Got any pics before repair?

 

Here is a few that seem to give the best detail. If you look at the second one down, the black you see on the bumper is rubber from the other vehicles tire. If you follow the crease in the bumper down to the tow hook and look closely you will see point of impact from about center and then sliding off to the left of the tow hook.

Body shops stance is, it took a blow right in the middle it couldn't have affected alignment. After driving it and looking back at the pictures, I feel that the initial shock was to the tow hook and straight to the frame. I still waiting to hear from the insurance companies "expert"

 

I don't see how the body shop is qualified to tell you how your truck used to drive before the accident. It sounds like you might need to take it to a better shop, and have the frame checked for damage by a shop that specializes in it.

How did you choose this shop? Was it recommended by their insurance, or your insurance, or did you look them up on your own and find good reviews?

I think frame damage is quite possible, given the tow hook is bolted right to the frame. I would be calling around to find a shop that is qualified to check the frame for straightness.

 

Well just met with the insurance adjuster and they have agreed to put it on a frame rack and check it and straighten if they find anything.

DAVe, I choose the shop on two grounds. 1) it received good reviews. 2) it was certified by the insurance company so I "thought" it would make life easier. I think the lesson there is to take to a completely independent shop that is working for you and not the insurance.

Hopefully all turns out well, if not it is going to another shop to have the frame checked. And then of course it is on to the diminished value claim.

It's always so much fun, I guess at least the other guy was ok. When I first came to a stop and I am looking over the hood I thought for sure they guy had to be messed up as it appeared the impact was right into his door. He was lucky that the driveline of his little SUV took the hit and not his door. Classic driver error on his behalf, he looked my way for a split second, didn't see me and then payed attention to the oncoming traffic as he pulled out in front of me. Always look at the lane you are crossing twice!!!

 

maybe also have look underneath and see if anything was pushed into the center link.

 

Yes, your frame is tweaked. Since it's the front end, you'll also need an alignment. Other things I would check: look at the bottom of the radiator for antifreeze and/or transmission fluid and check the motor mounts. If it's a 4x4, check the front axles as well.

 

Davester, I had the same thought. We will see what their frame check comes up with.

Tom, already planned on checking the engine mounts. I have heard other stories of them breaking. They replaced the radiator and transmission cooler and it will be getting parked with a piece of cardboard to make sure there is no leaks. It has always been leak free except for cooler lines that have been replaced. I had a new driveway put in a year ago and it doesn't have a spot of oil on it and I will be making sure it stays that way.

 

Todd don't be surprised the person that hit you has a fly-by-night insurance company, but once you get your truck fixed it's time to look for an off road bumper:thumb:

 

What so next time his frame does get bent? Stock bumper are built with crumple zones. The fact is if he wouldn't of hit the SUV with his tow hook he wouldn't have a concern of a bent frame.

I have found the insurance body shops are here to make $$$ to so if you go to an independent shop and get a quot give it to them and they won't try and skimp on the repairs. Its pretty hard not to end up going to the approved shop for at least a quot now a days. Been to much fraud in the past.

 

I still like my Ranch Hand replacement bumper, I know that if I hit something other than a large animal I will suffer frame damage, but I also know I will suffer frame damage with a stock bumper as well.

 

Well they did a check on the frame and all is good. Still feel like something isn't quite right. Driving it for the weekend to just get a feel.

I do know have a drip from a trans cooling line, so it needs to go back for that.

Hopefully I am getting near a good result.

 

When they checked the frame, did that include all suspension parts too and alignment?

 

When they checked the frame, did that include all suspension parts too and alignment?

That's my question. All it takes is something to get knocked or pulled slightly out of alignment. When its on the frame rack. they should have spotted something out.

 

There is NO way your frame is bent from such a minor impact...Get it aligned and move on. Who ever is telling you that you have a bent frame doesn't know Jack....

 

Actually, I know Jack quite well. We've been friends for over 40 years. :HiHi: