ok, back finally.

have traced wiring as far up towards engine compartment as possible, no obvious shorts, rubbing spots etc. except for where the wiring is pinned between body/bumper.

my last two ideas before taking it to a shop somewhere(which id really hate to do, $$$):

1) check relay for tail lights. looking at wiring diagrams for 92 PU's thats the last thing in the failed circuit i havent looked at,, cause i dont know where it is

2) just cut the combination cable coming from the rear, spread the wires so there are no shorts at the cut site, and plug a new fuse in to see if it still blows. if it doesnt, i know my problem is that pinned cabling that is so tough to get to after wreck.

soo.. anymore ideas are greatly appreciated, especially location of that relay. and, if nothing else, good advice on taking it to someone else.
thanks for all your help thus far guys!