Just my 2 cents, I think it will look alot cleaner in the long run if you dont slit the tube. Just bend the tube the way you like it, then rest the sheet metal on top, weld and grind it down and it will look good.

Its on a TJ but it shows you what it would look like.

I see what you're saying. Have all the tube on the bottom side of the flare instead of half on top. That's a pretty good idea, thanks. I like the way those look so I'll probably do that

I think you'll be alot happier with the look In the long run, and no problem. That's how I'm doing mine

how are you attaching them to your XJ? will they be a bolt on flare or welded to the body?

The fronts will be bolted on so I can take them off if I need to, the back will be riveted on since it's a pain in the *** to access the bolts through the inside body panels. If I need to take the back off I can just drill the rivets out and punch them though then vac them up. I also plan on tying them into the rockers once I get them built.

cant wait to see them done. i will be keeping an eye on this.