I was in an accident on 2/5/2015 where a couple of kids in a Honda speeding up a 2 lane on a hairpin turn which they couldn't make the bend and slid into the oncoming side (my lane) and into my rear axle. They hit my rear tire which broke my leaf spring and bent my axle housing. also wrapped the lower part of my bed under a bit. The drive shaft fell out of the trans but came out clean. Amazingly my wheels are still in tact and no blown tires. I run BFG all terrain T/A's. Luckily the police were a few cars behind me and witnessed the whole ordeal. Currently i am waiting for my insurance adjuster who should be here Monday or Tuesday. Some are saying they might total my truck. I have a lot of money in this truck and don't want it totaled. Anyone have any experience in this area on certain outcomes? Below are some details.

2004 Ford F150 FX4
5.4 3v with 154,000 mi.
Fresh rebuilt transmission 4R74W
Damaged items:
Rear axle assembly - 9.75 ring w/3.55 ratio
Rear shocks
Emergency Brake cables
Lower left bedside
Left rear leaf spring

I have located these parts already at a local salvage yard I deal with. I will be replacing both rear springs with new. aside from the body work to the bed my cost on all parts is around 1100.00 delivered to the shop. I am a mechanic, my brother is a welder and my best friend is a bodyman.

I dont want to hear total loss come from this adjusters mouth.

 

Sorry to hear of the unfortunate accident. Since you don't want it totaled out hopefully this doesn't happen. Perhaps you may be able to buy it back if sentimental value overrides an R title. I'm not an expert on damages or 'guestimating', but if there isn't any frame damage I would say you could slide by and have it covered. The mileage sounds like it is your only concern in this case.

 

As has already been mentioned, if you really love the truck, even if it is "totaled", you can buy it back from the insurance company and fix it yourself if you want. The one thing I'm not sure of is your Title though. With it being (if it is) totaled, it may come back to you with a "Salvage" Title.

BTW, if it does end up being considered totaled, make sure to utter the words "Diminished Value" to the Adjuster.

 

Diminished Value is not applicable to total losses. Diminished Value relates to resale after a repaired wreck. If it's totaled the resale is usually high bid at a salvage auction.

 

Ya got me there. Gotta stop posting after way too many hours plowing! Thanks for the correction, you are absolutely correct!

Of course if they don't total it, this comes back into play.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Adjuster is supposed to come Monday so I will let you know what happened.

 

Ok, I nsurance adjuster was here and left. Said it was no where near totaling out. received a check for 4600.00 to repair. Replacing rear axle assy., both leafs, and driveshaft at this time. Got those items already from salvage yard total of 1050.00. May buy replacment bed and rear bumper later. Als had to replace both rear shocks so I just ordered a Rancho quicklift system to cover that. 525.00 off ebay. so I have 3025.00 left for any further improvements. I found a southern bed 6.5ft for 600 w/no rust. Will have to paint YZ Ford white.

 

Nice, sounds like that worked out in your favor.