98' 2WD spinout on black ice

[dkurtz42]

I just did $5300 worth of damage to my 98 2WD 4Runner as a result of a spinout/guardrail smash this week. I still have no idea how it happened. Roads were clear, temp about 5 degree (Cleveland, OH on Monday). My 2WD has always been sketchy in the snow, but I havent seen anything like this. Going about 55 on the highway, straight shot, back ends breaks loose, fishtails once each way while I gently tried to correct it and I'm instantly around and pinballing off the guard rail.

I'm assuming I must have hit a patch of "black ice" but really the road seemed dry. Friends are accusing me of oversteering after the fishtail, but I remember being very calm and only lightly trying to correct it.

For $5300 I don't think I'm going to get it fixed, (more than I paid for the truck) but at 132K it still runs FANTASTIC.

Any suggestions what to do with it? Has anyone else had problem with the 2WD runners in inclement conditions?

 

[dkurtz42]

My 93 4WD is an absolute beast in the snow by the way. If I didn't think the roads were clear I would have been driving that.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Black-ice is a monster! I have a good friend who got to spend time in a hospital after wrecking a crew cab P/U with real snow/ice tires in similar situation. He was towing a light snowmobile trailer but in a long truck. The longer the vehicle the better usually... He's truly a great and conservative driver. I think it can happen to anyone. Between the Holidays and State/Municipal budgets I suspect sand/salt treatments are cut back too. I hate it for you

On those freak occurances I don't know if anything but studded tires would help and it's unlikely being in your 4wd would've helped. Glad everyone is ok.


:cheers:

 

[leftyguns21]

that sucks. sorry to hear. the 3rd gen does get loose easy in 2wd. when i had mine she would get loose some times just on loose gravel on the road way.
glad everyones ok. as far as getting it fixed...thats a tough call.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

sorry to hear but glad you are fine

Sorry to hear about this but glad to hear no one was hurt and presuming no other vehicles involved.

Black ice can hide from you in the daylite and look just like a pavement patch-sometimes concrete can ice differently than asphalt, just take er easy out there and baby the throttle at all times.

 

[shootmymime]

if it runs good, sounds like you got a new winter truck, or a truck to play with

 

[dkurtz42]

I got word back today that the body shop will be able to pull the corners of the frame out that were damaged and replace the lights that were broken and do an alignment and it should be driveable, but ugly. About $500 bucks. I will be embarrased to drive it, not because of the damage, but because people will think I don't respect the 4Runner. I should have it back in a few days, I'll post some of the "after" pics. Sounds like a few of you have experienced the "black ice" 10 years of driving for me and this was a first. Don't want to see it again soon. Everywhere drive careful.


I like the idea of having a "play truck" but only being 2WD it probably won't do so good off road. Worst case I'd love to take it to 200K, damage or not, I still love my 4Runners.

 

[Falls]

Sorry to hear about the truck and glad you are ok.

Black ice is common hear ........ doesn't matter if you have 4wd or 2wd. You hit that unexpectedly and you done !!! You just have to hope you come out ok.