Guys

Just checking on your thoughts regarding fender flares... I've seen a lot of nice rigs on here without the flares. I know they will protect the fenders from rocks, debris etc., but is there a reason why some of you decided not to go with them?? I was thinking about getting some, but just wondered if it was more of a owner preference... Thanks.

 

I have mine because my tires stick out too far and without them I believe it would be illegal.

Rob

 

mine also stick out too far, but i'm too cheap to buy the flares. the back side of the fender tends to get sand/grit blasted pretty good by crap coming off the tires too...

 

I had the Bushwacker extend-a-fender flares on my 94 truck and broke them on the trail hitting them on trees, rocks, etc. I never replaced them. I have the Bushwacker cutout flares on my 87 truck because I was trying to cover up 38x14.5x15" Swampers on 2" backspaced wheels (did not even come close but I had to try to satisfy the law) and they are cracked from the trail but still hanging on. I don't recommend them unless you really need them.

 

The only reason I used them was I didn't like getting tickets so I used the Bushwackers on both my '91 & '92. My '04 I decided to run a narrow tire and have no need for them. If you don't need them spend your money on something you do need......IMHO

 

As a previous poster mentioned they do tend to be a catch-all for road grit and salt and can lead to pre-mature fender rot. Personally I don't have them because I can't afford them yet but I do want to get them eventually...
When you install them I've been told that running a good bead of silicone/clear urethane along the two contact edges can help seal them and reduce the grit penetration factor.
I want mine to help protect my rocker panels from debris and cover my new tires (when I get them).
It really is a personal preferance thing...

 

I would only get them to protect the bed and doors. If your tires stick out as far as mine, any kind of rocks or gravel will just POUND the sides of your truck. I have So very many rock chips from them.

I will eventuall get them but I actually like the look with none

 

I just put them on my truck this summer. My tires stick out so in the winter I would get mud ,sand and salt from the mirrors to the tail lights . I have the extend a fender type and love the look and the sides of the truck stay clean now with them.They knock everything down. I can see out of the windows.They make the truck a safer ride.

 

I have some, though they don't cover the tires entirely. I would like another pair, cut-outs or pockets possibly. Then I'd just removed them before going on trails to avoid breaking 400.00 worth of flares.

 

i dont have em cuz i dont like the look...

 

IMHO, I don't like the flares. I think the stock flares on the 1st gens look awesome! I would never put them on MY rig. If anything, I'd Rhino line my stock flares, but that's it. I have 16x8s w/4.5" BS, so my tires are pretty flush with the edge or if anything, stick out 1/2". I really like the look.

 

they are over priced at over 300 bucks for the good ones, and they always break, crack, and chip, they look lame, about the only thing there good for is keep the man from giving you a ticket! ive gotten fix it tickets for flares and cut up some big old rubber hose and rigged it with some self tapping screws and got away with the tickets. I guess to each his own!

 

you can get "TOYOTA" jdm flares from eBay. i think i am getting lunds cause i dont have the money when the jdm flares DO come on eBay, cause their only ever on so often. or just look in the UK for factory ones. and i totally agree with EWAyota. take off your flares BEFORE you go on trails.

 

fiberglass flared hi clearance fenders>stock w/bushwackers

 

Does anyone make Steel fender flares like you can get for jeeps?

 

That would be cool.. some tubular steel fenders. Guess they would need supports attached to the frame though.

 

True i guess if you wanted you could weld them onto the body right?Probably not a good idea anyways

 

Welding steel to aluminum is NOT a good idea. Instead build a bumper and build a cage off that..

 

Ya i didnt figure so but thoguht id through that out there. I guess if it was possible then someone would have made them already

 

I think when properly done, they give a mean stance. I like them.