Burnt To the Ground! Catastrophic FAILURE! Ram 6.7 Cummins

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Customer Customer States Mechanic Fails Engine Transmission Gas Diesel off road race 4x4 street car daily driver scam dealership dealer technician how to

[@Lanie1203]

I wonder how many cans of brake clean it's going to take.

[@ChrisLoew]

Another

[@clintk5367]

With him, a couple hundred!!

[@dancrane9951]

At this point , buy a barrel of brake clean and use a air sprayer. 😂

[@SiblingCreature]

All of them! 🤣

[@Casspederson]

487.5 to be exact lol

[@SlipFitGarage]

Another blown apart transfer case in a 5500 Dodge.... This was common in Dodge Tow Trucks in this area around 2013 to 2015. All the guys in the towing business in this area we're recommending anyone with a Dodge Tow Truck to remove their front drive shaft to prevent catastrophic failure when the T-case front output bearing locks up. Usually, it just causes catastrophic mechanical damage. The fire in this particular event puts a new twist on things. I hope your neighbor was not hurt.... physically or financially.

[@caseyjones1999]

Yeah ram saved a little bit of money not having hubs on the front axle... Crazy

[@johnnyrodgers9794]

Exactly, I’ve seen two other trucks where transfer cases exploded causing drive shaft to gather up wires not as many as this one the truck was stopped in time to prevent more damage and or fire after a professional inspector finished his report it was the transfer case

[@ScottDLR]

Double cardan went first.

[@SlipFitGarage]

@@ScottDLR Maybe...

[@johnregal5098]

Does anyone know if there is a TSB or Recall on this particular component of these trucks?

[@madhatter2012]

Ray, I don't know how much money you make, but it's not enough. I'm thankful that nobody was seriously injured. That was one of the most informative diags I've ever seen. Keep up the great work!

[@danleehill]

Ray always gives 110% in everything he doses.

[@MrMoon275]

Agreed

[@philh9238]

His KZbin channel probably makes him more than his business

[@darrellwells9850]

​@@philh9238 your right they get $ 18 per 1000 views

[@wilcleno1866]

As a retired firefighter of 32 years, you hit the nail right on the head for the cause of this accident. You should offer your services to the local fire department for investigation services. You could also offer some training for what to be careful of at car accidents.

[@rabbit1benelux]

this is one realy cool reply , and thank you for your service ..

[@CS-hv8rq]

As a retired firefighter how do you explain no soot inside the transfer case or on the broken u joint parts? Or the yellow paint on the u joint. I contend that the fire was caused by a leaky brake line and the u joint and transfer case were broken in the recovery towing after the fire was put out. Everything was locked up from the fire and broken as the tow truck was pulled apart from the semi. This also explains the aluminum transfer case piece not being melted as so many other aluminum parts are. Agree ??

[@joesample1818]

I believe the fire started from a bleaky break line myself. I believe a lot of stuff got broken from the tow company. Trying to get the vehicle separated. How did he finally get the truck to stop

[@rabbit1benelux]

@@CS-hv8rq simpel they demouted the drivechaft befor towing m8 ( what they always do ) becaus make it so much easy to pull it on the towbed or towhook also cald stinger on the back of a tow truck . . and the impact of semi would not make the case explode .

[@geoffp.7414]

@@CS-hv8rq I was also considering the broken transfer case to be post-mortem, but there is soot on part of the chain and transfer case still under the truck. The loose piece of transfer case may have been thrown onto the highway before the fire started. But I wonder why the first thing the driver noticed was the fire and not the banging sounds that must have happened. Maybe an omitted detail that should be confirmed.

[@chrisharris8727]

Wow thank goodness the guy driving managed to get out without being fatally injured. As a semi retired heavy truck and machinery mechanic in the UK I have witnessed quite a few catastrophic results of either a drive shaft or one of the prop shaft joints leave the party early. Interesting content Ray and it’s good to see you do an investigation and explain what could of caused the dramatic failure.

[@neilpickford8841]

If you look at 41:44-41:55 you can see the chain sprocket out of the transfer case stuck in the side of the frame.

[@BobBasshead]

Oh yeah, I'm surprised he didn't point that out.

[@andytheislandpirate9637]

I noticed it between 41:00 - 41:09. Just caught a glimpse of it. At first I was suspecting the owner left it in 4wd and hit highway speeds but seen the casting flaw. Could be a combo of both.

[@TCGProductions03]

@@andytheislandpirate9637 My bets are on that the transfer case locked up, blew apart, and everything else is collateral.

[@PintoPopProductions]

I don't think I've ever seen someone do a complete postmortem on a vehicle fire before. That was fascinating.

[@milo6373]

Rainman went CSI on this catastrophe his eyecromometry deduction is spot on , nice 👍💎🎯🤔 Dodge on the other hand, needs to do a little lessons learned...

[@wmarkwitherspoon]

@@milo6373 more than a little lessons learned, might need to replace this man's tow truck.

[@johnmcbride311]

There is an entire discipline in the fire department related to causation, but I dont recal if many of the investigators I knew ever had a level of mechanical expertise to make the determination you did, good work ray! Although this video is one example of a vehical that no amount of brake cleaner can make "shiny".

