Rear axle shift along leaf spring, from collision

Totally failed to explain why I think it might be silly. I’d have to get the truck to my house. A tow would eat up much of the savings, and driving it risks more wear and tear on the suspension, drive train and tires given the geometry is askew. It’s only a few miles, but still. Plus the vehicle wouldn’t be immediately driveable, and I might find something additional in doing the work, that I might wish the body shop had found and dealt with instead.

I could also completely forego new springs (mine are only like 18 months old and in great shape) and save that money too, and just replace the centering pin, u-bolts and bump stop.

 

In that case I would lean towards just letting the shop that has it now do it. If for some reason something else is out of alignment that is found out later, your hands are clean and potentially could make another claim.

 

The alignment is a great point; work includes a 4 wheel alignment. Obviously want that after suspension repair and not before. That seals it, letting the shop do it all.

 

Old fashion "using your head for more than a hat rack" - haven't used that expression in years.

 

Where I live, it’s the responsibility of the turning vehicle to make sure it’s clear in front & behind before turning.

 

I’ve spoken to the adjuster a couple times now. Other driver isn’t claiming she used her signal. The geometry is such that I was 50% past her before she impacted me. I should come out with no fault/liability. The locations of impact are the key pieces of evidence and they back me up.

Other driver fundamentally doesn’t understand the responsibilities in that situation. Use a signal, clear left and right before turning. When I passed, the car wasn’t turning. They began the turn probably when we were side by side.