How to check for damage after spin out?

So today while running some errands for work my 2002 DBLC rwd spun out doing a u Turn, went up a curb and nicked a mailbox, the curb wasn’t too high I’d say about average. The speed was about 15mph. Are there any areas that I should check for damage? Like my tires not going to fly off driving right LOL, and if it might, how to I check? The only apparent damage so far is my driver-side mirror lost power (Vertically, L-R still works), but aside from that everything feels fine. I just would like to know if there’s any real danger still lurking, I’ve been driving it for about an hour now just to make sure, anything helps. Thanks guys

 

Pix

 

Well that sucks!!! It really depends on how you hit the curb but if it was more straight on and you weren’t too hard on the brakes then you’ll probably be ok. I would just try to be observant on how the truck is driving- does it pull and or vibrate where it didn’t before? If anything is bent then I’d say it would probably start with tie rods. Probably be a safe bet to at least have the alignment checked.

 

If you smacked a curb hard enough to jump it with the front wheels, I'd be concerned about the LBJs at the very least.

Does it drive straight?

 

What's the mailbox look like?

 

It never drove straight, but it actually seems now like it drives straighter than before LOL! the only thing is there feels like there a little more play on the wheel but it could be my imagination

 

From what I remember I spun, and my front right wheel went up first, I don’t think I even hit the brakes until I was already up the curb, I was too focused on trying to steer it back under control... I’ll get the alignment checked, so far there’s no abnormalities that stand out... I’ll keep an open eye though, thanks!

 

Haha like it got slapped with a truck

 

I'd take it to get an alignment. If its wonky, they'll probably notice.

 

The lower ball joints on these trucks are a weak point to begin with, I would jack up the front end and check the LBJs for play. As well as look for any other noticeable damage. A hit like that can tweak the spindle

 

Alright thank you! Will do

 

Here's a link on how to check, it's pretty easy

https://youtu.be/rteeAOQlrKY

Keep in mind, any visible play at all means they are bad and need to be replaced

 

get out a tape measure with Ur good friend

measure each side
a regular level can check verticality on each wheel if done on level ground

 

You forgot the For Sale line: "Only nicked one mailbox, price is $45,000 firm. I know what I've got." Yes, check for LBJ play or go for an alignment.

 

Were you perpendicular to the curb when you hit it (as in, tires sliding 90 degrees from the rolling direction)? Or did you more or less drive over the curb?

If you just basically drove over the curb, I wouldn't worry, I've done far worse than that on purpose, lol.

First thing is to just do a basic inspection for signs of damage. chipped/wrinkled paint is a good sign that metal got bent. Check for loose bolts, that sort of thing...

Sure, check the ball joints, and if it's been a while (if ever) since you've replaced them, might as well do that now, no matter what. As others have said, the ball joints are a bit of a weak point with these trucks, but it's not like they explode on contact like that Pinto in Top Secret. But when in doubt, it's safer to just replace them. They're actually really easy to replace DIY.

But honestly, if it drives straight, and you don't hear any new noises, it's probably fine.

An alignment isn't a bad idea, either.

 

Thank you! I just crawled under there to do a quick peek because I have no way of raising the vehicle from where I’m at, and I need to take it somewhere for work tomorrow.. I found what looks like a rubber cover that broke from one of the screws holding it in. Should I be worried? I don’t know if this is from today or from far before today. It more or less drives like normal, no new play or new noises that I can confirm after driving a couple hours.

this is the side that hit the curb, I’d say I hit the curb at maybe a 30-45 degree angle from the road looking forward.

 

That's just the dust shield boot around the lower ball joint, it's common for them to break off over the years. Not the end of the world, just helps keep debris from puncturing the LBJ boot

 

I'd be less worried about the truck and more worried about the frame

 

Haha yeah, I’ve had it patched like 3 times LOL