I was in a 5 car accident with my 02 dakota today.
2 cars were stopped for a school bus, the car in front of me hit them, causing the 2nd car to hit the 1st.
I slammed on my breaks, avoided hitting the car in front of me, but got hit from behind.
The Ford Escort that hit me was probably going 30+, at least.
The only thing damaged on my truck was a badly bent back bumper, the tailgate and the box were unaffected...
The Ford Escort did not fair as well, it will most likely be totaled.
I'm just glad that no one was hurt.
I'm very glad that i was in my dakota, if I was in a car the damage would have been much worse
My truck will always take a beating and keep on going, i love it.

 

Well I am glad to hear you are o.k. and the truck lol.

 

ive had my bumper replaced 3 times... Its never really been damaged that bad... i just dont like a jacked up bumper...

 

I've noticed many people are replacing or repainting their bumpers on these. The paint doesn't seem to hold up as well. I pulled mine and painted it. Looks much better.

 

nice to hear that you are 0.k.

 

o no mines chrome... The first time it was because I got stuck while fishing... Father-in-law tied a rope around the bumper and yanked on it, the whole dang thing buckled in on itself... second time was I let some one borrow it and they backed up to a trailer and put the dang thing through my bumper... 3rd was a hit and run where the cop gave me the kids address... His daddy happen to be a sheriffs deputy... So I got paid in cash for a new bumper... nice fellow...stupid kid...

 

ne thing i have noticed at least for my first gen is that you can beat the hell out of them, i slid into a handa civic the first winter i had the truck and tore the whole rear end of the civic to hell, but had a minor dent in my bumper. The guy that had it before me must not have not known how to stop without running into a tree. I got the truck and the bumpers were as straight as a circle