Installing Bushwacker Flat Fender Flares
#1
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Installing Bushwacker Flat Fender Flares
Hi All,
I'm going to install a set of Bushwacker flat fender flares on my 99 XJ and wanted to get opinions on how/what I should do to protect against rust along the cut lines.
My other question is; the install instructions say that your supposed to cut the front section of the wheel well/rim clean off and fold the back end of the well - why wouldn't you just cut the whole thing off?
I'll be doing all four corners.
Lastly, I have a 3 inch lift and currently run 31's - with the fenders installed can I get 33's in there with the right offset and bump stops?
Thank you for your opinions....
Jack
I'm going to install a set of Bushwacker flat fender flares on my 99 XJ and wanted to get opinions on how/what I should do to protect against rust along the cut lines.
My other question is; the install instructions say that your supposed to cut the front section of the wheel well/rim clean off and fold the back end of the well - why wouldn't you just cut the whole thing off?
I'll be doing all four corners.
Lastly, I have a 3 inch lift and currently run 31's - with the fenders installed can I get 33's in there with the right offset and bump stops?
Thank you for your opinions....
Jack
#2
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Year: 1998
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the back is "pinched" together with rossette welds thats whats basicly holding the body together so be very careful to cut between these not through these. and with 3 in of lift you can stuff 33's but you may want to concider regearing first.
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I've read that I may have to regear - would the difference be that big going from 31's to 33's? I figured I would try it out first with the stock gears and see how it is.
What should I do to prevent rust where I cut, that will last? Has anyone ever rewelded along the cut, would that work?
What should I do to prevent rust where I cut, that will last? Has anyone ever rewelded along the cut, would that work?
#4
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Year: 1995
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I am running 33's on my stock gears as well as I have cut the rear fenders. Not the cut and fold. I did have to tack it all back together though, and used expanding foam for some areas as well.
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Year: 1998
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running 33s on stock gears is possible i would just be scared of over working the trans and prematurly wearing the gears. for the unfinised cut what i did in the front was i got door edge trim and black spray paint. taped everything up good and sprayed it and then but the molding on because i didnt use flairs.
#7
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Year: 1999
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the tranny will eventually have problems if you dont regear with 33s. the aw4 shifts into OD @ 42mph give or take and the rpms drop way down and the tranny will struggle until the rpms come up again.
whith my 33s i put it 3rd around town and dont go into OD until im @ or over 50.
i plan on regearing too.
whith my 33s i put it 3rd around town and dont go into OD until im @ or over 50.
i plan on regearing too.
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#8
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Thanks for the reply's!
I have a five speed manual - will that wear the gears any more with 33's than stock? The transmission should be ok - correct?
Any other recommendations for rust protection prior to installing the fender flares?
Thanks again....
I have a five speed manual - will that wear the gears any more with 33's than stock? The transmission should be ok - correct?
Any other recommendations for rust protection prior to installing the fender flares?
Thanks again....
#9
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Year: 1999
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either way it will be drivable. but you will still need to regear. the thing with having a 5 spd is the clutch will wear out faster than normal bc of the larger rolling mass.
Last edited by OEJ; 02-23-2013 at 08:38 AM.
#12
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i put the bushwacker flats on mine and just hit the areas with some primer and it's all good. i live in san diego though and it dosn't rain much here. Do your self a favor and ditch the wheel well liners in the front all together when you're doing the fronts. it tells you to cut and trim them, but after a few times wheeling they just started to sag and rub on the tires. i yanked them after that
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I think I have about 4.5inches now of back spacing on a 7 inch wheel with 31x10.50 - no rubbing at all. I was going to go to an 8 inch wheel with 3.75 or 4 inches of back spacing with 33x12.50 tires.
Not sure of the gear ratio as I bought it used. One weird thing is when I put the bigger tires on the speedometer was reading properly (verified by GPS) - that got me thinking if the previous owner regeared it - but it was an older lady who owned it and she had stock tires on it.....
Not sure of the gear ratio as I bought it used. One weird thing is when I put the bigger tires on the speedometer was reading properly (verified by GPS) - that got me thinking if the previous owner regeared it - but it was an older lady who owned it and she had stock tires on it.....
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Year: 95
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Engine: 4.0L
after in installed the 33's with stock gears 3.55 i could only get into 4th on a down grade. primary gears were 2nd & 3rd. did a lot of research and installed 4.56 with lockers frt & rr. now it will get me just about any where. i do wish there was a 4.33 option for d30 & 8 1/4 this would be optimum for me due to hill climbing on the frwy i'm tacking 3500-4k to keep speeds 65-70mph. planning on BW flares and 34" tires with 16" wheels to lower rev's in third.
always a WIP (work in process)... i mean progress......$$$$$$$$$$$$$
always a WIP (work in process)... i mean progress......$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Last edited by MECRAM; 04-18-2013 at 12:26 PM. Reason: proof