[@MathijsWijers]

I spot a challenge! :P :D

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

It needs an alternator... Ray said so here: 9:19

[@NemoConsequentae]

That'll buff out!

[@SteveBakerIsHere]

Oh - I wouldn't go that far...pretty sure that with a few cases of the stuff you could shine it up just fine. Of course the entire vehicle would still be a complete write-off - but at least the guys at the junkyard wouldn't dirty up their overalls on it.😉

[@kevlarandchrome]

Nice piece of forensics work Ray, if you ever get any official confirmation of your hypothesis let us know. I keep watching your videos because you're an okay mechanic, but you are a damned fine diagnostician. Not too many guys out there who can or are willing to go through the lengths and steps that you do to try to diagnose and find the source of a problem, it really sets you apart, good job.

[@drew1381]

My Dad was a mechanic for over 40 years. He later on began doing some forensic mechanical investigations when someone claimed a mechanical failure for an accident or incident. He would then testify as an expert witness. He REALLY enjoyed using his expertise in this way. And made pretty good money, better than spinning wrenches. Maybe a side gig when you need a new challenge Ray.

[@Dust599]

No worries Ray, you can fix it! Project Truck starting next week :)

[@e9sports393]

😂

[@betomendez4304]

Not 😆😂 lol

[@stevepople9366]

That oughta buff out just fine.

[@nisstyre]

Parts canon

[@wirenutt57]

The transfer cases for Dodge trucks used to be made in Syracuse, NY, until Magna Powertrain bought the factory and transitioned production to Mexico in 2008-2012. Sorry if I take a perverse delight on seeing a Mexican transfer case grenade under a truck. Magna threw 4000 people out of a good job due to their greed and insistence on paying their workers a fraction of what was paid in Syracuse. Notice you don't see a trace of ATF inside the transfer case, this suggests it was either never filled or it leaked out from inferior seals or a porous aluminum casting. I disagree that the yoke was the root cause of this catastrophe. If the yoke broke first, it's highly unlikely the driveshaft would have torn the transfer case apart like that. That failure appears to be internal to the transfer case. The yoke broke after the fact.

[@joedirt5463]

A defective casting as you pointed out is an excellent explanation,especially,when the "bleb" in the casting is clearly visible at the failure point.If I was the insurance investigator assigned to this incident,I'd be taking your observations as a slam-dunk. Good job,Ray.

[@technicalprecision8651]

You need to look at both sides of the break to be able to determine if there was an existing problem or flaw in the material. That type of break is very common in cast metal. What may look like a void could just be how the part broke. You need both sides to check for discoloration of the metal.

[@joedirt5463]

@@technicalprecision8651 I would agree,but,the other half is gone. Without it,it's impossible to determine definitively,so,an investigator has to go with what evidence is in hand. That's when he/she makes the notes and submits their report. The rest is up to claims management.

[@technicalprecision8651]

@@joedirt5463 if it was a crash then you would be correct. But the investigation is a fire investigation and the fire evidence points to a different cause and sequence of events. The fire came first then the destruction of the drive shaft and transfer case came after.

[@emmettturner9452]

@@technicalprecision8651 I think it’s more than enough to notify the NTSB in case there are similar incidents caused by casting flaws.

[@technicalprecision8651]

@@emmettturner9452 I’m sure the NTSB is already aware of an issue. But if you really look into the issue it is poor maintenance that leads to the failure of cardan joints and that goes for all manufacturers that use them not just Ram.

[@kevtris]

I noticed there's still insulation on the wires that were all wrapped up on the shaft; that would seem to imply that wrapping happened before the fire, which would match up with it flopping around and gathering up the wiring/lines.

[@mattbrown5511]

I'm glad your neighbor/friend didn't get injured from this horrific event. I hope his business recovers from the loss quickly. You did a great job of explaining how things work in the drive train, especially the rotational forces. It is amazing that the defective part made it that many years and miles before finally failing.

[@calyodelphi124]

That's the crazy thing about manufacturing defects. Sometimes they can withstand the full service life of the part. Sometimes, they are so compromising that the part fails almost immediately. The potential time to failure falls anywhere within that spectrum when you have a part compromised by a manufacturing defect like that.

[@maxmcarnage7642]

If you ever decided to hang up your wrenches you could always go to work for the N.T.S.B. the way you zeroed in on what very well could have been the cause of the whole issue was very impressive.

[@mattbrown5511]

You have more faith in the government than I do.

[@shadetreemech290]

Yeah, I agree.

[@WilliamHollinger2019]

I don't trust the government at all they are going to make $100,000,000,000,000 $100 trillion in debt they are spending to make the USD worth dirt.

[@chrisstromberg6527]

​@@mattbrown5511 NTSB inspectors are some of the best, and are respected around the world for their expertise.

[@mattbrown5511]

Whatever you say Mr. Stromberg. Just like all the "experts" in the V.A., or any other government agency you care to mention.

