Hey guys, I decided that I have to just accept the fact that my rear bumper is horrible and just needs to go... however, there are some issues, and I'd like your thoughts and opinions on it.

I've been Googleing the crap out of them, and the nicest I've seen so far is one from a dealership on ebay. I like it because it's original factory, and it has a 12 month warranty - if anything happens, I just bring it in to dealership. The only problem is that it's over $350, and after just loosing my job, I really don't have that kind of cash to spare...

I was looking at some FEY Bumpers (not factory, but they look alright), and it was at an way more reasonable $220. Still a lot of money, but I like it. My only problem with this one is that on a few different sites I saw some people complaining about how it was a few inches short. One guy had a 2003 or 4 2nd Gen though, and nobody else gave their Dakota year... I'm about to look into differences in bumper sizes between the generations now.

I'd kind of like a custom one too, but those have gotta be expensive, and I'd have to have someone make me one on account of I don't the tools to do so myself.

Here's a link to what I was looking at:
http://www.google.com/#q=96+dodge+da...f87efc6f926f13



Thanks guys!

 

I like OEM chrome ones.

Maybe just try your local junkyard or www.craigslist.org

 

If your unemployed, then I would not recommend getting any bumper, until your finances change. Your changing your bumper for aesthetic reasons, and without extra disposable income, you may put yourself in a bind. The option to rechrome yours is up in the air as well. Lastly, get what you want the first time (the factory chrome), so you don't waste effort. Save up, purchase, install, admire.

 

I've tried my main local junkyard that probably has around 15-20 Dak's, and all of them are either gone or the center has been completely rusted out. These bumpers have a hard time with MI winters! I've tried CL too, but it also wielded no results =/

Siggie, I do agree with what you're saying - I probably should have made it a bit more clear however that I already have a little more than 100 saved up already, plus I have more money coming on the way from a severance package that I thought I could use some of as well. I can't rechrome mine though... the center of it is only about 45% there, and there's a hold a little bigger than my fist on the left side of it, and the rust ate through so badly on that left side that the rubber mat is the only thing keeping it in place (it wobbles all the time and constantly sags).

I might do some calling around and see what I can find... I'd like for my luck to pull through and have my local junkyard get one with a nice one on it. I was quoted only $50 for one (which would be awesome!) Thanks for the comments and help gents!

 

if you have access to a welder, and a little know how, just build one, i built mine for less than $50 (not including line-x)and about 4 hours work...

 

Man, you have mike my dream Dakota...

I really like that rear bumper too! Only thing is no access to a welder =/