Rear-ended last night

Has anyone else ever noticed how strong the stock rear bumpers are??? This is my second time getting rear ended in my 2003 Tacoma, and both times have caused literally no damage. I can't say the same to the other vehicles though. Lol

 

Be thankful you have a 1st gen instead of a 2nd gen, or you would be dealing with bent frame problems.

 

that's because we have a big honking chunk of iron hidden under that pretty chrome skin cover that you see.

that's why I laugh at the idiots who think second gens are safer with the plastic beds and all just because they have extra side door airbags in them

 

Actually, they are safer all across the boards. They have 5 stars all the way around I believe, first gens never got that close. All compact trucks of the era were poorly rated in crash tests, although the Tacoma was probably the best bet agains the competition. Still, the 2nd gens are safer by quite a long shot.

 

I would feel 1000 times safer getting rear ended while im sitting in a first gen then if I was being rear ended while im sitting in a second gen

but you go right ahead reading those data sheets that say second gen plastic is stronger then the all steel first gens lol.

 

I have no horse in this race since I don't own a Taco right now but it's not about the steel or plastic when it comes to safety. It's all about energy absorbed and reducing the impact on the people in the cab.

Check out some videos on Honda/Acura A.C.E. Body/frame tech. Does a good job explaining it.

 

This video pretty much proves you wrong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPF4fBGNK0U
Big age difference between the two cars, but you get the idea. Big heavy all metal cars weren't very safe at all compared to cars today. As much as I like older cars, I'd much rather be in a crash like that in my old 2011 Tacoma than my 2004. The first gen Tacoma is pretty safe for what it is, but there's no doubt the second gens are safer than ever. Our trucks only have 2 airbags (1 if you have a 95-97) while the 2009 and newer second gens have 6 or so and better crumple zones. Part of the reason the Tacoma grew in size to midsize instead of another compact was to make it safer.

 

Yeah, being safer is having crush zones.

I think when you say "safer" you mean, your wallet feels safer when you don't have to replace parts from a minor fender bender.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgmgxGZx1TY

 

On the 2nd gens, the rear frame tabs bend down when rear ended at about 25mph. But, it doesn't affect the box of the main frame when hit straight. Ask me how I know. It's an easy fix by any frame shop to get those tabs straight again so the bumper and hitch mount correctly.

 

I've also been rear ended twice OP, both times resulted in bad damage to the other vehicles. One of them totaled their little Kia Sportage and the other ended up with a busted headlight because they ran into my hitch. My rear bumper has a hardly noticeable crevice and some nicks. Serves those idiots right for not paying attention. I was stopped both times.

 

While parked - in Park w/ parking brake on and wheels turned into the curb




No frame damage, but I had welded on frame stiffener plates from CBI and have a HD plate steel rear bumper - The impact put three of the four tires onto the parkway/sidewalk.

 

^ Wow, looks like that classic VW bus is totaled.

 

point taken, you are correct.

I view it in terms of amount of damage the truck receives in an accident