[@cmdrclassified]

I concur with your analysis, Ray. The yolk was the point of failure, then the driveshaft started swinging around and gathering wires and lines. Bare power wires and oil started the fire. Good work, Ray. Glad your buddy made it out safely. I did have a chuckle when you said, "Must have been hit by a Freightliner!" Have a great day, Sir! And God Bless! o7

[@brendanfisher2528]

I agree, shorted out wired or metal on metal lighting up the oil, brake fluid, fueld etc.

[@catjackson4293]

Agree. Looks like probable cause.

[@miscbits6399]

@@Jmg831 diesel is extremely hard to set on fire. Even sparks won't do it The electrical system burning up got hot enough to sustain a diesel fire. The seat of the fire isn't at the point the wiring was chewed up, but in the engine bay

[@jerrymcnally6210]

It was hit by a semi after it stopped, didn't you see Ray explain the rear end damage?

[@CatRPlrC16]

Dumbass

[@mikekraan823]

When you pan out at 41:53 you can see one of the transfer case gears screen left on the frame rail.

[@AndrewVerran]

Another good shot of it at 41:45

[@Jackice]

@RainmanRay's Repairs

[@brianflanders5831]

Good catch Sir

[@seymoreuk]

just watched the video and saw it too and was going to say about it you beat me to it sir

[@Sandmansa]

That has to be one of the most devastating driveshaft failures I have ever seen! Thanks for taking us along for the inspection Ray.

[@GymmyS]

At 41:45 when you were showing the damage from the flopping driveshaft and other bits from under the truck, you can see the large gear which looks to be out of the transfer case. Fascinating stuff and I believe you were spot on.

[@martinaudet7687]

Ray, if you get sick of wrenching, you could join the NTSB. Your forensic analysis is very impressive.

[@paulcodling6609]

Good comment. I'll second that.

[@Gizmetti]

While Ray is very good at what he does. I'm pretty sure my 12 year old nephew could have figured out what happened after seeing that driveshaft.

[@dangoodwin5954]

Yeah and why would anyone who makes money join a time sucking board or club unless it's their absolute passion?

[@grinner68]

This would be scary enough on a regular highway, but on the Skyway…. Wow! Not sure I would have been as calm as your neighbor.

[@imagseer]

Glad the guy got out of that wreck in time. I know from experience how quickly vehicles get consumed by flames and by the time you notice it and stop, it is usually already too late to do anything other than escape. Your tracking down of the component that failed catastrophically was outstanding and highly informative. I guess we all need to remember that all that horsepower from the engine and momentum from the wheels is only ever just kept under control by the engineering of the components. Sobering.

[@JohnDoe-ot6he]

Ray, Forensic Detective 👍👍. You're the best.

[@TheHrb1234]

Great video, thank you for walking us through something that we would never have seen nor hopefully experience in our lifetimes. Glad to know the guy got out safely.

[@mustrook1]

The only problem I have with your theory is you said your guy was cruising down the road and smelled smoke, opened his door and saw flames then pulled over. I would think that your guy would have stopped as soon as he heard the transfer case explode. Ask him about that.

[@ryans413]

Probably opened the door because of the smoke I’d imagine the fire started quick

[@tazmeadows2925]

With the bed banging and the tale lift plus radio you may not hear it just felt a thud !

[@TeemarkConvair]

EXACTLY! that was a hell of a unscheduled disassembly! three heavy whacks on the floor and the large hunks of rotating metal,, was a LOT more than "cruising" and smelling smoke..

[@technicalprecision8651]

@@tazmeadows2925 if you think that destruction only made a thud you better get your hearing checked. That would have sounded like a dump truck driving through a nitro glycerin plant.

[@emmettturner9452]

It’s a LOUD and heavy vehicle carrying another vehicle that was probably banging the whole way. Vehicles that big can take a huge bang and barely even feel it.

[@BobNob1]

the dawn dish soap is used on the roll off deck to help slide the tires

[@blockbertus]

I hope everyone involved escaped that situation save and unharmed. What a sight...

[@chrisp6871]

Maybe someone else pointed it out, but the gear for the front wheel drive from the transfer case is embedded on the left side of the truck at 41:54 Nice diagnosis, Ray. I think you nailed this one. As usual.

[@nicolaschevremont5275]

Just wanted to say the same when I spotted it 👍🏻

[@damienvillano4044]

The fact that the gear is there and not on the ground also supports the theory of what happened. If the transfer case and driveshaft were broken by the towing company it would not have had the power to get lodged there.

