Dirtco's Adventure Thread

[4-Ripcord]

Holy cow, Jeremiah!

That is terrifying and heart breaking to see. As the others have said, it's great news you weren't hurt.

Looks like most of the parts that you made held up ok, curious to see what the extent of the chassis damage is and what you end up doing.

 

[4x4grover]

Great to hear that your O.K. On the bright side you can hardly see the dings on the driver side doors, from a while back.

 

[kook rooster]

...it can happen so fast, even if you've done everything right. So sorry about the truck - she was a beaut. Glad you are okay.

 

[Dirtco]

Let’s just say that having a vehicle set upside down for three days is not very good. After getting the engine oil out of the cylinders I fired it up and she smoked like hell for probably 30 minutes, there was a cloud for about half a mile from my house, across the highway, and into the neighboring subdivision.

I filled the transmission with ATF but it still didn’t want to move, I’m guessing the valve body got junk in it. I flushed the transmission two times before it would actually drive. The transfer case was bone dry, all the fluid poured out of the vent on top. So I put all new fluid in them, then I drove it around the block. The brakes need to be bled as they are soft, and I’m sure the cat is destroyed from all the oil but it did move and drive, thats a good thing!

I parked it the garage and waited for insurance to finalize the claim. After getting a notification that the check was in the mail I decided to see if I could salvage the 4Runner, so I cut the windshield out and removed all the damaged sheetmetal. I figured it was worth a shot to straighten the windshield frame, I really couldn’t make it any worse. As it turns out I have a little bit of experience in rock crawler body work…

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So here is what I was working with once I got the glass out and everything cleaned up. I had a spare set of door shells so I threw one on to see how far off it was.

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[Dirtco]

I removed the passenger seat so I could get the Port-a-Power in there and look at what I found! My GoPro was down under the carpet in the rear heater, it had the last photos and video of the 4Runner before it slid off the road.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/45252194955/in/dateposted-public/" title="56426654599__E572AD82-6618-414C-9192-5CAFB85D2D47"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4845/45252194955_32ea989949_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="56426654599__E572AD82-6618-414C-9192-5CAFB85D2D47"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I took a short break to download the pictures, it was awesome to see the last pictures but kind of sad too.

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[Dirtco]

That's when I made my decision, if I could straighten out the windshield frame and get doors on it I would save the 4Runner. If not I would swap a straight body onto it. It took me about a full day but here are the results...

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/45252407275/in/dateposted-public/" title="EHeci7BaT%y8E3ocQ9TZZg"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4820/45252407275_e40f716003_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="EHeci7BaT%y8E3ocQ9TZZg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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It's not pretty but it works and I should be able to get a windshield back in it, and somewhere along the way the rear section of the roof disappeared. :sadwave:

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[TraumaHawk]

First things first......Glad to hear you are okay!

I have followed you for about a 8 years now, and always always always, looked forward to reading your build thread, whether updated daily or weekly, with it's very well thought out, engineered, detailed and executed design. Always exciting to read what you were doing new to your rig. I remember the arduous journey with the 35's and than onto the motor transplant and than onto to SAS. Awesome!! Sad to see the beating it took, but as brought out before, it could have been much worse. From the updated photos, I can see that your ingenuity is already in full swing and I look forward to the continuing of your build!!

 

[Cree]

Cage time! Gonna be cold for snow bashing with the back open though. I actually have the rear quarter windows sitting in the garage if you change your mind.

 

[spartacus]

Glad you are ok. the photos looked really bad. After reading your post. I am really astonished at your resilence, it is absolutely phenomenal how much effort you put into that amazing truck and despite the unfortunate blow you are unfazed inspite of the mental trauma and keep plugging away at the truck, man that is definately inspiring. I am reading your build thread now will take me a few nights probably. Good luck.

 

[4-Ripcord]

somewhere along the way the rear section of the roof disappeared. :sadwave:

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:frog:

 

[habanero]

At first I was like 'SUPER YIKES'
and then I was like 'ooooh nooooo'
and now I am like 'oh yes!'

Glad the most important part of the 4Runner is intact- you.
Can't wait to see what appears to be a very promising rebirth!

 

[Black798]

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Kick. Ass! build is definitely going in a new direction now but I can't wait to see what you come up with Jeremiah! Part of me almost feels like this was inevitable and for the better in a way. If you do decide to not keep that rear sleeping setup you have let me know... I'll be down there in a heartbeat to get it lol

 

[Dropzone]

So you must have settled with the insurance company?
How did that battle turn out?
Curious since your 4runner isn't exactly stock.
Wondering since I have full coverage on my 94 and it's been tweaked a bit too.

The chop looks good. Sort of reminds be of Cubuff4runner(?)'s old truck and I have always liked the Avalanche look on a 4runner

 

[jb10]

aah man that must have been scary. glad you are ok. damn that is a bummer about the rig. look forward to seeing you put it or a new one back together.

 

[owyheerat]

Dang Jeremiah! Sorry I'm late to the show...

As others have already stated, I'm glad you're ok. And, I'm bummed (for you) that it happened. Now I'm stoked, to see the new improved version...

I'm amazed you walked away without a scratch. Thank God. I'm assuming you were wearing your seatbelt....good for you. I usually don't wear mine, once offroad...I think I may be changing that habit...

Take care

Durwin

 

[jkeith.w]

somewhere along the way the rear section of the roof disappeared. :sadwave:

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outboard shock mounts ftw.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Your new 37s are too small....already!
The lord works in mysterious ways....

Jokes aside I’m relieved you are ok once again my friend. Between this and your hike out in the snow last winter your quickly becoming the immortal man in campfire stories.

Take care of yourself and I hope to see ya soon.

 

[derpiful]

Glad to hear you're alright!! Sad to see what happened..

Before I saw your post-insurance-settlement photos I figured you had something crazy in mind for what was next. Excited to see what comes of it, I'm sure whatever you manage to build will come out awesome!

Kyle said it well- I hope you'll be able to make it out with us again soon

 

[fourfive]

Damn, bummer news about your ordeal but grood to hear you soldiered through it to share your experience intact. The rollercoaster of emotions aside, it's encouraging to hear your positive outlook. If there's anyone that could turn the remains of your 4runner around into another interesting build that would be you my man. Thanks for sharing the events moving forward.

 

[fourfive]

...I'm interested too in how you handled the insurance situation because stuff like this could happen to anybody.