can see the spindle bent "backwards" compared to the other which would equate to me crashing the left tire into the brick wall. The "ear" that connects to the drag link may also be bent, though I have nothing to reference it to. Thus, I'll try to use a vice and long pipe to force the spindle back into shape. Failing that, replace the spindle.
