4Runner vs Deer

[Mark86]

Hey guys,

Unfortunately, my truck is in the body shop Was out for a drive yesterday night on a main highway when a huge deer with antlers darts into the road. We must have been going 45mph when this happened. IMO, my 4Runner held up like a tank. We were able to drive the truck back home around 3 miles without any issue. No lights went on and no funny noises occurred. The deer wasn't as lucky- I don't think he is going anywhere for awhile. This morning, I was kind of nervous to drive it to the shop because I wasn't sure if the radiator was damaged. The collision shop said the support bar missed the radiator by 2 inches. The damage occurred to the bumper, hood, and headlight casings. They gave an estimate of 4k. Could you guys please chime in and tell me if I am getting taken for a ride? Here are some pics:

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Ah that sucks dude.:bash: F deer. And that estimate sounds right, filling a claim?

 

[Casper421]

Not sure $4k worth but damn, you need a complete front end! Happened to me in my old titan but with a 6in and 35's, the undercarriage took it all. Are you sure you didnt hit a big blonde chick? :shrug:

 

[Mark86]

I am not filing a claim. It is not worth getting involved with the insurance company for something like this. With that damage, it could have been a blonde chick! Actually, the deer was a full size buck. Here is another pic from the collision shop- support bar just missed taking out the radiator!!

 

[MT Tatman]

Definately a Jersey sized Deer and not a Montana Deer. Consider yourself Lucky! The estimate is so high because even though each body part is only slightly dented, they are going to replace all of them, plus all of the mechanical or underneath parts plus paint. Newer cars and trucks kinda suck for that stuff. I say fix it yourself if you are even Mildly mechanically inclined. Many auto parts stores with a paint dept. can sell you factory match automotive quality paint in a spray can that really works nice.

 

[DocMT]

I wonder what would have happened if you had a real bull bar instead of the plastic Toyota imitation bull bar. I mean, the grill still would have gotten smashed, but I wonder if a real bull bar would have prevented the damage to the bumper & lower fascia.

 

[DocMT]

I guess it wasn't a hard enough hit to trigger the airbags, huh?

 

[JohnsD90]

I wonder what would have happened if you had a real bull bar instead of the plastic Toyota imitation bull bar. I mean, the grill still would have gotten smashed, but I wonder if a real bull bar would have prevented the damage to the bumper & lower fascia.

But then if it was bull bar that wasnt designed crumple then it could mildy bend the frame.

 

[Mark86]

The airbags did not deploy. I think the plastic Toyota bar was better than nothing because no mechanical components were harmed. A real bull bar definitely would have saved the hood for sure!

It was a Jersey deer on steroids. Unfortunately, I don't have time to fix my truck. I would have definitely taken on the task!

 

[Tousar]

Those pictures look painful. Sorry, dude.

 

[Trevloc]

sooooo did you at least have a decent dinner that night? :guitar3:

 

[HuntNFish]

sooooo did you at least have a decent dinner that night? :guitar3:

What part of Jersey are you in? I have hunted the central part of the state, and will again this year. People can't fathom the number of deer there. I've seen numerous deer get hit, and have had a few close calls myself. Can't hurt to shop around some, it sounds high to me.

 

[philsey]

I am not filing a claim. It is not worth getting involved with the insurance company for something like this.

I'm really curious, if you don't mind, why on earth you'd NOT file a claim for this much damage. Unless that is, you've got a really, really high deductible.

Seems to me this is exactly why one has insurance. JMHO.

 

[Edubsam]

Hop out and nab the backstraps at least?

 

[Acidmeld]

I'd say now is a great opportunity for ARB, Shrockworks or Aluminess...

 

[DocMT]

But then if it was bull bar that wasnt designed crumple then it could mildy bend the frame.

I don't think any real bull bars are designed to crumple, but I still think they would bend at their mounting points before they would bend the frame. Even if it didn't bend, it still wouldn't bend the actual frame rails...it would just bend the cross support that connects the left and right frame rails.

 

[zonianbrat]

You would have to be doing like 90 and hit something huge like a moose to bend the frame. My co-worker smoked an elk once doing like 60 in her Dodge Ram and it exploded the front end and did some radiator damage but no bent frame.

 

[tranny Frank]

Nice

Hop out and nab the backstraps at least?

Classic, Now Your a "Real dude"

I love it,

 

[badboyrr]

Toyota parts

Make sure you get genuine Toyota parts. When you pick-up your 4Runner after repair, make sure everything works like it sould. Sorry about your runner.

 

[Mark86]

I am in Centeal NJ. It was hit in Colts Neck. I wish more people would hunt around my area! I didn't take the deer but it was gone the next morning. Would have made for a nice trophy.

As for insurance, we have a high deductible. After everything, it wouldn't be worth it. They can raise the rates as well! And the shop is using new OEM parts.

My next big question is: which bar do I replace the plastic Toyota bar with? What do you recommend? Let's see some pics!

Thanks for all the responses!