Fender Flares
- Thread starter rdgt4r
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trd_4runnin
New member
rdgt4r said:
It would be nice if the flares were easier to remove, but in all honesty I think your truck looks 10x better with the flares. Just gives it a more agressive look IMO>
Clemsonfan15
New member
I agree with trd. 4runners with color matched flares look SO much better than the black or no flares.
sn0wrunner
New member
I've been thinking about taking mine off as well.
Check out this thread http://www.yotatech.com/f2/my-3rd-gen-done-now-112514/index2.html
(Scroll to the bottom to see the pics)
That guy rhino lined where the fenders use to be, which covers up the nasty holes.
Check out this thread http://www.yotatech.com/f2/my-3rd-gen-done-now-112514/index2.html
(Scroll to the bottom to see the pics)
That guy rhino lined where the fenders use to be, which covers up the nasty holes.
DavidAlexander
New member
I took mine off because the bottoms of the them in the rear were always dragging on the ground and getting filled with snow which made them loose in the back. (I was living in Utah) The rears always seemed like buckets in the winter to fill with ice and snow.
When I took them off I was surprised to see that most of the mounting holes had no corrosion but the ones towards the bottom rear of the wells were actually starting to bubble with rust from the movement. They came off with no problem and I could have put them back on too if you are concerned about that.
It did leave the small square mounting holes but I plan on fixing those with some body work later and they are not visible unless you are 2 feet tall or looking under the edge of the fenders. I get better clearance but there is no protection for any of the areas that used to be covered.
I saw a 3rd gen once on a trail with the fenders off and 40 inch tires. It looked great and I took my fenders off the next weekend. That was 4 years ago and I have never looked back.
They look really good with the fenders too. So you can't really go wrong!
When I took them off I was surprised to see that most of the mounting holes had no corrosion but the ones towards the bottom rear of the wells were actually starting to bubble with rust from the movement. They came off with no problem and I could have put them back on too if you are concerned about that.
It did leave the small square mounting holes but I plan on fixing those with some body work later and they are not visible unless you are 2 feet tall or looking under the edge of the fenders. I get better clearance but there is no protection for any of the areas that used to be covered.
I saw a 3rd gen once on a trail with the fenders off and 40 inch tires. It looked great and I took my fenders off the next weekend. That was 4 years ago and I have never looked back.
They look really good with the fenders too. So you can't really go wrong!
sn0wrunner
New member
David,
Can you post some pics of what the holes look like on your rig.
This guy's was really obvious, but looks good after he rhino lined it. :bigok:
Can you post some pics of what the holes look like on your rig.
This guy's was really obvious, but looks good after he rhino lined it. :bigok:
sn0wrunner
New member
Sloan said:
that does look sweet. (as seen on kregg's runner) But The main reason I want to take them off is because my tires rub on them, and the front driver side one is kinda messed up already...
I'll post a pic tomorrow. My camera is in my car and I dont want to walk to go get it. lol
trd_4runnin
New member
sn0wrunner said:David,
Can you post some pics of what the holes look like on your rig.
This guy's was really obvious, but looks good after he rhino lined it. :bigok:
That's vermejo's rig over on Yotatech.com. He took his off not for looks, but because he kept hitting them on rocks and what-not. It works good for his purposes but I still think his truck looked a lot better before. I know he is going for function over form, so thats cool.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I don't like the flareless look since it's just so base model looking but the painted flares take on too much abuse off road and start to look crappy with the scratches real quick but I think the flat black plastic flares are a nice compromise right between.
The plastic flares also do protect the fender edge also so unpainted plastic is the best combo for those who do off road IMO.
I specifically bought a '99 since it's the only Highlander/Sport model year that had the skinny flares since it's the widebody painted version after that.
The plastic flares also do protect the fender edge also so unpainted plastic is the best combo for those who do off road IMO.
I specifically bought a '99 since it's the only Highlander/Sport model year that had the skinny flares since it's the widebody painted version after that.
J.A.
Senior Member
RonMAIDEN said:
Same here and that is exactly why I like the 2003's unpainted flares and bumpers. I was very surprised at the time to hear the uproar and overwhelming amount of people who on one hand like off-roading and on the other wanted painted bumpers and flares. The pressure was enough to have Toyota change them mid year to painted even on the base SR5's.
DavidAlexander
New member
Sorry, I havent been on. Ill take some pics and get them up.
It is weird because mine never had the side cladding like I see some with. Mine only had the flares and running boards like your 02 sport.
So I think my pics should apply for you. Ill post those pics after I get home tonight.
It is weird because mine never had the side cladding like I see some with. Mine only had the flares and running boards like your 02 sport.
So I think my pics should apply for you. Ill post those pics after I get home tonight.