Looking at a 02 GTS FE.... but....

[Nitro187]

I'm looking at this 2002 FE, however there is a problem with it.

Although minor, I want to know if there is something else I should be checking on it, before picking this guy up.

He was driving at a low rate of speed (he said less than 5km/h) when he decided to GUN it, thus putting him into a fishtail, and causing him to drive up onto a 6" curb. He said the car bounced a bit, but there was no damage to the car (not even the bumper)

But... the steering wheel is now off, so the toe in on the wheels must be off. It's definitely in need of an alignment... could there be anything else damaged? The car drives straight, no pull to either side... but the steering wheel when going straight; looks like you're turning right with it. Should I get the c-arm inspected too?

Let me know what else I should check; I'm putting it up on a ramp today.

Thanks!

 

[RobZilla]

You could have several problems all in the suspension, alignment, and steering column. Check and see if anything is bent, or knocked back from where it should be. I'd be particularly careful with this purchase. You could be in for a headache of a fix if you're not careful.

 

[Nitro187]

Thats why I want to be cautious before buying. It's a friend of mine, so he's being very honest as to what happened in the accident.

I might take it into Chrysler to have them look at it, and give me an estimate of the damages. Any other things I should be cautious about?

 

[ViperGTS]

6" curb and going over it might have damaged the "interior" of the tires also....!

What about the rim?

 

[Nitro187]

You can see exactly where he hit with the tire. It happened last weekend, he's getting rid of it because he scared himself. lol.

There is no damage to the rims, but it definitely compressed the tire a bit. The belts in the tire (inside and out) look intact, so it didn't pinch the tires against the rim. Probably because he wasn't going fast enough.

 

[jpa99acr]

dude needs to get into something that he is capable of driving before he wrecks it.

 

[TAXIMAN1]

there could be any number of problem with this car... Could be something as simple as a bent tie rod, throwing off steering. Or as major as frame damage...

Was the facia/hood damaged during this driving lesson?

 

[RTTTTed]

Did he hit the front or the back wheels on the curb? There is some susp. brackets and pieces in the rear that could also be bent or damaged.

There's a 10# Roe sc'd 96 GTS Blue/white (700rwhp+) for just over $40K listed in the classifieds. Just in case you're totally insane like some of us.

Ted

Ted

 

[voi9]

Friend or not, I'd stay away from this purchase.

 

[MAVPR]

I think you should have it checked out and the steering put right by a good viper tech.... Then buy it without any worries

I love the 2002 FE btw!!!!!

 

[dave6666]

Pull the a-arms and magnaflux them.

 

[TAXIMAN1]

Pull the a-arms and magnaflux them.

agree.. a-arms dont flex, they break.. And could be very weak after this..

 

[99 R/T 10]

When you get it up on a lift, check the frame. Good chance the frame rail on one side might be bent.

 

[RTTTTed]

Actually ...

You must be registered for see images

You can see that my A arms are seriously bent! Front end collison with a loaded Semi can do that to your A arms.

Ted

 

[dave6666]

Bet yours are cracked. A sixer of Lone Star vs. a sixer of your finest pig slop in a can.

 

[triplexotica]

Steve Kauff the son of Kauff's towing in FL smacked his GTS the same way in 98.

I watched the body shop replace the entire frame.

The only damage that could be seen with a naked eye was the lip of the facia was a little scraped other than that the car looked normal.

Unless that FE was really cheap I'd steer clear and buy a better example.

 

[Nitro187]

I'll get them to remove the tire, and fully inspect the suspension. I'll also get them to take a look at the rear, to see if there is anything broken\stressed\bent back there as well. Lots of fun. I don't get why people get behind the wheels of these things without the appreciation of that much torque under your feet.

 

[dave6666]

I'll get them to remove the tire, and fully inspect the suspension. I'll also get them to take a look at the rear, to see if there is anything broken\stressed\bent back there as well. Lots of fun. I don't get why people get behind the wheels of these things without the appreciation of that much torque under your feet.

How about a spattering of some nice hi-res pics to assist us with giving you the advice you're wanting?