[@jameshodge9253]

Hello Ray, pretty interesting that you talk about the Cross Car Beam or Instrument Panel Beam or Impact Beam as you called it at around the 6 minute 15 second mark of the video. I work in a weld shop in Waverly, Ohio and that is what we make here. We are owned by a world wide automotive manufacturer Kirchhoff Automotive based out of Germany. We have several North America plants, ours here in Waverly, Ohio, one in Manchester, TN, one in Atlanta, GA, one in Dallas, TX, two in Canada Aurora and North York, two in Michigan, Lansing and Tecumseh, and two in Mexico Puebla and Queretaro. Here in Waverly we make the Cross Car Beam for Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V, Acura ILX, Ford F250 Super Duty, and Mustang left and right hand drive, and Chevy Malibu. We also have a few other parts we do as well, a door beam for Honda Accord, the A-pillars for Chevy vans, several structural supports for BMW including a radiator support and left and right headlight buckets. I work in the quality department in the Cut and Etch lab, we cut all the welds in half and etch them with acid, photo them under microscope and measure the welds for penetration, leg, weld width, and any abnormalities like porosity, melt through, undercut, overlap and things like that. Here in my department we also test the strength of the BMW tubes we make called Tensile Testing and I also certify all the rework welders on my shift. Very interesting to say the least. But it was cool to see you point out a part I spend so much time ensuring its quality.

[@norcal715]

You should have been an insurance investigator. No BS. Well done Ray! I wish we knew when the failure occurred (mileage and last time it was serviced, if ever. It is so important to service the U-Joints, something that is commonly overlooked). Once again A great dive into the failure point.

[@orionfixr7713]

While I agree , it appears that the U= joint did not fail , but the part the U-joint attaches to failed. Not something that would show during regular maintenance.

[@TheDurnans]

Around 41:46, you can see the transfer case gear sitting in the frame rail. You might find the bearing up there if you look. Dodge ought to be made aware of this failure. Those wires and brake lines should be protected by some kind of cover if this sort of failure happens.

[@kerrylewis2581]

That is precisely what I just said to my wife. A scatter shield would have prevented the total loss of the vehicle.

[@gregorystone1439]

@@kerrylewis2581 how often has this happened tho. If this is only a one time thing then it wouldn't be worth spending the extra money money for.

[@kerrylewis2581]

@@gregorystone1439 I would purchase a protective plate if I owned this model truck.

[@gregorystone1439]

@@kerrylewis2581 is that a dealer option or aftermarket?

[@dealsfromvirginia1773]

Perhaps you should share your findings with the insurance company so they can go after Ram for recovery of the payout?

[@mattbrown5511]

That would be decades of one company pointing fingers at another, and them pointing fingers at another and so on. and anything that would be gained would be eaten up in attorney fees and court filings, etc. Maybe, the NTSB could investigate the numbers and do a safety recall. However, even that is a long shot.

[@technicalprecision8651]

It is not a Ram problem because that wasn't the point of origin of the fire. Even if it was the truck is too old and lack of or poor maintenance would be the root cause so the manufacturer is not liable.

[@NotFastEddie]

@@technicalprecision8651 It most certainly is a Ram problem . Why? Because a lack of quality control, allowed a defective part to go through. That defective part failed. That failure is the problem that started the fire. If Ram had better quality control, something this company is known to be lacking, the failure wouldn't have happened, and we wouldn't be talking about it now. Therefore, the manufacturer is and should be held liable.

[@technicalprecision8651]

@@NotFastEddie First Chrysler (Ram) does not make cardan joints they are purchased from another manufacturer which also makes and provides that joint for all of the other manufacturers. Second the driver would have heard it come apart and then noticed the fire. He smelled smoke first which means the truck was already on fire before that shaft was ripped from the T-case and therefore could not have started the fire. Third poor maintenance is the root cause of failure for those joints. I have owned Chrysler vehicles for 30 years and have never had any quality issues with them. I have also owned 6 GM cars and trucks and out of the 6 only 1 of them didn't have quality and chronic mechanical and electrical failures.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

As for going after the manufacturer, there are the possible issues of age of the vehicle (I forget if the year of the truck is mentioned in the video), and in some states, the vehicle being commercial can relieve a lot of liability off the manufacturer (They have a better budget for buying laws in their favor). It can get more complicated in some states if the vehicle was not sold at a tow truck, but as an empty rear frame to a conversion shop. - Short story, manufacturers will throw piles of lawyers at claims to work to deny compensation whenever it is possible, and not a massive negative media backlash. If the driver had been badly hurt, they might offer a settlement, but that's a roll of the dice.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

From the impact from the rear I'm sure the tractor has damage also @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@melgerlach6356]

Dam Ray you are so good at your Job!! This was very interesting and very informative in regards to solving the mystery of the burnt truck! That was a bad situation right there!! You are awesome 😎

[@richardhemingway6084]

That was an excellent post mortem. You covered all bases and have come up with a plausible chain of events. It was either the failure of the UJ, or the transfer case grenaded first. Either way, the prop shaft picked up all the wiring, fuel and brake lines, causing the fire.

[@daniellibich1376]

With a post mortem investigation into the fire known at some time the transfer case grenaded allowing the front drive shaft still turning when if 4WD is selected had the transfer case lock into 4WD and also send a signal to the front differential to also lock to send power to all four wheels as a conclusion known to be if the transfer case exploded first allowing the front driveshaft still turning to pick up the few wiring and brake lines sparking a fire which nearly torched a ram 5500 rollback to the ground.

[@gmoney9588]

I agree with all the above . The t - case and front shaft caused the event . I think some how the transfer case engaged at highway speed . I sure don’t want to give anyone any ideas more than they’ve already got and attempt to blame the operator of the vehicle for engaging the shift solenoid via the transfer case control switch . Just want to see the owner of the vehicle compensated for his loss .

