Let me start by saying im writing this from a hospital bed lol! Yesterday i was pulling my driveline out, for the 12th time (no joke) in order to replace the grease plug that goes between the yoke where the front and rear drive shaft join. I was in a hurry, and foolishly chose not to take the time to block the rear wheels as i panned on putting it on 4wd to hold it in place, since my parking brake hasnt been holding lately. The problem is, i forgot i took it out of 4wd to move my truck into the driveway....

Already running late, i crawled under on my creeper. I removed the bolts that old the ujoint clamps to the yoke, and removed the driveshaft from the yoke. Thats when i realized my mistake, as my truck began to roll down the drive way. Im a big guy, 6'0, 300 LBS, and even with my 35's my chest doesnt come close to clearing the axle. Knowing this, and with the added height of the creeper, i saw myself being smashed under the axle. As my only option i ditched the creeper and tried to roll out from underneath....I didnt quite make it!

The tire ran up on my left side pushing my left side under the tire and began to push me along the driveway, effectively making me a human tire stop. It drug me about 6 feet to the end of the driveway and over the curb before i was able to roll out, watching my truck roll into the street. As a result, i have 3 broken ribs, a fractured kidney, lacerated spleen, and a bruised adrenal gland. Not to mention some lovely road rash!!! (got my tattoos for free i guess lol)

The point of this is to remind us all that regardless of our knowledge or experience level, or how long we've been working on stuff, safety needs to be first. Not a day goes by that im not working on someones vehicle or something automotive related. But by being in a hurry, and choosing to ignore the common sense action of chalking the wheels, i screwed myself.

So take the time: Disconnect those batteries when your under the hood. Dont just leave it up on the jack, put jack stands under the exile. CHALK THE WHEELS LOL! Be careful where you leave tools under the hood before you start it. Wear eye protection when the situation calls. Be safe guys, dont be like me!

 

Damn bud. I am sure sorry to hear that! I've gotten lucky a few times, but lately I keep getting a notion to throw on correct ppe, so I've stayed with it lol.

 

Do it man, it's worth the few seconds lol!

 

It could be worse, at least you can heal from these injuries. Could be much worse bud. Glad to hear that you are semi ok!

If you need someone to take care of that sexy pickup for you while when you can't drive it, don't hesitate to send it my way! Hahahaha jk bud

 

Glad to hear you're OK.

A mistake to learn from for sure.

 

Wow, that sucks Rob! Take care of yourself, glad you are at least still kickin!!!!

I had a close call this summer. I was changing the rear axle in my 76 and had a jack slip in the process. To make a long story short, I saw it slipping, had one tire on one side yet, and a tipping over jack stand on the other. In a split second I had to make a quick decision and dive out the side with a tire on yet, banged my arm pretty good, but got out. Scared the he!! out of me for sure.

Again, take care of yourself. Scary for sure.

 

Rims make good jack stands that are pretty much impossible to tip over.

 

Wow Rob... scary stuff for sure!

Safety isnt anything to joke about.
An... acquaintance in high school (a friends friend) got crushed by his 71 chevelle due to a failing jack without having jack stands. There is very little warning when those things give out.

Glad to hear you're alright Rob. Looks like you're on the sideline for a while! Better see you posting up a lot more! LOL

 

I always do this. Slide the tires under the frame when working on an axle.

 

Glad your ok some what.
I know it's not funny for you. But i had a buddy do the same thing once. he thought i cross threaded the last bolt he was taking out. Then it came out and his truck took of with him like you on a creeper. He got lucky and grabed hold of the truck some where and road the creeper till the truck went into the street and stopped across the street.
good luck john

 

And people think i'm funny for chalking tires on a level surface.

 

I hope you get better though, sucks. =\

I just hate situations like this where the whole time your pissed and cussing yourself out cause you know you effed up and get so mad at yourself.

 

Holy cow! Hope the recovery goes well Rob. I'll be thinking good thoughts for ya.

 

Ouch. Get better soon.

 

Praying for a quick recovery for ya man. Get better soon so u can get back to wrenchin!!!
A little slogan we use at work: I've upped my safety standards, so up yours!!

Stay safe guys and don't forget the little things, because they can turn into big problems in no time.