99 4 Runner Panhard Bar - Is it curved or straiight?

[dms1]

All, I am putting on a new suspension on my 99 4 Runner (build thread to follow) and I was wondering if the panhard rod \ bar should be straight or have a slight bend? I was rear ended a couple of weeks back and the lady hit me so hard the spare tire broke the cable that holds it up and there are some tire marks on the rod (see pic below). Is this is normal?

Thanks

 

[CYi5]

should be straight.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I've got a clean spare that was replaced with a longer unit off of an 00' 4Runner. $30 & the ride and its yours.