[@joepitts3638]

Actually the driveshaft most likely failed first, really really common on these trucks, there is a grease fitting on the centering yoke ( in-between the two u joints) people neglect to grease this as it is a real pain in the ass. The centering kit fails, driveshaft gets really wobbly and then everything explodes. Usually at high speeds as the front driveshaft is always spinning in the pre 14 Ram HD trucks. A few years back similar thing happened to a buddy of mine with his O3 dodge, killed the t case, beat up the transmission and actually came through the floor. He was doing 80mph. He was lucky to not loose his legs.

[@daniellibich1376]

@@joepitts3638 If many know there is greaseable U-joints within a two piece driveshaft as if a few vehicles have a center yoke when if it fails allowing the drive-shaft to drop. Up until 2014 ram HD has the few know as long as the front differential is always turning even in 2WD when if the driver selects 4WD has power sent to the front differential when if one had a 2003 ram when they somehow grenaded the transfer case when if they were lucky they weren't impaled when reports the front driveshaft came through the floor.

[@thomaswebster5060]

Wow!! I have been working on cars since I was 10 (if you count helping my Dad) I am almost 60.... I have never seen such carnage, ever. All that destruction from the failure of a $100.00 part. I agree, I think that your analysis is correct, that the U-joint failure resulted in a catastrophic failure, and speaking as a machine builder/machinist.. That makes the most sense... bad castings are rampant in the "part supplier" world. I am sure that "Dodge" farmed those parts out to the lowest bidder... Which is not just a "Chrysler" problem.... Interesting subject, though...

[@Alpejohn]

Only problem is that the dude first smelled smoke, then saw flames, then hit the brakes that did not work. No mention at all about a loud BANG that a failing u joint would make. I think his theory is wrong, unless he didnt tell the whole story.

[@earlribaudo4807]

It most likely broke from the impact of the 18 wheeler.

[@Casspederson]

Your attention to detail and dedication to your work is so admirable. You sir, are a badass dude. Thank you for entertaining me while I suffer through and extremely slow day here at my day job.

[@zetaguardian]

Honestly when i first started this video i thought it was a little odd but as i continued to watch I was thoroughly impressed by your investigative skills and enjoyed the video!

[@reedbreneman9443]

This should be a "Will it survive "video !! Come on Ray .You can rebuild it!!! The six million dollar truck!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garywright5556]

Ray it looks like to me that the side that where the pain was at has been broken off for quite sometime the colors of the metal where the cracks are at are different colors the darker color means it's been cracked for a while the lighter colors are brand-new fresh breaks it looks like that whole unit was defective

[@2000globetrotter]

Nice analysis Ray. Interestingly, according to the story, the first thing the guy appears to have noticed was the smell of burning! Surely there would have been a lot of noise before that as the UJ let go, unless it had been failing over time and he had just ignored the noise. Personally, I'm paranoid over any strange noises I hear from my vehicle and investigate at the first opportunity!

[@shaunvigil8223]

I was thinking the same thing. You definitely would have heard that go before smelling smoke. I think the impact of the semi, and the resistance of the compression of the motor may have been what snapped that U-joint. I think the fire melted the christmas tree clips that hold wiring, and the wire melted and stretched and caught the shaft.

[@tomtke7351]

thank you! "ANY strange noise..." This is why I am super perceptive to my own human body's strange happenings!

[@davidhoffmann5737]

When this happens at 60 mph and you have no brakes, the last thing you think is did I hear a noise?

[@tomtke7351]

@@davidhoffmann5737 likey?? the noise came first and so brakes attempted. Maybe??.

[@bubba966]

I lost a rear driveline u-joint once in a '79 C20. It was a newly installed u-joint that was defective. When it let go there was zero warning beforehand. So yeah, while u-joints failing due to age/wear are almost always noticeable with excessive noise and such, quick catastrophic failure doesn't always give warning. If the bad casting on the u-joint cup that Ray was pointing out was the point of initial failure there would have been no auditory warning. It just would've snapped and that's it, it'd be all in pieces in an instant.

[@MrHardhatharry]

That'll buff out!

[@frankcrenshaw7343]

Send it to the goonsqaud 😊

[@richardhemingway6084]

Yup. Change the oil, quick buff, back on the road.

[@Jay.Kellett]

N.....O....T!

[@grassroot011]

Take a BIG Buffer though!

[@thomaswebster5060]

😄

[@kevindowd31021]

I like CSI Ray! Good job! As Ron Pratt would say, "The important thing is that no one was hurt but as always, our thoughts, prayers and well wishes go out to all involved!"

[@meganpaull6140]

Very glad the driver got out and wasnt hurt your inspection of the damage is excellent in detail

[@VictoriaChaudhuri]

stark departure but also a fascinating departure. impressed by your step-by-step examination, refusal to make premature conclusions and then final conclusion that explaned everything.

