Just cut them and stop debating about it. If they aren't cut now one thing for sure you aren't flexing at all or the tires would have eat the fenders up. You have a lot more options with them cut and the flares gone besides looking better.

Mine flex's very well, even more so since the upgrade in suspension to 4 1/2" complete. Now I can take advantage of all the new stuff, and the full potential of the Jeep. My tires are 33x12:50x15's when worn out will be replaced by 35's now that I have extra lift.



BTW your XJ will not have any personally till it has a few dents and scratch's on it