Soft vs Hard durable Fender Flairs
#11
JK-Forum Founder
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as mentioned, i prefer running trimmed factory flares as they are flexible, durable, will bend around rocks and trees or just tear off without doing body damage. conversely, i have personally seen hard fenders like steel tube fenders, thin metal factory like fenders and even hard plastic fenders take a hit and do body damage.
#12
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I've been considering the trail mods removable fenders. The full kit seems a little pricey ($750) compared to some but not to others but I like the extra coverage and lines when they're on and can just take them off on the trail and not have to worry about them getting torn up. if anyone is using these and has some opinions please share.
#13
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies guys. I decided to go for the bushwackers. I hope they can tear off if need be. I would do the sahara chop, but I don't want to risk having them be floppy in the wind like some have complained of. I'll save them for another project down the road or trade them off. As much as I love poison spyder, I had to pass on that mod.
#15
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yes, i always make sure to run the sub-structure of the front fenders as without them, they would flap a lot in the wind. i have seen some people epoxy and even rivet the fenders to them to ensure they don't flop but, i haven't found that to be necessary. just make sure to keep as much of the sub-structure as possible and i think you will find that to be enough to do the job. even though they are hard, the sub-structure is bolted to a stronger part of the body and will bend and mash up if hit or driven hard into a rock and without doing body damage - ask me how i know.
#16
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I have personal experience with this.
I was going out deer hunting (driving 65 on the highway at 0430) and a deer crossing the road ran broadside into my door. It dented my door and it ripped my rear fender off with it's face
The rear flare peeled off without doing any damage to the body. I got some new plastic clips and was able to re-attach the stock flare for about $10.
I also had to buy a new door handle that the deer broke when it hit it. But that has nothing to do with the rear fender.
I want to get new flat fenders, I'm going with some sort of plastic fender as opposed to the metal ones
I was going out deer hunting (driving 65 on the highway at 0430) and a deer crossing the road ran broadside into my door. It dented my door and it ripped my rear fender off with it's face
The rear flare peeled off without doing any damage to the body. I got some new plastic clips and was able to re-attach the stock flare for about $10.
I also had to buy a new door handle that the deer broke when it hit it. But that has nothing to do with the rear fender.
I want to get new flat fenders, I'm going with some sort of plastic fender as opposed to the metal ones
#17
JK Super Freak
yes, i always make sure to run the sub-structure of the front fenders as without them, they would flap a lot in the wind. i have seen some people epoxy and even rivet the fenders to them to ensure they don't flop but, i haven't found that to be necessary. just make sure to keep as much of the sub-structure as possible and i think you will find that to be enough to do the job. even though they are hard, the sub-structure is bolted to a stronger part of the body and will bend and mash up if hit or driven hard into a rock and without doing body damage - ask me how i know.
#18
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Thats exactly why i'm asking, so thank you. I figured i would just leave them at home when i know i'm heading to the trails and still have the small fender. unfortunately i have not seen them in person and would really like to. fenders are down on my list as i have a few more important things to come first. i've seen a few posts about them here but am looking for some honest real world reviews. this is why i love this forum, it makes it easy to research mods and get feedback, good and bad, from others who know. i save my money and always want to make sure that my mods serve function over form. if it looks cool thats just an added bonus
#20
JK Super Freak
Thats exactly why i'm asking, so thank you. I figured i would just leave them at home when i know i'm heading to the trails and still have the small fender. unfortunately i have not seen them in person and would really like to. fenders are down on my list as i have a few more important things to come first. i've seen a few posts about them here but am looking for some honest real world reviews. this is why i love this forum, it makes it easy to research mods and get feedback, good and bad, from others who know. i save my money and always want to make sure that my mods serve function over form. if it looks cool thats just an added bonus