Bushwacker Fender Flares Project

[alp]

It took me two weekends to start and finish installation of the Bushwacker fender Flares. It wasn't too easy as other members reported but I wanted to do it well.
Be my judges.

Running boards have been removed as well but I am not sure if I like how my truck looks without them. I think the T4R Sport step bars would be a good addition to this setup. Anyone have them for sale, please?

Before and after:

 

[tmaxx13]

those flares look great on your truck i really like them! also i love the tundra rims, always a good addition, its coming along good, also keep the running boards off looks better without and when it comes down to it, who really uses the running boards anyways

 

[Ron Helmuth]

those turned out great-nicely done on the painting them ahead of install.

I'm sure you must know what you could have done better-but nothing is showing up on the pics. Better to take it slow and do it right. Looks like you did just that.

Well done!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

By the way you should be able to recover some of your cost by selling off your old chrome trim. Might be guys on here or Yota Tech looking for just those pieces.

And if you find a good front mudflap for us Bushwacker guys to be using I would love to hear about it.

 

[alp]

Thanks guys!

 

[THEREALTOR1]

The flares look good, like factory. Good job :thumb3:

I'm like you though, I keep toying with the idea of running boards, or bars or something, but I always talk myself out of the idea. Primarily because I know that I probably won't use them 90% of the time, and in inclement weather they really can play havoc on a pair of dress pants.

 

[fightman80]

Looks great man! I really like how that looks!

Personally, I like the running boards....found my truck looked a little naked without them. (mine didn't have them when I bought my truck). I also have quite a bit of road rash on my lower doors due to the lack of running boards. I tried finding some running boards that were aftermarket, but couldn't find any I liked, and the Stealership wanted my left testicle for a set of new ones! I opted for some Chrome Nerf Bars. The finish is more durable than black powder coated ones, and even paint. Lots of guys are running slidders, but I find if you don't wheel much...they are a waste. Even if you do wheel, after a few trips, they end up needing to be painted....so a bit of a pain to maintain.....IMO....

 

[alp]

Looks great man! I really like how that looks!

Personally, I like the running boards....found my truck looked a little naked without them. (mine didn't have them when I bought my truck). I also have quite a bit of road rash on my lower doors due to the lack of running boards. I tried finding some running boards that were aftermarket, but couldn't find any I liked, and the Stealership wanted my left testicle for a set of new ones! I opted for some Chrome Nerf Bars. The finish is more durable than black powder coated ones, and even paint. Lots of guys are running slidders, but I find if you don't wheel much...they are a waste. Even if you do wheel, after a few trips, they end up needing to be painted....so a bit of a pain to maintain.....IMO....

I did check your build thread and I really like your Nerf Bars. What brand is it?

 

[alp]

Today I put the running boards back. I have also installed end caps ( thanks jtanner!). Honestly speaking I like this look better. Without boards the truck looked too boyish for a 55 years old 4Runner enthusiast who will probably never take it off road. Well, who knows...

 

[jtanner]

Looks great man! Glad the end boots worked out well for you! Good job!

 

[Hepar]

Flares look awesome. Running boards are 6 to one for me. I think it looks good with the setup you have going on right now, but if you ever got beefier tires that filled out the wheel wells a bit more, I think they would look better off.

 

[binhsterbinh]

Today I put the running boards back. I have also installed end caps ( thanks jtanner!). Honestly speaking I like this look better. Without boards the truck looked too boyish for a 55 years old 4Runner enthusiast who will probably never take it off road. Well, who knows...

Looking good!
I installed Bushwackers last week painted and all. I
will have to dremel cut my running board SR5 endcaps to fit the flares.

Question - were you able to get every edge of the new flares to sit flush to the fenders? I have gaps in the front flares nearest to the front doors. they're touching only half the front fender tightly.

2nd question - did you use anything in the front bumper flare to make it sit more flush to the bumper? I had big gaps between the up and lower portion of the front bumper so I have left them off for the time being.

 

[alp]

Looking good!
I installed Bushwackers last week painted and all. I
will have to dremel cut my running board SR5 endcaps to fit the flares.

Question - were you able to get every edge of the new flares to sit flush to the fenders? I have gaps in the front flares nearest to the front doors. they're touching only half the front fender tightly.

2nd question - did you use anything in the front bumper flare to make it sit more flush to the bumper? I had big gaps between the up and lower portion of the front bumper so I have left them off for the time being.

Thanks!
1. I used Bushwacker's end cups not the original SR5 ones.
You can play with your running boards by loosing all mounting bolts to adjust the clearance between boards and flares. I was managed to make small even clearances all over the truck.
2. I bent mounting steel brackets to make front flares sit flash to fenders.
Actually I bent them a lot to make a good tight fit.
In addition I removed front bumper and riveted front lower parts of flares (underneath) to fenders. You can not see it after the bumper is mounted back.
I used aluminum slotted rivets provided with the kit.

 

[binhsterbinh]

Thanks!
1. I used Bushwacker's end cups not the original SR5 ones.
You can play with your running boards by loosing all mounting bolts to adjust the clearance between boards and flares. I was managed to make small even clearances all over the truck.
2. I bent mounting steel brackets to make front flares sit flash to fenders.
Actually I bent them a lot to make a good tight fit.
In addition I removed front bumper and riveted front lower parts of flares (underneath) to fenders. You can not see it after the bumper is mounted back.
I used aluminum slotted rivets provided with the kit.

Thanks for the helpful info. I'll have to try bending the metal tabs next week as well as install the front bumper flares. I'll also need to modify the SR5 caps to fit which shouldn't be a big deal with a dremel cutting wheel.

I just realized you used limited mud flaps as well instead of the Bushwacker ones. That worked out well.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc185/binhsterbinh/4Runner HID Retrofit/DSC_0254.jpg

 

[alp]

I just realized you used limited mud flaps as well instead of the Bushwacker ones. That worked out well.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc185/binhsterbinh/4Runner HID Retrofit/DSC_0254.jpg

Nope. The end caps that I used are not limited but Bushwacker's.
Also, to make the front flare sits flash to the fenders near by the door I slightly open up 4 lower holes in flare for screws. That will give you more flexibility.
Bend every steel brackets so the flare get spring loaded to the fender.

 

[My_Window9]

4runner fender flares

Looking for fender flares for my 99 4runner 2.7L. any ideas where I can find them at a reasonable price please?

 

[Cuco]

Today I put the running boards back. I have also installed end caps ( thanks jtanner!). Honestly speaking I like this look better. Without boards the truck looked too boyish for a 55 years old 4Runner enthusiast who will probably never take it off road. Well, who knows...

don't worry for the age, I have now 56 and I am now lifting my 4x4 98 4Runner. The life is one, enjoy it!

 

[alp]

:hello: