Oh Deer! Damage Report

Update: Insurance appraiser gave the initial estimate of about 10k. He left off a number of things and tried to pass off the TSS Sensor as usable. Remember this came in-between the radiator and the deer at 55 MPH. Next step is for the repair shop to take the truck apart list all the broken items. Will post the final number.

If I don't trade the thing in, I am definitely going to be adding steel to the front end and like the looks of ARB's summit. I have been trying to find out if you can relocate the TSS like you can on the summit for the 4runner because I would love to swap out the TRD Pro grill. Only overpriced aftermarket parts can heal the emotional pain of this instant depreciation.

Luckily this was considered comp and all I will have to pay is $100 outside of the arb upgrade.

Unlucky that I make the mistake of removing rental car coverage from my insurance policy, to anyone on the fence about it, it's worth it. I had to leave my pup at a relatives to fly home while the truck is being fixed.

 

Unless the Toyota dealership that did my collision repair was full of shit. Toyota mandates that any front end collision have the TSS sensor replaced.

Also, if I were, I'd try to take it to a dealership related collision center.

 

I have an ARB Summit on my 4runner. I'm guessing but the price difference between new OEM (all parts and pieces) and ARB bumper is probably a wash. I'd try and negotiate that with the adjuster.

 

I saved $1554 in labor and parts (Toyota OEM, Seattle area labor rates) by buying a steel bumper that I will install myself. The bumper was $850 (I got a deal) so I came out $700 ahead, but will lose a lot of that in reduced gas mileage and increased tire wear (added weight, compromised aerodynamics) over the life of the truck.

However, I speak from the experience of my previous Tacoma when I say a steel bumper will absolutely keep you out of the auto body shop after minor collisions, and that’s where the savings comes in.

One thing you will want to look at is how far back on the sides of the frame rails the bumper attaches. ARB bumpers are designed to allow the crumple sections to function, and several other bumpers will do the same, while yet other bumpers end up reinforcing the crumple sections and will transmit more force rearward along the frame rails. This presents the potential to wreak serious havoc on your truck’s ladder frame in a crash, and increase the severity of your injuries.

There might (?) be arguments for both types of bumpers depending on use, but probably the most sensible one is if you are driving on the road you probably want the crumple sections to function for safety.

The other consideration is most bumpers have a fabrication lead time of several weeks, which eliminates a lot of choices if you want something quickly.

 

Whatever happens, make sure you keep the busted up front bumper. That way when you get a Demellow front winch bumper, you can cut the piece out just below the headlights so you don't have to chop up your good bumper like I did.

 

Update: Repair shop went though all the parts and we are up about 19k with most of the parts on backorder

 

Update: Apparently Geico decided they didn't want to pay for OEM parts and knocked off about 3k. Ordered a Summit Bumper, Warn Evo winch, rails, and of course a snorkel. ETA..... November.... Pup hitched a ride out west so at least he's home.

 

For anyone following, I finally picked up the taco!

Edit:
Arb Summit Bumper was supposed to arrive in August but am now told "maybe December maybe."

Warm Evo winch and a couple of floodlights to follow.

 

Picsssss

 

so the fenders right?, not the quarter panels?

 

The pics did not want to upload from my phone, trying again!

 

Looks good. Is the front panel on the bumper on back order?
Everything seem to be in order when driving (alignment, steering, ride quality)?
Getting your truck repaired rather than purchasing new may have been the best move here since new truck inventories are very low and you would have had a difficult time getting that color again. One of the best colors, IMO.

 

Thanks, I love green, had to drive two states over in February to find it since my local dealer wouldn't let me put in a custom order.

The shop did a great job, they were putting an Audi R8 back together when I came to pick up my truck. Given the circumstances with trying to buy a car right now, I am happy to have my truck back. Even with about 18k in work, it was far off from being totaled. I chose to not replace the fog lights and front bumper pieces since I will be making cuts for the ARB summit bumper. Saved about $1,200 on parts and labor to put towards these overpriced parts, not exactly a wash but I'll take it.


Edit: It drives great, if it wasn't for the lack of radiator, the truck would have still driven after hitting the deer. Plus I am enjoying the HP boost from my new snorkel...

 

That's using your head for more than a hat rack . Smart move.

 

Build back better. Also i had heard the instructions on arb were terrible but did not know they were this terrible.