Topic: Bad day for my Jeep

[SDWE61988]

Well, this might be the end of my jeep.  I wrecked on the way to work this morning in the snow.  I lost traction on some ice spun around and hit a ditch and snow bank.  I think the jeep was on the passengers side briefly but I not 100% sure.  It happened so fast.   I have to say, as bad of a rapp jeeps as have on safety,  I take one over most vehicles.  I think I would have been injured in most anything else.   I was able to get out with nothing more then shaken nerves, and stiffness.  I sure I will be sore tomorrow.  I was able to drive the jeep home, (although I probably should have towed it).  The intial damage is a broken right rear rim, bent springs, front and rear, mirror, front fender on the passengers side. The rear axle has shifted about 3 inches to the drivers side, and the driver seat bracket is now bent downward and to the passengers side.  The front of the hard top was jarred off the windshield frame.  I have not been under it yet.  Unfortunatly the cost to repair it to roadworthy condition may not be worth it, at this point.   I am glad I am injury free, but it sucks that this may be the end of the jeep.

[sharpxmen]

good to hear you're safe, sorry about the Jeep.

[SDWE61988]

Thanks.   I should have put into 4WD earlier, and slowed down some.  The roads went from bare to snow and ice covered in less then a few miles.  I was trying to rush to work to beat the new time clock system (another soap box for that some other time) so I would not be late.  That did not work out to well.

Hopefully I will be able to get under it to inspect it closer Sunday before the game to see if she is economically able to be saved.

[Jeffy]

Well, glad your OK.  From the sound of it, there isn't anything major wrong with the Jeep.  Replacement parts are cheap.  Fender can be replaced easily with hand tools.  Have it painted and then bolt it on yourself.

What I'd do is get an estimate done then look online for parts.  Have the insurance pay out to you and then use the money to fix up the Jeep.  Buy a fender and have a body shop match it.  Fixing it can't be that expensive.

[neale_rs]

sorry to hear this but glad you are ok.  If any vehicle can be brought back it is a Jeep due to its simplicity, there is a good chance you can fix up at least for trail use.

[SDWE61988]

The insurance is only liability and comprehensive on the jeep so I can't file a claim.  My biggest concern at this point is the possility of a bent frame.   If the damage is limited stuff I can replace myself, I might be able to do it later this year if I can save up the cash.  If the axles assmblies are bent or damaged, ( a good possiblity in the rear) then it may cost more then I want to spend, between axle, suspension, body parts. and a rim.  From a distance it does not look bad, but when I looked at closer,  There are a lot of things bent and twisted underneath.

[Jeffy]

The insurance is only liability and comprehensive on the jeep so I can't file a claim.  My biggest concern at this point is the possility of a bent frame.   If the damage is limited stuff I can replace myself, I might be able to do it later this year if I can save up the cash.  If the axles assmblies are bent or damaged, ( a good possiblity in the rear) then it may cost more then I want to spend, between axle, suspension, body parts. and a rim.  From a distance it does not look bad, but when I looked at closer,  There are a lot of things bent and twisted underneath.

If the leaf is bent then it probably took most of the force.  Axle housings and shafts aren't that weak, the links holding them in place as weaker.  I think a frame would have to take a lot more then a flop into a ditch as well.

Also, get rid of the track bars and see if the axles center themselves.  If the leafs aren't actually bent a bent track bar could be holding it up.

[sharpxmen]

i'm with Jeffy, if the frame didn't take a direct hit then it's most likely ok. also check the body mounts, those would give before the frame would actually bend.

[stan98tj]

Glad you're ok, man. Get a good luck at it and see what's replaceable. IS the rear axle stock? A trashed dana35 is an excuse for a 44 or 8.8 upgrade 

[MattG]

The important part is your alive and able to walk away. We have all crashed thats why they are called accidents...

Id say keep it, buy a cheap beater for daily driving and build the jeep back as time/money permits

[SDWE61988]

Thanks for the advice guys.  Luckily I scored a beater last fall at the junkyard.  I just got it on the road, and my I was planning on having my daughter drive it when she is eligible later this year.  I plan on putting I. The garage tomorrow and getting under it for a better evaluation.   My biggest question  right now is how much time and money do I want to put into this.  I have a couple projects I have been putting off at my house, because of the jeep in the past, but I am not sure the wife is willing to put up with more delays of those projects.

[jagular7]

Scary to talk about situation like this. First thing after getting yourself out and ready to drive again is get out, check yourself for injury, find your cell phone for communications, check for 'parts' left on the ground, and go over your vehicle (any accident not just this scenario). If you can't get vehicle ready to drive from not moving out of the driver's seat, its a different analysis of safety especially if vehicle is not sitting on all 4 tires or on fire. 

When looking at the mechanicals of the vehicle, look for draining fluids, look for popped tires, broken components, etc. If its drivable to an extent, make sure steering and brakes work. Same for lights and flashers.

From your description, the rear tire is shifted back 3", I'm betting the center pin is sheared and u-bolts bent/loose. Leafs tend to only bend when hit forward/back and not sideways.

Taking pics to show others is very helpful in the learning process as well. Be careful if you lift the vehicle and place on stands and crawl underneath.

[SDWE61988]

Scary to talk about situation like this. First thing after getting yourself out and ready to drive again is get out, check yourself for injury, find your cell phone for communications, check for 'parts' left on the ground, and go over your vehicle (any accident not just this scenario). If you can't get vehicle ready to drive from not moving out of the driver's seat, its a different analysis of safety especially if vehicle is not sitting on all 4 tires or on fire. 

  When looking at the mechanicals of the vehicle, look for draining fluids, look for popped tires, broken components, etc. If its drivable to an extent, make sure steering and brakes work. Same for lights and flashers.

I am going to try and put her in my garage tonight to take a look underneath.  I have some pics, so I will try to upload them at some point soon.


From your description, the rear tire is shifted back 3", I'm betting the center pin is sheared and u-bolts bent/loose. Leafs tend to only bend when hit forward/back and not sideways.
The wheel did shift foward a bit, but the axle shifted to the drivers side more then it shifted forward.  The track bar mount on the axle is bent pretty significantly.  I think the initial impact was on the front then rolled on the side and landed on all four wheels  It happened so fast, that once I knew I was not going to able to recover her, I braced for impact.

Taking pics to show others is very helpful in the learning process as well. Be careful if you lift the vehicle and place on stands and crawl underneath.

[SDWE61988]

The wheel did shift foward a bit, but the axle shifted to the drivers side more then it shifted forward.  The track bar mount on the axle is bent pretty significantly.  I think the initial impact was on the front then rolled on the side and landed on all four wheels  It happened so fast, that once I knew I was not going to able to recover her, I braced for impact.

I will try to get her into the garage tonight, and get underneath for further inspection.  I will try to take post some pics. 

I jacked up that last post.

[neale_rs]

A bent track bar is actually good news.  Good opportunity to get rid of them and let the axle self-center.