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Crashed my 1997 AWD while off roading, can i repair?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Offroadguy42, Jan 4, 2025.

  1. Jan 4, 2025 at 4:33 PM
    #1
    Offroadguy42

    Offroadguy42 [OP] New Member

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    Took my car for a spin and crashed into a wall, air bags deployed but the engine runs fine, there was no leaking and i even drove the car home through the rough terrain back to my house. The frame looks damaged but the rest of the car is in perfect condition. I dont know if i should sell the engine and part the car out or try to repair the car since it is a rare make and model. Any advice would be appreciated, i want to fix it but if i cant i would like to part it out and try to get as much money for it as i can, the wheels are almost brand new, shock/struts/control arms all new, oil pan new, engine barely at 155k miles.

    IMG_4372.jpg
    IMG_4371.jpg
     
  2. Jan 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
    #2
    Turd Ferguson

    Turd Ferguson New Member

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    Did you hit the concrete wall behind you in the second photo?
    If it’s just cosmetic damage then replace the damaged parts and keep driving it.
     
    icebear likes this.
  3. Jan 4, 2025 at 5:35 PM
    #3
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Do you have the stock CD cassette radio?
     
  4. Jan 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM
    #4
    that'smy4runner

    that'smy4runner New Member

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    I do. ;)
     
  5. Jan 4, 2025 at 6:25 PM
    #5
    that'smy4runner

    that'smy4runner New Member

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    I think you can. You might need a shop to straighten the frame, if bent, but the rest just takes time and parts and patience. It may not be perfect, but it all depends on how much you want to keep it
     
  6. Jan 4, 2025 at 6:29 PM
    #6
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    The fender is $66 on ebay? Bumper, hood, use a comealong and pull the light bracket part of the frame out.
     
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    #6
  7. Jan 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM
    #7
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 New Member

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    Frame will be bent. Apron (inner fender) will definitely be buckled. Core support damaged. Can most likely be fixed. But will require a frame machine to do so correctly. Get it over to a body shop for a quote.
     
    Offroadguy42[OP] and icebear like this.
  8. Jan 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
    #8
    Deltaman

    Deltaman New Member

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    Are these stock radios worth anything? I have one, sounds horrible and the screen isn't bright enough.
     
  9. Jan 4, 2025 at 9:02 PM
    #9
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I think yours is different.
     
  10. Jan 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
    #10
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I bought a brand new one that was identical to the CD/cassette one in my car from this guy a few years back:

    https://www.ebay.com/str/factoryelectronicsandmore

    Not sure where he gets these reconditioned or new units but mine was factory perfect. Not a scratch or a sign of use at all. I stored away my old one that was still working just fine.
     
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    #10
  11. Jan 4, 2025 at 9:46 PM
    #11
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Any car can be fixed. I don't think it's worth it in this case. It's going to be $2k just to get it on a frame machine and she'll never be right. The inner fenders, core support will be crumpled, etc. You'll need that cut out and repaired. I'd say $4k just to get where you can start putting parts back on. That's if you can even find a shop that will do half a job. They'll want to quote you the whole repair, otherwise they may as well take the next insurance job.

    You can get another 4Runner for that and have this one for parts.
     
    Superdave1.0, Toy4X4 and icebear like this.
  12. Jan 5, 2025 at 3:13 AM
    #12
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    Welcome. Answer yes. Like above how much do you want to pay a shop to fix at the very least the frame?
     

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