The Cove (Gore Virginia) Trail Damage

[RiFF RaFF]

During last weekends off road adventure to The Cove in Gore Virginia I noticed the Honey Badger didn't feel right on the drive home. Upon close inspection I found both rear upper control arms snapped.

I did back up to get a better line in a tight spot, and hit a rock. Didn't notice anything wrong at the time, but this is what it looks like know...

Just a reminder to inspect your 4Runner carefully if something doesn't feel right. In this case I could have dropped my drive shaft - or worse.

Now I just need two replacements (think I'll get four - just in case) from Rough Country. Doesn't look like these are repairable.

 

[KidVermicious]

I'd clean off the mounts on both ends and stick some sleeved DOM between them. Never break one again.

How's your pinion angle after the lift? You could change the length of your custom arms to bring that back into spec too.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

I'd clean off the mounts on both ends and stick some sleeved DOM between them. Never break one again.

How's your pinion angle after the lift? You could change the length of your custom arms to bring that back into spec too.

Not a bad idea. The thought had crossed my mind. Might have to have my local welder fab them up for me.

The angle was adjusted to accommodate the angle change so that the drive shaft lined up nicely.

I'll update this post accordingly.

:cowboy:

 

[RiFF RaFF]

UPDATE:

This was the email I sent to my 4x4 club (Off Camber Crawlers), and Rough Country.

Follow-up...

Just got done working with Marty at Rough Country. Sent pictures of the upper control arms, and after he referred them to R&D and his supervisor they are sending me replacements at no cost, along with the bushings, etc.

Great customer service, and an awesome product (3-4" Suspension Lift in my case).

Outstanding company to do business with.

Marty, all those involved - thanks again for all your assistance!

I also suggested over the phone that the R&D folks seriously consider upgrading the control arms to DOM steel.

I'll post pictures of the new ones when they get here.

:clap2:

 

[KidVermicious]

Sweet, that's good to hear.

 

[dorton]

Thats good news.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Now this is customer service! Would be great if all business was this good.

Your order #145453 has shipped out July 26, 2013.

:banana:

 

[slowpoke99]

Now this is customer service! Would be great if all business was this good.



:banana:

you can say that again!!! i don't want to even begin to mention how many times i got the "run around" with some companies to get an issue resolved! good to hear that they're taking care of you. a little bit of good customer service goes a long way with me. i stay loyal to the companies/shops that treat me right.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

you can say that again!!! i don't want to even begin to mention how many times i got the "run around" with some companies to get an issue resolved! good to hear that they're taking care of you. a little bit of good customer service goes a long way with me. i stay loyal to the companies/shops that treat me right.

You said it. I really hate even calling a business with a problem (Frontier - our DSL provider for example), and getting the run-around.

I called Rough Country, and believe it or not actually spoke to a human. Sent some pictures, and proof of purchase (remember to keep those receipts), and the issued was resolved within an hour. Replacement parts shipped immediately. I'd say next time I'm lifting a vehicle Rough Country will again be the first I contact!

Outstanding business practices.

:usa2:

 

[cdthiker]

tough luck on the trail damage, but thanks for sharing, and good pictures...
glad the truck made it home