Hello fellow dieselers!
Unfortunately, I was the victim of a hit and run accident a week ago Saturday. I was driving down a main street @ 7:50 a.m. on my way to finish off a job when I looked up in my rear view mirror only to see some idiot about ready to crash into me. I was going around 35 mph at the time. He was going well over 50mph! He was driving a chevy 1500 z71 4x4. After hitting me, he took off down an alley and I gave chase in my 93 250. After calling 911 and giving the dispatch operator his plate # I broke off the chase and had an officer meet me at my house to give him my info.
Now, I said that to get to this: after being hit by this moron, the "visual" damage was a lifted rear bumper and a broken rear tail light. These were both fixed today by a body shop. However, I told my insurance co that I have been hearing a "clunking" noise in the rear whenver I accelerate either regularly or jumping on it. They told me to take it to a mechanic to check it out. I am currently waiting for an appointment.
I think the noise could either be a loose gas tank, or possibly the u joints have been jacked up. The body/alignment shop said the frame was not damaged after they checked it out for quite some time and doing some measuring. Well, what do you guys suspect this could possibly be? I'd like to get some input from you guys so I can be armed with thoughts/ideas when I get to the mechanics. Thanks for bearing through this long message!

 

One of the real benefits of the early trucks is they have a proper frame and are pretty tough to hurt. A collision of 15 mph (50-35) is a "relatively" modest impact, especially if square on. The frame condition will tell it all.

If the frame is ok then it's not too likely you have done axle/universal damage.
You should have the driveshaft pulled and checked for universal and steady bearing condition (if equipped) as well as balance the D-Shaft. You may be able to see if you've lost a balance weight on the D-Shaft.....look for a new shiny spot were a weight may have come off.
Double check the spring hangers/spacer blocks are in place and secure.
Check our shock mounts on the axle tube and body underside for cracking or fracture.
Check shock integrity (not bent) and travel.
When the D-Shaft is out, check for play in the diff. pinion.
Last, delay signing anything for 30 days minimum so you can keep an eye out for new leaks such as axle seals or what ever.

bob

 

thanks so much Bob.
i am taking my truck to a truck specialist that I found who specializes in Dodge diesels! Wow, I can't believe I just stumbled upon these guys! They're not in the yellow pages either. I was leaving the autobody shop yesterday after they replaced the bumper and rear tail lamp, and low and behold I saw a parking lot with at least 30 dodge diesels in there! I stopped by and noticed at least 15 1st generations that were totally pumped up! Huge, monster 5" exhaust, a/m injectors, two with twin turbos! Anyhow, these two guys own it and only work on Dodge diesels from 89 to present. They are going to check it out next Monday. They had some pretty trick stuff under the hoods of those trucks; especially some of the 4x4's!







[quote author=Bushy link=board=9;threadid=19766;start=0#msg185769 date=1063778690]
One of the real benefits of the early trucks is they have a proper frame and are pretty tough to hurt. A collision of 15 mph (50-35) is a "relatively" modest impact, especially if square on. The frame condition will tell it all.

If the frame is ok then it's not too likely you have done axle/universal damage.
You should have the driveshaft pulled and checked for universal and steady bearing condition (if equipped) as well as balance the D-Shaft. You may be able to see if you've lost a balance weight on the D-Shaft.....look for a new shiny spot were a weight may have come off.
Double check the spring hangers/spacer blocks are in place and secure.
Check our shock mounts on the axle tube and body underside for cracking or fracture.
Check shock integrity (not bent) and travel.
When the D-Shaft is out, check for play in the diff. pinion.
Last, delay signing anything for 30 days minimum so you can keep an eye out for new leaks such as axle seals or what ever.

bob
[/quote]

 

Might be some members from here, what city?

 

Any website information about them? If not any members from here, invite them to JOIN and share their wealth of information. ;D