Air Jack: BEST RECOVERY Device EVER! Maverick high centered

There I was out in the Mojave Desert, where I have had a 4x4 for 30+ years. I have never been stuck or hurt my vehicle.
Today was that day.

This was the first time, and yes, that was the rock we pulled out. In my defence, it was buried, and only the top 1/3 of the rock was above the ground.
We decided to try out the yellow bag of greatness. Yes, that's what we refer to it now. Hooked it up to the air compressor, and in no time, the tuck was off the rock enough to get the rock out there.


You can find it here if you want one. I highly recommend it.
ALL-TOP Jack: https://amzn.to/3P6ZT7Y
Air compressor used: https://amzn.to/4bw406g

Then came the second rock. I know, a second rock of the day.


Same deal: the rock was only 1/4 of the way out of the ground. My front suspension hit it, pushing the rock out of the ground and rolling under the truck. I was going about 5 MPH. I kid you not, 5 MPH.

So the yellow bag of greatness to the rescue: https://amzn.to/3P6ZT7Y


The photo above shows the rock after it was pulled out.

You might be wondering about any damage. Well there was some

I bent the exhaust pipe just a tad, and I also bent the rear drive shaft. I was able to drive it to the dealership. Once I got above 23 MPH, the vibration stopped, and the noise went away. Lucky day.

Moral of the story:
1. Get a yellow bag of greatness: https://amzn.to/3P6ZT7Y
2. Never go alone

Awesome tool, glad it did the job! I was expecting more damage considering the size of the rock, good thing you were taking it easy!

I was lucky. I will make sure I share the estimate to repair

I'll be the first to guess and guess high as you said you took it to a dealer. 5K.

Looks like all the plastic rocker trim is missing on the starboard side too. Any damage to the pinch welds?

Bob The Builder said:

I'll be the first to guess and guess high as you said you took it to a dealer. 5K.

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I was thinking 5K as well. fingers crossed it's not more.

Wow! I love niche products like that. Glad everything worked out for you today. You can fill it with exhaust from the vehicle!

Bill's Workbench said:

I was thinking 5K as well. fingers crossed it's not more.

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Yeah, good luck. I hope the front suspension survived OK. Those are some numbers that can add up quick.

Clarkdonbran said:

Wow! I love niche products like that. Glad everything worked out for you today. You can fill it with exhaust from the vehicle!

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I did not, but it does have the attachment to do so. I did not want to mess with the exhaust.

dad bought one of them in late 70`s. he never used it but it was in the trunk of his grand Torino.
I used it once , all it had was for exhaust inflation. leaking exhaust but still worked well.

Bill's Workbench said:

I was lucky. I will make sure I share the estimate to repair

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I bet it’ll be over $2,000. I ran over a 6 foot strip of 18 wheeler tire on interstate at 65mph. Messed evap canister and felt shield, other related items on my 22 AWD(wasn’t FX4) cost just under $2,000. Body shop had to pull interior out to weld component mounting points. Was no damage to body just under carriage.

Wow. The bag worked great. But damage stinks. That hurts.

imboden013 said:

I bet it’ll be over $2,000. I ran over a 6 foot strip of 18 wheeler tire on interstate at 65mph. Messed evap canister and felt shield, other related items on my 22 AWD(wasn’t FX4) cost just under $2,000. Body shop had to pull interior out to weld component mounting points. Was no damage to body just under carriage.

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oof, Glad you where ok.

Grand Nat. said:

Wow. The bag worked great. But damage stinks. That hurts.

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It was my fault; I was not paying attention 100%.

But you are right, the bag was great! Glad we had it.

Bill's Workbench said:

oof, Glad you where ok.

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I’d had truck maybe 6 months. I was topping a tall river bridge and had my eyes on an 18 wheeler spare tire carrier pieces that was laying off to the side and there the big chunk of tire popped into view. Had no chance to miss it only to slow by about 10 mph. Talk about loud, it was WHAM then sound of stuff dragging on the pavement. I was able to nurse it to the next exit, town had no Ford dealership. So found a farm shop Thad had a lift and they were able to tie pieces up so that they wouldn’t drag. I limped it home (was nearest dealer) and dropped it off. Took them 4 days to put it back together.

I'm not looking to take the Maverick wheeling, but does anyone make skidplates for them?

EDIT: too answer my own question, looks like yes, there are a few. Not sure that any of the ones In seeing would have helped with this specific damage, though...