Sounds like somebody scammed tham a freshly painted 03 taco!

 

The drop hitch is fault of the bent frame. Though it would have been worse if it wasn't there. The bed would probably be damaged pretty badly.
Did you look behind the cab where the bed meets it at the top? You better take a look. I was rearended in my 2000 ECSB Silverado, and it had a bed impact dimple in the back of the cab. Though mine was hit hard and off center towards the passenger side frame rail. It bent my frame a bit, but not that bad. It was pulled and straightened. You couldn't even tell after it was fixed and repainted.
Be sure you take it to a GM body shop that uses digital frame machines. You do have the choice.
They won't total it. It can be fixed. Though be sure to ask for the alignment specs after it is finished. You need to pay attention to the rear axle toe and camber specs. The rear axle doesn't have adjustments, but when a rear solid axled vehicle gets rear frame damage, it will tweek the rear axle. Then the results are a dog legging ( side saddle riding) truck going down the road. Basically the *** end of the truck will be wanting to steer one direction or the other. You don't want that.
Sorry to hear of the bad luck. FYI: My 2000 Silverado was reaended twice! One was a drunk (he tried to hit and run, I took him out by running him down, he jumped out of the vehicle and dissapeared into the woods. He ended up having insurance. I had doubts when I seen the vehicle), and the other was an idiot with a suspended DL, 2 warrants, and yep........NO INSURANCE! He went to jail when the cops arrived. I had to place the claim on my insurance.
CAN PEOPLE FRICKEN DRIVE THESE DAYS????!!!!!

Jim

 

got to give props to those factory hitches...........strong bastards!!!

 

Like mentioned really depends on the insurance company. My 03 had frame damage went it got wrecked and they decided to fix it, really thought they were going to claim it as a loss but no. Main reason why I decided to get rid of it.

 

Thanks for the support guys. I stopped by a local bodyshop today (http://www.autobodybeautiful.com) and they also stated that it's common for the frame to be bent by a reciever. They say it can most likely be straightened. Also got a tour of the place while I was there, quite the operation and lots of neat toys.

Chevy6000: Good info. Thanks for the heads up on the cab, I'll take a look at it again. The place mentioned above has all the digital/laser alignment equipment too and says they're accurate with a mm. I'll have to check around at other dealers. The one I had a previous estimate at didn't even condsider frame damage.

 

The body shops that take you a tour are most favorable IMO. It shows they're not shy about their work. Look around and you'll see that most shops will not go to this extent. I'd really consider them if you find the others not to be as courtious.
Good luck with the repairs.

Jim

 

yeah maybe they can heat it. starighten it. then box it for strength. should be fine. only thing you will have is bad memories and a sore back.