Crashed Dakota, Need help (PICS)
#21
Gerser, if you don't have a copy of the '01 factory service manual you can get it from here:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html
It has all the measurements for the frame, so you can get a rough idea of how bad it is.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-download.html
It has all the measurements for the frame, so you can get a rough idea of how bad it is.
I must be blind. What page so i can look it up too?
#22
Front portion of the frame is definitely bent(where the front mount is) Look around in the paper or on craigslist for a torpedo heater. A must if you are gonna be working out in the cold temps. I have one and it comes in handy I just put it pointed under the truck and I get a nice warm breeze. I know how much it sucks to work on something outside when your hands are freezing cold.
I totally see it now. Man, i need new contacts. I was so much in a rush to get things done i haven't really looked at the pictures i took until now. Was busy lifting the truck off the ground and everything else i didn't bother to actually look. Also, i am getting a garage to work in soon.
This photo is deceiving, but both body mount holes are oblong (at the very end of the frame rail). The driver side looks round from dirt and shadowing. It's a very narrow window as the body mounts are an exact fit for the hole, but nothing a little persuading didn't hurt. Mine were mangled when the bolts snapped, but Ace hardware had the bolts in the right size and length so i just beat the body mounts back in the holes and put the bolts in.
#23
#24
#25
NOTE: MILLIMETERS! Divide by 25.4 for inches!
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#27
Also, i find it interesting that the distance C from the front centerline to the forward leaf spring mount is the only dimensional difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 chassis- the 4x2 dimension is 17mm (~3/4") longer/further back.
Last edited by magnethead; 12-12-2013 at 12:05 AM.
#29
The number between the center-center core support mounts is 37.9 inches. You can't measure the diagonals to the cab corners with the drivetrain in the way, so you'll have to go off that.
Also, i find it interesting that the distance C from the front centerline to the forward leaf spring mount is the only dimensional difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 chassis- the 4x2 dimension is 17mm (~3/4") longer/further back.
Also, i find it interesting that the distance C from the front centerline to the forward leaf spring mount is the only dimensional difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 chassis- the 4x2 dimension is 17mm (~3/4") longer/further back.
After the accident, did the insurance company have any shop look at it for an evaluation, or was it just the adjuster that had a look? If it was a shop, you should be able to get a report from your insurance company to see what they thought the damage was - this might show you whether you have a yard full of scrap metal or something that's salvageable. Even if your frame is good, there's a lot of wrenching to be done there, so you need to evaluate how much time and money you have to do that. I'm assuming you have a basic tool kit, and once you get started, you'll quickly determine that the basic kit isn't enough - that's where a bunch of money comes in and the rest is for parts that you can't get from a junkyard. This truck isn't very new, and if it's been on winter roads with salt etc., you'll find a lot of fasteners underneath that are going to be removed only by destructive measures (your body mounts would fall into this category) - this can mean more tools or buying someones expertise.
#30
Unfortunately the truck was dropped from full coverage to liability a month before the accident so insurance didn't cover any expenses at all.At the time I can't even work on the truck without freezing to death (-0 F) . I envy those who have a garage. Also I do have an arsenal of tools, everything from basic tools, pneumatic tools, jacks and stands, electric and even stone cutters! Everything but a garage. Whenever it warms up above 0 I will get that bumper and fender off I'm sure that the frame is bent.