BOSTON4RUNNER

Hello

I have a 3rd generation 4 Runner and I am thinking of scoring a line, using the factory front fender moulding as a template.

Then take the moulding off, cut the fender along the line, grind it, mask it of, prime and paint the section, about 1/2 inch on the new face / l;ip ofthe fender so that it is sealed.

I will then re install the factory mouldings for a clean look, I will have to modify how it mounts I think, but will make it look nice and pick up another 1 inch of clearance....I do not have clearance issues now but am about to put in a 1 inch body lift and then hopefully install 34 inch tires or whatever will fit.

Truck is already lifted 3 inches, has LC Wheels and 285 75s on it.

Think I can squeeze 35's?

thanks

sswearin1

http://www.trailslesstraveled.com/news.php?id=48

no info on reinstalling the moldings, tho. you may be the pioneer. let us know how it goes.

I have the black sr5 flares on my 2000 and I am going to do the same thing but i think it renders my flares useless. we will see...

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Trimming a fender essentially removes the rolled/bent under lip that is used as a mounting location and this is the biggest task in trimming a fender, especially one w/ bling paint...on a trail rig who cares, but on my 97 I'd think long and hard about what you are fixing to do...in essence totally ruin the resale value of your 97.

If you just want to fit big tires, do a 2" body lift and stop at 285s and pound the pinch weld.

BOSTON4RUNNER

I do have a 1 inch body lift that I need to put in, and also have a 3 inch suspension lift already in the truck.....so maybe such trimming is overkill, I have 285's

think that is pretty ideal for an on road / mile off road usage rig?

BOSTON4RUNNER

also what type of suspension lift did the truck in the road less traveled article have?

neliconcept

he had no body lift if i remember right.. just Camburg or SAW coilovers up front and prob downey springs rear.

you can fit 35s with 2 inch bl and 3.5 inch suspension. Im about to do 3 sets of topout spacers and tundra coils with LC coils rear. (not smart inless you have non ADD and manual hubs up front)

Albuquerque Jim

As far as the trimming goes, give it a try. I have trimmed about 1" from the back side of my front fenders to clear 35's. Although, my flares hide most of the trimming. BTW, I have 35's with 2.5" Suspension Lift and a 1" BL (I think Schaefer was the first to try this a few years ago, pre-SAS). I have very minimal rubbing when stuffed in the front, none in the rear after I trimmed the body.

Neli, I have to disagree with the info you are sharing...(3.5" + 2" BL for 35's). Also, I hope you don't wheel too much with 3 top-out spacers, you will break a lot of CV's from too much droop. People are breaking them with just 2 top-outs.

neliconcept

sorry not trying to provide mis info. I was planning on putting in limiting straps to reduce the droop that it will produce.

KyleT

i ran 2 sets of top out spacers for a week before going back to 1, the ride suffered so much. it was bouncy and made the steering rough. the arms were angled down too much IMO. if you want more lift, would it not be easier to add a coil spacer on the coil over and run 1 top out, so you still get max suspension travel? anything past 1 top out and you bottom the shock out before it hits the bump-stop(?)
you would get the same down travel but alot more up travel. make sense to anyone??? just my input

SLC97SR5

Boston-

I say trim it!

The suspension setup you have now is far better than stacking top-out spacers. I've seen your 4Runner and with all the cool mods you've done it doesn't look like re-sale value is in your near future.

IMO, if you want to stuff a larger tire why not help it do what you are shoving it under there for...keep a low CG with greater ground clearance.

Power will suffer but you've got the 5spd on your side.

Go for it dude.

BOSTON4RUNNER

Thanks for the info

I currently have a 3 inch suspension as mentioned, also I have trimmed the backside of the fender, at the bottom to clear the tires (not that I had a rubbing problem, just wanted to open it up more)

I will soon install the 1 inch body lift and fab the front bumper up which will include a front rock crawler type stinger hoop....this should really improve my approach angle.

I may try tossing on some 35's after the body lift.

thanks again everyone!

BOSTON4RUNNER

this is what I did awhile back, notice the corner has been removed

BOSTON4RUNNER

also can my LC wheels support 315's???

thanks!

KyleT

yes.