bushwacker fender flares
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 271
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From: Edwards AFB CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
i was just curious if anybody that owns a set of the bush wacker fender flares if they are any good? what i mean is are they good for just your average wheeler, nothing too extreme. do they have any issues i.e. wiggle or shake while driving?
pros n cons.
thanks,
kevin
pros n cons.
thanks,
kevin
They do look nice and all, but they are overpriced and if you ever happen to slide into a tree or up against one, hope they don't break. They are very common for cracking easily and if hit hard enough the sheet metal screws will pull through.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
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From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
yeah, like mentioned, they do break easily. unless your tires stick out far enough to take the hit before the flare does.
i've had mine on for a few years, but my tires stick out about 4 inches past them, so they haven't really come in contact with any rocks or trees. they will take a bit of abuse tho, they're not as brittle as some say they are.
BUT, if you have more flex than lift, the tires will push hard enough against them and will pop out the bolts. if you're lucky enough, the bolt will just pull out of the fender, and not break through the bolt pocket.
they do however look better than any other flare out there.
i've had mine on for a few years, but my tires stick out about 4 inches past them, so they haven't really come in contact with any rocks or trees. they will take a bit of abuse tho, they're not as brittle as some say they are.
BUT, if you have more flex than lift, the tires will push hard enough against them and will pop out the bolts. if you're lucky enough, the bolt will just pull out of the fender, and not break through the bolt pocket.
they do however look better than any other flare out there.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 271
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From: Edwards AFB CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
right. thank you for the advice i think i will go ahead and get them, i do plan to get the rustys long arms and add two inches to my already 4 inch lift, i have 33s and im gonna space the wheels bit, so in your opinion do u see any problems?
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
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From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
well, when i put my 33x12.5's on, they didn't stick out any. that was with 8 inch rims and 3.75 backspacing.
i'm sure, if you were to add wheel spacers to that tho, they should stick out a bit.
i have 15x10 beadlocks with 2.75 inch backspacing with 13.5 inch wide iroks tho.
i know others that have used them with 33's and didn't break them, but then i also know someone that had them with 35's on regular rims and busted them to pieces. but he wheeled some freakin crazy trails and used trees to stop him from flopping.
so it all depends on how you wheel.
i'm sure, if you were to add wheel spacers to that tho, they should stick out a bit.
i have 15x10 beadlocks with 2.75 inch backspacing with 13.5 inch wide iroks tho.
i know others that have used them with 33's and didn't break them, but then i also know someone that had them with 35's on regular rims and busted them to pieces. but he wheeled some freakin crazy trails and used trees to stop him from flopping.
so it all depends on how you wheel.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Edwards AFB CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
see im from arizona originally but my enlistment into the air force got me stationed at the worst location for wheelin' (florida! in the pan handle!).
so for the most part im in the mud or flexin through dirt ditches and mild trails in the woods.
i just want to be sure before i spend 380$ that they can be painted and will not flake, and good for your average wheeler. plus i tend to stay away from things that will jack my XJ up too bad.
i really appreciate your insight, i know too much about wranglers but XJ's are new and a bit alien to me, so i may be askin for more knowledge in the future.
so for the most part im in the mud or flexin through dirt ditches and mild trails in the woods.
i just want to be sure before i spend 380$ that they can be painted and will not flake, and good for your average wheeler. plus i tend to stay away from things that will jack my XJ up too bad.
i really appreciate your insight, i know too much about wranglers but XJ's are new and a bit alien to me, so i may be askin for more knowledge in the future.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
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From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
i'd say go for it, if you don't mind the thought of cutting up your fenders so they'll fit. that's assuming you are talking about the cut out pocket style flares.
they do make the jeep look kick a$$.
they do make the jeep look kick a$$.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 311
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From: Burleson, TX
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Rusty's flares are good there not as strong but you can buy singles were as bushwackers you can't there also about $100 less and you don't have to trim as much if you don't want to.
They are horrible! And the company is so unhelpful. I have a missing half panel due to my 32 mudders ripping them off out in the desert. Called the company and instead of selling me a replacement panel, for say, $70-100, they want me to buy a full set.
These fenders are way over priced and the people that work there are *********.
I apologize for my bad experience with Bushwacker.
These fenders are way over priced and the people that work there are *********.
I apologize for my bad experience with Bushwacker.
I had the original Rusty's rivet-on flares. They looked nice, but broke easily (especially in cold mighican winters). I recently switched to the Bushwackers. More coverage (about 2" wider than the rusty's) and slightly larger openings. I do see that Rusty's now offers a "flex" flare that is supposed to be super-rubbery and flexible, which would be a good option if you plan to abuse your rig. I like the look and increased coverage of my BW's, hopefully I dont beat them up too bad!
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From: Keesler AFB, MS
Year: 1998 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
after i get my lift on (just waiting on time) i will get the BW flares. Theres not that much hardcore wheelin around this area, so they should be fine.
if you are into mudding though look up red creek off road in mississippi.
and i like the fact BW has a lifetime warranty. that right off sells them to me
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 271
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From: Edwards AFB CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
well im stationed at tyndall, i have heard theres is a good 4x4 park in alabama if you guys ever wanna met up and take a trip up there that would be awsome. what do u guys do in the airforce?


