1997 3rd Gen 4R wrecked! Now I’m a wreck!

Hi all,

Spent the last year restoring/ upgrading a 3rd gen for my son for and he was in an accident 2 weeks back! No injuries to him or others, these are tough trucks! It’s in my driveway and it breaks my heart walking by it every day! So many new parts, so much time and money, Allen wasted! But most importantly, nobody was injured! It would make a great crawler project for someone…

 

Welcome to the forum. Rough circumstances but good to hear the participants are ok. Is the frame bent? A lot of that damage looks to be sheet metal around the suspension and radiator. Maybe a trip to the salvage yard could pay off.

 

The front frame rail is where it struck, so that piece is bent almost 90 degrees. It would need to be cut off and re-welded in place. I’ve seen it done but don’t have the welding expertise… I was going to get a hydraulic ram and start bending things back in place, but no interest or support at home to keep working on it…

 

Where are you located?

 

Sorry to hear that, especially after all the sweat equity you put into the build.

 

I’m in Sacramento. Yes, lots of sweat equity. It feels like I’d be starting all over… There is something unique about the 3rd gens for sure. I keep looking at the grinder and debating…

 

Welcome.

 

Thanks all! Yesterday I got the stereo out and this morning pulled the Bilstein coil overs. I’m going to call a junker this week. When I have my driveway back I’ll be looking for a suitable replacement!

 

Welcome from the center of the bourbon universe. Tough luck but the most important thing is that your son is OK.