Well let a friend drive my truck during the snow and they got into an accident (side wipe and rear tire collision). I'm devistated my baby is laid up but it's getting towed to the dealer today.

Anyway, looks like my driveshaft is broken, driver's side lower control arm/axle broken, broken mirror, broken turn signal and relatively minor body scratches/dent. Estimate coming later today/tomorrow. My question is, while I'm having to have parts replaced is there anything I should upgrade while I'm at it or is it best to just let them replace with factory?

Haven't had a chance to get a really good look at her. But if there is anything I should look for please let me know.

Thanks!

 

Well i guess first thing we should know what kind of vehicle you have, i assume its a 1998 4Runner 3.4 Auto based on your sig but I could be wrong.

 

Make your friend pay your deductible.

Bumpers damaged? Upgrade. Everything else request genuine OEM Toyota parts at Toyota dealership, not Billy Bob's back yard body shop.

:wabbit2:

 

Also since you have the 3.4 Auto i'd recommend upgrading the radiator to avoid the strawberry milkshake. Check out the threads on the strawberry milkshake and then go on to determine which radiator you think will work best for you.

Edit: Here's a good link. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/s...iction-227875/

 

lol yes friend us definitely paying the deductible and yes it is a 98 3.4 Auto.

Got the TruCool external cooler sitting in the garage that WAS going to get installed next weekend lol

 

OK dealer's first 5 minute look says total loss... The lower control arm ripped the mounting bracket. Dealer says only way to replace the bracket is a whole new frame. WTF!? Can anyone confirm this?

 

Anyone?

 

pics ?

 

Tacomagrl keep in mind how an SAS is done. Any mount in the front suspension related is repairable with a body shop that knows how to weld. Sounds like the dealership just doesn't wanna do the work. There is no reason why they would have to put a new frame on it.

EDIT: the bracket they are talking about probably isn't available and would have to be fabbed up. Dealership most likely does not have the capability to do this. Seek out a shop that can. Unfortunately your vehicle is not drivable so taking alot of photos of the damage is the only way for a shop to see what needs to be done.

 

Take the loss, get a check, buy back the 4Runner then SAS it, buy a DD and never let your friends drive your rig again

 

It is actually the rear drivers side lower control arm that ripped. It just seams completely unreasonable to me to total the vehicle for this... I'll try to stop by and get pics tmrw

 

Talk to your insurance agent if you have a lawyer a phone call might be in order.

See what your options are!!!! Before signing off on anything .

The question comes down to money no doubt it is cheaper to call it a total loss and pay the value it is rated on.

I would think somebody down there would be good enough to repair but without seeing it in person it is real hard to tell

Good luck

 

Damn! you mean you broke the link mount off, must have been some accident! Just weld a new one on and get some HD links from Steve @ SS

 

lol she slid sideways and the oncoming truck front corner hit right in the wheel well

 

Sounds right on them wanting to replace the frame if you can't buy just the bracket. Yes you can just weld the frame and make it work but that isn't something a reputable shop is going to do. And lets say it wasn't totaled...they are going to put on used or aftermarket parts. Any vehicle that is older than a year is rarely gets new OEM parts. The insurance company's try to make as much money as they can. They aren't on your side...they are in it for profit. You can buy the truck back and still repair it or just move on. Sorry to hear about the loss...be glad no one is hurt

 

Here are a couple of pics of the damage believed to be causing the total loss. Thoughts?

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/tacomagrl/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-01-30165739.jpg

This ripped mount is the culprit
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/tacomagrl/Mobile%20Uploads/2011-01-30165827.jpg

 

 

I don't know much about collision work, but that don't look too hard to fix. Certainly not worth totaling a vehicle for. Time to find another shop willing to actually do some work.

 

just cut all that crap off and swap in a set of leafs

 

you could probably get some heavy duty washers...like ones used on a frame straighting machine and weld them up where the holes are torn out. may have to get a longer bolt.the washers are almost 1/4" thick. It will be just as strong if not stronger than before. Just have to make a few measurements to make sure the holes are in the right spot