Help in Grand Junction

Telly

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Crazy thing just happened on I70 just east of GJ. I was passing a 80 series TLC (of all things) and his front tire came off and hit my front bumper and tire. Didn’t feel safe to pull over until a half mile down the road. The guy in the 80 safely got to the shoulder. Damage didn’t look too bad so went on the GJ. I’m here in GJ now and my alignment is off. No shop is open. @DaveInDenver are you around? My number is +1 719.492.8428.
 

Cruisertrash

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Crazy thing just happened on I70 just east of GJ. I was passing a 80 series TLC (of all things) and his front tire came off and hit my front bumper and tire. Didn’t feel safe to pull over until a half mile down the road. The guy in the 80 safely got to the shoulder. Damage didn’t look too bad so went on the GJ. I’m here in GJ now and my alignment is off. No shop is open. @DaveInDenver are you around? My number is +1 719.492.8428.
Can’t help, but best of luck Doug. Glad you’re not hurt.
 

Telly

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Hope the other guy is okay. It happened at the narrow curvy section right by the Colorado river with barely any shoulder.
 

Johnny Utah

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Good luck Doug! Hope everyone is safe.
 

Telly

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I’m rolling the dice and heading home. Spare is on for what I’m sure will be uneven wear.
 

DaveInDenver

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Just saw this. How are you?
Doug made it home. That's all I know.

FYI (generally) Doug had already gotten on his way by the time we had a short exchange so there wasn't anything I did but would of course always do whatever I can so don't no one ever hesitate to ask, emergency or not.
 
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Telly

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Thanks all for the communication help and reaching out David...I really appreciate it. I made it home at 6:00pm last night, mostly due to the I-70 traffic nightmare coming down the hill. I was driving my Tundra. As I was passing the 80, I noticed what looked like chucks of mud coming off this front tire, then in a half second later the wheel shot off and hit my bumper and rolled under my passenger tire. The entire front of my truck launch into the air briefly (that was a new experience). The loose tire must have ricocheted back into the ditch because nobody behind me was affected and there was no damage to my truck besides the bumper and front suspension. The 'chunks of mud' I saw must have been lug nuts. I'm very surprised my tire did not blow or the air bags deployed. It was a violent exchange.

My steering wheel is off about 45 degree to the left and you can visually see how how off the alignment is. No shops open on Sunday and I couldn't even get a rental car until this morning. My two choices were stay in a hotel or head home. Not the smartest thing to drive 300 miles with this kind of damage for sure. I stopped multi times to check for tire wear, which was minimal (tread cupping).

Accidents happen and I'm glad it happened to a guy driving a Tundra. Scary to think if this happened to a small compact car. Insurance claim adjuster is supposed to call me today. I'm glad I have full coverage.

Good reminder to check you lug nut torque every so often!
 
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Telly

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Quick update. American Family has been great to work with so far. I'm picking up my rental tomorrow (I've been driving the 80 to work this week). I'm also dropping off the Tundra tomorrow to 'Jacks Alignment' in Colorado Springs for an inspection. Jacks is a great shop that has been around forever. Fingers crossed no suspension/steering/frame components require replacement. I just replaced both lower control arms as a PM measure a few months ago.
 

Telly

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Holy $hit....that is the exact way the tire hit my truck. Glad I was driving a Tundra and not a Kia Soul. Damn.

Since the my accident last Sunday, I've seen a truck on two separate occasions sitting on the side of the road with one wheel missing and the brake rotor slammed into the concrete. Both were lifted trucks with wide rims, likely with wheel spacers. Don't know if it is the heat or what. Check yo nuts!
 
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