So a guy ran a red light and hit the front of my 4Runner a couple weeks ago.



Anyway, when I saw the damage at the scene, I thought it could be repaired without too much work and that insurance would take care of everything. Well, it seems like they are now pushing to get the car totaled. At first I resisted, but then I took a look at the damage behind the front bumper and it appears the front right frame rail is bent nearly 45°

What do you guys think? Is there any fixing that frame damage? Is it even advisable to fix that kind of damage?

I have been looking for a replacement 4Runner locally but I'm having a hard time finding a 99-02 that is Limited 4x4, and is in decent condition. I found one real nice '02 Limited with about 100k miles, but it is 2x4. Is it possible to swap my 4x4 drivetrain into a 2x4, or are the frames different?

 

nope,that front clip is really tweaked...i think its dead...sorry buddy.

 

If you ever did fix it back it wouldn't ever be right and I also wouldn't trust the durability of it. Sorry man looks like she's killed.

 

Trail Rig!

:wabbit2:

 

It's been in the family for nearly 14 years. It's going to be sad to see it go.

I'm going to try and take a few things off of it that I upgraded:
-Tundra front brake upgrade
-Tundra 17" wheels
-Auxiliary transmission cooler
-Brand new OEM leather steering wheel
-Maybe the optima red top battery?

Ughh, so sad.

Any advice regarding the 2x4 to 4x4 conversion on the replacement Runner? I assume the mechanicals wouldn't be very difficult, but the electronics/ECU might be more trouble than I'm looking to get into.

 

I'm dealing with this same thing right now, only I was hit in the rear. They want to total it, probably will, but I'm negotiating for top dollar so I can do the work myself replacing the frame and all other work to get it back on the road. I would say if you're not willing to do the work on it, it's probably totaled since a shop will charge more to fix than it's worth.

If you had a GOOD shop that fixed the damage correctly I wouldn't worry about it not "ever being right" again, it just takes the right people to do a proper repair and get it back to spec. In your case, it would take a new frame and associated front end components, ANYTHING is fixable but it takes time, money, and know-how to do it.

Good luck with their insurance, let us know when you purchase your new 4runner/Tacoma.

 

I'm more than willing to do the work myself. That was actually the original plan. I'm of the school of thought that if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. However, in this case it seems like it might be best to let her go.

Prior to the accident, the body was in fair condition, but the clear coat was fading on the hood, roof, and some of the top's of the plastic fender flares. The interior was also in fair condition but the leather on the driver's seat was cracking and faded. And now with this accident the frame is toast. So really the only thing that is still in really great condition is the drivetrain. So as sad as it is, it seems like it might be best to take my upgrades that I mentioned before off of the car and put them on to a younger, replacement 4Runner.

 

That year of 4 runner is only worth 5k-6k at the most in the eyes of the insurance company. That much damage could of possibly tweaked the motor mounts which will mess with a-arm geometry, etc. That is definitely a total. Sorry for your loss, looks like it was a very well taken care of 4 runner.

 

How much do they want to give you??

Did the engine take any of the impact??

Can you weld and do fabrication work at the professional level. If this is Yes .

I would splice in a new front end cutting the damaged one about in the middle of the front door.

One does need to really look at these things up close and personal

Now if you need to pay to have this done it is time to move on.

Yes it is alot of work but it is an option.

Another one is get another one and install all your good parts.

 

This. That is what I would do with it and then buy a new truck for daily driving duties.

I don't think you will ever be able to get that frame back into 100% shape.

 

it's entirely fixable

but cost to fix would exceed bluebook on it, so that equals totaled

 

Buy the 2wd and make it 4wd!

 

it's fixable just it'll be salvage title

 

I think the real question should be is it cost effective to fix???

If you need something up and running quick for a daily driver then most likely not.

 

Everything is "fixable", for the right amount of money

But that thing is totaled. It would need a new frame, and all the front end. By the time you buy and swap all that stuff, you could easily replace the vehicle. Not to mention how difficult it is to find a frame. Those rails are bent over HARD!

Depending on the buy back price, buy it back and part it out. Make some cash back!

 

I hate to tell you man, but she is gone. Its like saying goodbye to.a friend but.she is dead

 

I don`t know do you just need others to agree that it is to far gone.

to expensive to fix.

So much easier to pull the plug on your Mother In Law!!

 

So I have the opportunity to buy it back from the insurance company for about $1500. It would be a 'certificate of destruction' car so it won't ever be able to be titled again. What do you guys think? I know the motor and drivetrain is in GREAT condition. You guys think its worth it to keep it and part it out?

 

absolutely,but i would definantly work on em even more to get the price down!

 

this is like my worst nightmare for my 4Runner.