[@Ghauster]

When he first noticed the destruction of the transfer case. My thoughts went to the PTO being forgotten on. Even with the 'modern' systems that are supposed to keep that from happening. Things can go wrong.

[@riliwi]

Hi Ray I agree with your assessment. I also find it strange that mecs still use a hammer to set ujoints, hitting them with a hammer can cause cracks in the cups eventually they will explode. I grew up believeing a press of some kind is required to press ujoints into driveshafts not a hammer.

[@michaelpressman7203]

I used a large c-clamp have a great day

[@orionfixr7713]

@@michaelpressman7203 ; Same here !

[@gmoney9588]

Agreed . No one should risk displacing the needle bearings or place undue stress on them by pounding them into place . A c - clamp or c - press is the best way or at least a vise . If the yoke is properly prepared to accept the bearing caps , they slide right in without resistance .

[@billhennie]

@@michaelpressman7203 Somewhere I still have my large C-clamp that I used to press in U-joints.

[@buddrud]

You have some serious knowledge to diagnose the potential cause of this. I'd have just looked at it and said "it's burnt".

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

Completely chooched. *ANOTHER!*

[@billhennie]

A real Roastie-Toastie!!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Wow Hope the Neighbor and Owner of the truck is doing Okay @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@redsmerf]

Diesel fuel can't melt steel springs! /s

[@Mrmartins345]

Ray what an awsome video and a very thorough investigation. I feel gutted for the blokes pickup most importantly glad he's ok. As always Ray Great work by a true professional.

[@kfox8233]

Good job Ray, glad your neighbor got out! The pile of stuff in the cab was shoveled up off the road before the tow. Probably all melted stuff from underneath.

[@DefaultName-vh3lo]

I think you nailed the chain of events that caused this disaster. Very good forensic analysis on your part.

[@kennetholiver5933]

Quincy Jones ME and Sherlock Homes can't hold a candle to your forensic diagnosis of an catastrophic failure Brovo!! Well done!! Love watching you!! You're the real deal!!

[@michaelpiwcewicz1412]

SILVER PIPE IS A/C LOW SIDE/// SCRAP IT BY A CHEVY// FAILED CASTING//DON'T FIX IT JUNK IT///

[@carycoplon5681]

Great detective work. Your skill set is truly amazing. You would make a great crash scene investigator. This was a fascinating video, thanks Ray!

[@Sora623898]

So you can totally fix that, right? 😂 I'm glad he got out safe though.

[@Jay.Kellett]

"It's gonna need an alternator." Ray you made me spit out my coffee! I'll get you for that! Okay....This time, I'm going with "this damage will NOT buff right out!"

[@deansapp4635]

Me too

[@MrFturner]

It may not buff, out but brake cleaner will clean that up right nice!

[@Jay.Kellett]

@@MrFturner I bet Ray is considering it. Does he have 8000 cans of it?

[@whochecksthis]

The reason i do not believe the half shaft break caused the wreck is the desceiption from the driver. He SMELLED smoke... No noises or vibrations detectwd beore fire was detected... If thw shaft flopping around caused the issue... he would have FELT the flopping, and heard the banging... A different ignition source caused the fire... and thw damage is from the resting impact.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That yoke companion flang cup looks like what's left of a double Cardan joint @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@JW-xn9fj]

Very interesting and sobering video Ray. Glad the owner was able to get out. One thing….could I advise/ask you nicely to wear gloves when investigating a vehicle that has been on fire. There can be some very nasty residual chemicals around.

[@theboz8161]

I must say, that your forensic examination was impeccable. You established evidence and then verified it. This video is quality enough to be court admissable. Well done.

[@Ralph_Baric_PhD_C2019]

But, those damaged pieces being on the tray says they fell out 500 meters back down the road and were recovered and placed there by clean up crew.. If they had have bounced off the bridge never to be seen again, much harder to work out what happened.

[@theoriginalchloe8247]

Wow, just wow! Thank you so much for this breakdown. You are absolutely amazing at explaining and showing what is going on! ❤

[@waynehutchinson1423]

What was the semi truck driver doing..sleeping,how can you hit a 4500 truck in a ball of flames and smoke.Maybe if it was nighttime ,he might of seen it.😅

[@COBRO98]

Climbing under that heavily compromised truck was dumb of you. Entertainment or not. It could’ve collapsed at any time, not to mention those poorly positioned jack stands.. on loose gravel.

[@paceauto5382]

The insurance adjuster is watching this video an like “Ray I think you’re on to something, may need a second opinion from you after my investigation”‼️💯😂😂😂😂

[@Jay.Kellett]

Insurance adjusters easiest call all day....looks at it for 1 nanosecond and declares it totaled.

