Hi forumers
I have a 2005 dodge 3500 dually that was stolen, ignition punched out, which seems to be far more common than I was aware. Thanks to the wonder of the Internet with 'stolen' websites, I recovered it within 24 hours, although a bit thrashed. When I parked it it was in 4-low, and the methhead who stole it drove it 400 miles in 4-low, including a car chase where he was reportedly driving 50-60 and jumping curbs with the heavy 3250lb truck camper in back. Not quite sure how he did that, as when I have had it in 4-low, it sounds like it is winding out at 15mph.
I'm now dealing with insurance and want to make sure I identify any mechanical issues that result from this. The back wall of bed behind cab is pushed into the wall of the cab, and has separated 3 inches from bottom of bed, from the camper slamming into the bed when orifice was jumping curbs at 50. The PCM apparently got fried out from his handiwork starting it after punching out ignition.
After dealing with morons at dealership, who took 34 days to replace an ignition and PCM, I am now taking it to some independent (and more competent) mechanic for evaluation and then calling statefarm estimator to document. questions:

-is there anything you would recommend to specifically evaluate transmission/transfer case/overall drivetrain from idiot driving 400 miles in 4-low? (apart from obvious seeing whether it goes into gear and drives)
-I'm assuming that he was redlining the **** out of it when he was racing around at 50-60 in 4-low--anything specific you would recommend for inspection of prolonged-redline-induced engine damage?
-with 3250lb load slamming around at 50mph when he was hitting and jumping curbs, other than obvious bed damage, anything else I should be thinking about? (underlying structural?)
-I have been reading the forums about various things to prevent him stealing it again, including kill switch, steer wheel lock, park brake lock, wheel claw, but none seem all that impressive, and I am leaning toward compustar or viper alarm system where I would also wire in the truck camper door--they supposedly will prevent from engaging starter, and I would like some loud screaming alarm to prevent contents of truck and camper anyway.

thanks for any of your input--1st post here, as you can tell from post, I am no mechanic beyond basic stuff.

RC

 

Just off the top.....good mechanic you trust for the inspection
at a minimum I would request ALL fluids be changed with a close examination of what is coming out
a full me mechanical inspection ( brakes may have been overheated, suspension and other under carriage items may have been damaged)
four wheel alignment
interior professionally cleaned

sorry if i missed it....being a 3500 its not a diesel is it ?

 

I would stop driving it immediately, have it towed to a different Dodge dealer (insurance is going to be paying for this beyond deductible, no?), and have them go over it bumper to bumper. There's no way insurance can give an accurate and fair payout (for you and for them) without knowing what is wrong with it. That said, you want to make sure you are getting everything recognized now rather than have stuff continuously fail down the line after insurance is done and over with. Hopefully they don't say they already did their part with the PCM and ignition.

Personally, it sounds like the truck has been abused beyond anything I'd feel comfortable and confident driving myself and my family around in. I'd push for getting something new'ish out of it.

 

Have the truck put on a frame rack and inspected. If the bed is tweaked like that, it's very possible the frame is taco'd from jumping a curb at speed.

 

thanks for your replies--good ideas.
it is diesel dually 4WD

I have an appt on Wed to put it up on a lift to look for more structural damage. when I got camper off, I see that wall of bed behind cab is separated from bed floor by 4 inches, and that wall of bed pushed in 3 inches so it is touching the back of cab.


truedodgeman, or anyone, with changing all fluids, anything you're looking for specifically given what you know happened (driven 400 miles by crackhead in 4-low, jumping curbs at 50)? discoloration, consistency, chunks/shavings???

I'll have them check transmission fluid, differential fluid, and what else?

thanks!

 

Treat it like an abused truck you know nothing about, and just bought it.....

 

I think 400 miles in 4WL due to a theft should lead to a tranny and transfer case overhaul or change. Driven by a thief they have undergone stress they are not designed for IMO. I'm sure the insurance company thinks otherwise.

 

Now that I know its a diesel I am going to echo Chets last paragraph. I wouldn't be comfortable with that truck anymore. Sorry. My apologies. Diesel engines do not like high rpm...thats fairly common knowledge
and it sounds like your poor truck experienced a fair amount of high rpm
My guess would be your going to run into expensive repairs a short distance up the road after the insurance company settles. Just my thoughts