Frame Damage- Advice Needed

[K0y0te]

Hey all-

Unfortunately my first post to the forum is going to be a depressing one. My baby (a 2000 SR5) was in an accident Sunday night. I wasn't driving or even a passenger so I don't know the exact nature of the wreck- just that the runner spun after hitting a patch of ice and got really friendly with a concrete barrier.

Anyway, it's been at the shop since and I was told today that there is a buckle in the frame. The impact happened on the drivers' side where the bumper and quarter panel intersect. I haven't had a chance to get under it myself to see where/how bad the frame damage is but I'm guessing it is in the general area behind the impact.

The shop seems fairly confident that they can pull the frame and if not, they are willing to do some cutting and welding. I am not at all concerned about resale value but I am curious what the long term consequences could be. It is currently my daily driver and will be for a couple more years. I hit moderate trails now and would like to eventually be able to crawl with it. I guess my question is: can it ever be "as good as new"? Will I have to worry about the integrity of the frame when I take it wheeling and when I go to do further mods?

This car holds a lot of sentimental value for me so I am having a very hard time even considering taking the total loss option. If anyone can offer realistic advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[williamlv282]

Has your insurance looked at the vehicle at all yet? Frame damage is no joke, a lot could be compromised. Just for safety reasons alone I would get it checked and double checked.

 

[cashmoney]

Insurance will total it. No doubt about that at all. I say get it pulled and then box it around that area and be done with it.

And now I will sit back with my popcorn and watch the public service announcement about safety.

 

[v_man]

Not sure if it's possible to have it totaled, get a payout from insurance, then buy it back from them. Maybe turn it into rock crawler or trail only rig...

for what it's worth , I literally broke my frame in two on my 90 4runner. I just welded it back together with a bunch of gussets and extra braces where it broke...frame damage doesn't need to be a death sentence for ur truck...

 

[KidVermicious]

Where exactly did it buckle? Is it behind the control arm mounts?

 

[K0y0te]

Insurance totaled it without looking at it. I threw a fit and they sent an adjuster out. He fudged numbers so they paid out almost what they would have to total it. That was before anyone was aware of the frame damage. The driver said he was doing 15 mph at impact so I never suspected frame damage. Sounds suspicious in hindsight. And yes- from what I understand, the buckle is behind the control arm mounts...

 

[KidVermicious]

And yes- from what I understand, the buckle is behind the control arm mounts...

Then you're mostly good. That shouldn't affect the alignment at all.

 

[K0y0te]

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Drunner97]

A *GOOD* shop should be able to fix the frame. To be honest, people are so quick to just total a vehicle or discount it as a loss without talking to a legit professional about the frame. My family has run a frame/suspension/alignment shop since the 60s, and I have personally watched my uncle fix a frame that should have been a loss. The right person should have the knowledge and tools to put it back to spec to where you won't have to worry about it. That being said, find a specialist to diagnose it, not just a general body/mechanic shop.