[@fluffyblue4006]

Wow... Thanks Ray! Some days ago, I commented it would be good to see more diag. And now I'm getting the king of all diags. Great job. I'd like to present an alternate theory on this one, since the driver only seemed to notice some smoke and a fire. No mention of a jerk, a giant clunk and a lot of ruckus. Going downhill, you can easily set your brakes on fire. Everybody knows that you shouldn't be using the brakes continuously when going downhill, so the driver might not be eager to admit that he was coasting downhill on his brakes instead of on his drivetrain. Anyway, that fire took out wiring loom mounts. The drooping wiring loom was caught by the drive shaft and pulled in fuel and brake lines, yanking it hard, causing the catastrophic failure of the yoke. While driven by the front wheels, the spinning driveshaft broke out of alignment, it dealt a blow to this yoke and transfer case output shaft, making it explode. Another one... a fire like that can easily lock up the drivetrain at some point. Then, when this truck was hit from behind, the transfer case could have exploded. It seems to me that the distance this truck was pushed forward in that collision could also wrap the lines and wiring around the drive shafts. I hope, one of these days, there will be a follow-up with information from the driver in it.

[@dashcamandy2242]

The fire also could have been caused by a power steering/auto trans/brake fluid/hydraulic leak on hot components, which from there could lead to the plastic retainer clips melting, and into the snowball scenario of dropping looms as you described... From the start I was approaching it from a "what started the fire" POV, since the owner mentioned smelling smoke and seeing flames while he was driving and DIDN'T mention anything hinting towards "spontaneous drivetrain failure." Your theory of drivetrain damage from the semi's impact is certainly plausible. A vehicle can go from "do I smell a whiff of smoke?" to "massive pavement-melting conflagration" in a surprisingly-short period of time, especially once flames ignite plastics (which are petroleum-based products). I'm glad to hear the driver escaped; cars can be replaced, but people can't.

[@Melanie16040]

Major issue with your theory there... Vehicle was still on the uphill side of the bridge when the failure happened.

[@fluffyblue4006]

@@Melanie16040 Thanks. I didn't got that. Well, on that uphill stretch, driver was probably flooring it for a prolonged time, generating more heat. Maybe because of missing heat shields, custom or misrouted wiring or fluid lines, a leak, who knows. Need to wait until Ray does the next installment on this. We need the full story from the driver.

[@nickbryslan8904]

Today on Rainman Ray's forensic files... Good work Ray. I like your line of reasoning and logical progression. Insurance guys might try to recruit you after this lol.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That fire had to been around 2000 degrees looks like. Electrical fire possibly from the wires wrapping around the front drive shaft slipped and wound the wires up they were still hot with voltage and started arcing as it was being wound up and that's how the fire started wow @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@aaronshutts1024]

Every time i watch your videos, i become more impressed by your knowledge. This video took that to a whole new level. You are a true master of your craft. To look at a wrecked and melted piece of scrap and find that small detail in order to deduce the initial cause, i salute you.

[@bobchavies]

Don't anybody ever think nor say mechanics aren't highly educated, articulate and logical. Ray, sir, you're destined for greater heights than a KZbin channel with half million subscribers👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏽

[@chrismaverick9828]

Real mechanics who take pride and make effort in their work have to have numerous certifications on every type of a certain system, and then many systems. You can find someone who can't read past an eighth grade level but is certified and can rattle off every relevant point and fix your car in an hour or two without trying. Specialized knowledge is what you are looking at, as well as experience. Every field has those people. Some have it inherently, some have to really work at it if they really want it. Regardless, it's not a game for 'idiots'. You have to know a lot to make up for the genuine idiots who do terrible and moronic things to their cars.

[@gmoney9588]

One things for sure , Ray sure did take an NCIS approach to this investigation .

[@dotar9586]

@@gmoney9588 Needs more sunglasses. 😎

[@BIGSB5150]

Wow, That is a scary site to see. I hope everyone involved is ok an recovering. My prayers go out to everyone involved

[@SportFury1966]

Wow, great attention to detail. How much carnage? So much that most don't notice a big 'ol gear that shouldn't be seen.

[@Stover1928]

That is one scary looking skeleton. That driver really dodged the bullet of death! Glad no one got hurt. Thanks for the tour of the carnage!

[@brianm.595]

Was it diesal thermal runaway? Thats always been something super interesting. The far back damage probably occurred because the truck had flames coming out the bottom while he was still moving.

[@r4ptorbunny593]

This video was awesome---like watching a "Seconds From Disaster" or "Air Crash Investigations" or any one of a number of other shows like that, but focused on a truck. Super informative and extremely interesting--where most people would just glance at it and see a giant mess of a burned-out tow truck, Ray is able to look and find the relatively small parts that caused the catastrophic event. I am glad nobody was seriously hurt in this, and I feel sorry for the tow truck owner who is now out of a truck and now has to go through the hassle of finding and buying another truck (if they had full coverage to begin with--not sure if 'liability' is an option in a situation regarding a business).

[@darkearthcustomsandshoptalk]

It's nice to know your friend is ok. As soon as I saw the transfer case, I knew what happened. He was driving in 4 wheel drive on dry ground. Once the transfer case let go, the driveshaft grabbed the wires and brake lines which immediately caught fire, and then, game over. Just another example of not using 4 wheel on dry ground, unless absolutely necessary.

[@YippeeSkippie426]

^^^^

[@ski567]

This video was very educational and informative. Thank you, Ray!

