Cutting front wheel wells

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Aug 23, 2010 | 04:52 PM
  #1  
I've decided I have to cut the front fenders to keep my 31 10.50's from rubbing. Will somebody please tell me:

How to scribe the correct cut line.

What tools I need to cut the line.

What flares to put on to hide the scar.

And any hidden dangers and risks that might crop up.

Mind you, I'm not going to mount up 37's...I've got what I want on there...but they are scrubbing when I back up with wheel at full lock and that sort of thing. I need a mild trim...and I'd like to put stock JY flares back on because I can't afford to buy Bushwackers, etc.
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Aug 23, 2010 | 06:39 PM
  #2  
Cutting front fenders
I need some advise - anybody??
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Aug 23, 2010 | 06:39 PM
  #3  
Here is the link on how i did. Should be able to follow this. Worked out great! ive got directions tools and pics.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/eas...fenders-53283/
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Aug 23, 2010 | 06:47 PM
  #4  
Just get some masking tape and "draw" your cut line then have at it with an angle grinder and thin disc. Takes about 5 minutes per side, then just go back over some of the cuts and clean the sharp metal pieces off and cover it with some 2$ Wal-Mart door edge guard.
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Aug 23, 2010 | 06:59 PM
  #5  
Quote: Just get some masking tape and "draw" your cut line then have at it with an angle grinder and thin disc. Takes about 5 minutes per side, then just go back over some of the cuts and clean the sharp metal pieces off and cover it with some 2$ Wal-Mart door edge guard.
you can get that stuff at wall mart. Ive been looking all over for that stuff (except wallmart obviously) and couldnt find it. Do they have different thicknesses
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Aug 23, 2010 | 08:27 PM
  #6  
check McMaster Carr I bet they'll have some for that sheet metal edge; and they'll have different styles and thickness too.

www.mcmaster.com

or

www.grainger.com
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Aug 23, 2010 | 08:43 PM
  #7  
Quote: you can get that stuff at wall mart. Ive been looking all over for that stuff (except wallmart obviously) and couldnt find it. Do they have different thicknesses
I dunno. I saw it, grabbed it and used it. Been fine ever since.
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Aug 24, 2010 | 12:16 AM
  #8  
ill have to check it out!
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Aug 24, 2010 | 02:40 AM
  #9  
is it rubbing on guards or arms at full lock ...when i was running 31s, only rubbed when on fill lock on the arms ..... just a thought ...... doesn't matter on mine anymore as i ended cutting and going to 33s
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Aug 24, 2010 | 04:23 AM
  #10  
Don't forget to set your turn stops on the knuckles. Some forget that.
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Aug 24, 2010 | 05:47 AM
  #11  
Quote: is it rubbing on guards or arms at full lock ...when i was running 31s, only rubbed when on fill lock on the arms ..... just a thought ...... doesn't matter on mine anymore as i ended cutting and going to 33s
I'll check that out. I'm not sure where the rub is...just that it does on occassion.

I need more clearance in any case...I want to wheel this jeep a little harder than DD use. It's time to mod the wheel wells.
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Aug 24, 2010 | 12:49 PM
  #12  
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/fi...-3-lift-41158/
here's how i cut mine ...you wont have to cut as much as i did ...hope pics help ...cheers
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Aug 24, 2010 | 02:13 PM
  #13  
at full lock? is it hitting the fender for certain? or are you on stock rims or rims with too much back spacing and hitting the lower control arm...?
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Aug 25, 2010 | 01:58 PM
  #14  
Quote: at full lock? is it hitting the fender for certain? or are you on stock rims or rims with too much back spacing and hitting the lower control arm...?
They're hitting the bottom outside edge of the flare - just enough to crack and break the plastic. I put 1 and 3/4" spacers in but it's not quite enough. I'm hoping I can trim a bit and put factory flares back on but nobody has chimed in on that yet.
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Aug 25, 2010 | 03:09 PM
  #15  
If you're wanting to keep a stock flare look with trimming, get 2 pair of rear TJ flares. You can trim your fender, trim the flares slightly to fit the bumper caps, and then bolt them on. Pretty simple. I'm doing this at some point. I have the flares, now I just need to do it.
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