We meet Jim Oostdyk from OK Auto 4WD & Tires at the Big Boulder run. He invites us to check out his store and shop; since we got some damage on the truck we take the opportunity to inspect the underside thoroughly while it sits on the hoist. The frame, skid plate and rocker rails received some hits but that is the minor problem. The tie rod is bent upwards a little bit and threw off the alignment. So they realign the tires. Also, the drive shaft hit a rock pretty hard and needs to be replaced. They send it out for repair.
It is about 4pm when all this is done and we head out towards New York.

The team also checks the rear axle again and it still leaks. After some calling around we can locate a new axle which will be shipped to OK 4WD to be built in after our New York City trip.
Following the enjoyable days in NYC we return to OK 4WD.
The axle shaft has already arrived, and as soon as we get there they take the axle out and inspect it. One problem they discover is the break shoes hitting the break drum. There is some kind of movement from the axle. Might it come from the opposite axle shaft? It turns out to be the bearing moving due to a loose clip. Now, since the new axle comes with bearing and seal, we don't worry about it. When they build in the new axle, they find out that there is a wrong backing plate on this axle. So they have to press the bearing and seal off both axles and switch the plates.
After this it is just a 'walk in the park' and the new axle is installed and ready to go. The gear oil is also pumped out and replaced.
Since the truck is already on the hoist, they change the oil as well.
We want to express our gratitude to the professional and helpful team of OK Auto 4WD & Tires. Special thanks to Jim, who gives us a special deal and lets us use his office space while the repair is done.