[@jameswambold1599]

Near the end of the video you could see the gear for drive shaft from the transfer case. I was surprised that you didn't point that out of remove it to look at it. Great analysis Ray.

[@phil6465]

41:45

[@tommystearns1475]

Hey Ray, anyone claiming that freightliner badge? If not, I’ll take it 😁 also want to say I enjoy your videos and learned a thing or two from them. Last but not least, I saw your tow truck in the background of the project wrangler video earlier, can we get an update on it?

[@DreadHeadChannel]

This mans knowledge is literally off the freaking charts

[@TruckFan542]

Really there’s a couple pieces on this one could pull off. The emblems on the doors, that random Freightliner badge on the bed, and possibly that storage box.

[@Jay.Kellett]

Why, pray tell, did they not just tow it to the junk yard?

[@olivethrush7450]

Come on Ray. You can do this. Beat out the body dings, rewire all harnesses, New dash and airbags, new tires and you are good to go. Probably need to new glass here and there but that can wait.🤠

[@Bobcat30010]

Wonderful analysis. When I worked in towing we had a brand new Dodge 5500 roll back just like this. There was a hose line they ran from the hydraulic pump back towards the bed, and one of the clips keeping it mounted to the bottom of the cab, let loose. Allowing it to rub on the driveshaft. Thankfully I was able to catch it before disaster, and use massive zip ties to keep it up and away from the driveshaft! As I watched this video, I had a feeling I knew exactly what caused this disaster.

[@jamiepole5199]

Ray - not familiar with this type of truck (we don't have them on Australia) - but it kind of looks like to me that it was in 4H or 4L when it should have been in 2H - hence the grenading transfer case. Is this model electronic shifting of transfer case and wheel hubs? the current position of the transfer case selector is probably telling in this scenario. Glad everybody got out ok, and agree with your diagnosis to this point that the transfer case failure and subsequent percussive deconstruction of the transfer case were the cause of the fire. Good work. Very interesting to watch.

[@garynewell6947]

good day to you Ray that guy was lucky but anyway another great video Ray and the most important thing is to have yourself a great day

[@austinzachmeyer6326]

Not sure about the 5500 and 4500, but on my 3500 there is a hidden grease fitting on the double cardan joint going to the front diff from the tcase. Its supposed to be greased every time you change the oil. No one does, and they eventually blow up and cause this kind of damage.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I agree with you Ray I think the tranfercase froze up and snapped the case half off and damaged the drive shaft yoke @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@storagemonster2955]

Hey after the insurance company totals the truck have your buddy remove the cat. Being a disel they are exprnsive. So sad to see what happened, hope your buddy is all right.

[@jasonsmith2866]

Ray AKA Duckie, great autopsy. Seen that chunk of transfer cases made me think driveline failure, the driver had to have heard a hell of a ruckus then looked in the mirror to see the flames. Gratefully nobody was hurt.

[@freakofnatur101]

Company dump truck caught on fire, 1 wire that was installed as a jumper for the pto tower to the dash panel rubbed raw, melted a hole in an airbrake line an that air line started feeding the fire! Luckily the company driver was able to kill power to the truck to get it to stop pushing air, ole smokey was retired after that. Just glad noone was hurt! Things can be replaced, people cant!

[@paulburroughs1313]

Brilliant analysis and conclusion. A casting failure in a Dodge (Ram) truck surprises me not in the least. I had a failed block (casting flaw) in my '99 Ram 1500 come to light @ about 60k miles. Me no buy Ram trucks no more. Great video Rainman--The Force is With You!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That's definitely a casting flaw in thst cast iron housing @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@cuzzndoug5896]

excellent post mortem and if you're looking for that missing driven gear , its nestled in the sub frame. you catch a glimpse of it at 41:45 keep up the good work.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Looks like a Electrical wiring Fire @Rainman Ray's Repairs

[@serdneb]

Outstanding analysis! I’m involved with similar events for work and I wish I had you do all my investigations! Couple questions though. 1. Did the driver hear a noise that could have been u-joint failing? 2. Did the failure occur on the up hill portion of the bridge where the front drive may be used more?

[@deepierce5030]

41:46 the transfer case gear is in the frame rail on the driver's side just across from the transfer case... That's crazy and I have to concur with your findings with the originating area of where the catalyst that started the event. I sure hope the driver is doing well as I'm sure it was traumatic to say the least. Thank you for the tour as you called, Ray. I can really appreciate what a forensic fire inspector does for a living. As always, your videos are amazing! Thanks again, Ray! Hope lil bit and the wife unit are doing well!

[@fanofoldfans9238]

I'd like to see under the valve cover and how the valve train survived the heat. That tow bed could probably be reused and junk the carcass.

[@jrghc]

The damage to the floor is rusted suggesting that this damage happened after the fire, it should covered with soot from the fire. I believe the damage to the drivetrain was caused by whoever towed it. The driver would have mentioned what had to sound like a bomb going off before he noticed the fire.

[@ScarlettStunningSpace]

I guess that can happen when you make a vehicle as cheap as possible. Just glad I still have my 3rd gen.

[@jdsmort]

Excellent investigation, A++ for the investigative process.