Ok guys...did some flex testing last night and ran into a problem. The front fender lining was getting ripped up by the tires at full turn and flex...this has to be fixed as I will most likely be going with a couple of my buddies up to a wheeling spot either this weekend or the next.

I am going to have to cut the fender lining in the front one way or another...the thing I need to know is, one, does that lining provide protection for anything, (i.e, wiring harness)...and two, if it does need to be replaced, what is something that I could use that I could sort of "stuff" back in the fender to prevent me having to make new holes to mount something.

I was thinking of buying a couple sets of cheap mudflaps and then just using those and some small bolts...that way the rubber could be scrunched into the fender and then I could just make some small holes and put new bolts in.

So bottomline...If I were to cut the fender lining, I'm talking about maybe 8-12 inches from the bottom of the fender to the top of the cut, would I need to think of something to replace it with?

I realize the door jams will get dirty but that doesn't bother me...as long as no wiring or anything like that will be affected.

I can get a picture of what I'm talking about if need be...

Thx. guys,

Fink

 

If you do I would be careful when it comes to water crossings or muddin. If that gets up in there I would see it making its way into the rig. I would hack it to the point of being able to push it within that area or something. I wouldnt wanna be without it. A buildup of mud, dirt and water could give you rusty issues in the future. It would be tough to clean it out IMO.

 

i would just let the tires take off what they want to

 

not sure if it's necessary, but it's a good idea. you can just make some yourself with something like pond liner.

 

You didn't say what year, but on mine I pounded back the seam flange, then took a propane torch and heated the plastic liner and folded the lower edge of it rearward so it conformed to the 'new' shape of the metal. Then on those occasions when the tires rubbed it, (had to be turned full and crossed up totally) they didn't catch it and try to rip it out. Worked great, lasted for about 12 more years and 100k more miles. Also kept the metal from chunking the tires if they rub. bottom line is if they rub a whole lot maybe a l'il more lift should be in your future...

 

I may have to make my own then...you said pond liner works?

Hmm...I'm gonna try and stay away from more lift seeing as how I just got done lifting it. And it doesn't rub on any metal, and even if it does its the part that I rounded off with the Dremel/plasma cutter. Well...sounds Like I might have to go to Lowe's and look around for some stuff to do this with.

I'll let you know what I find.

Fink