Finally cut those dang ole' mudflaps off

[r3dh3ad84]

I was looking at my 4runner in the parking lot next to a lifted f150 and realized what made the appearance of a higher vehicle- seeing the tread on the rear tires.

After careful consideration and going back and forth, I decided to dremel them off... I will explain. If you take off the stock "formed" mudflaps off, you have a big void in your fender well that allows debris to go straight back to the inside of your bumper cover. I wasn't diggin that, so I cut off everything that hung below the bumper and simply bolted the remainder back in. The trick was... I slipped the new flap/inner fender behind the outer painted lip to give the look that it is supposed to be that way.

I know that most of the responses will be that I will get more rock chips, but if you go mudding once.. you will see that either way rocks and mud hit that rear rocker panel as well as the length of your vehicle from the front tires. I figured what the hell and might as well give it a shot. I'll post some pics when it's light out; I finished up around dark tonight so you couldn't see that well.

Let me know what you think... good mod? Or stupid?

 

[PAULUNM]

Let's see some pics!

 

[Tempsho]

Your cutting them off, and I want to upgrade mine to a thicker mud flap. I know they are custom moulded, that's why there probably isnt much as far as aftermarket ones. Anybody know where I might be able to find any?

 

[05Rrunner]

I cut/trimmed mine when i bought it new,looks much better
No problems with chipping. does get a little more dirty.

 

[r3dh3ad84]

Pics of new flaps

What I did was I trimmed the flaps even with the outside of the body line to still use the stock screws with the application. I then removed the, for lack of a better word- "nipples" that hole the screws when the flap is installed. I tucked the new cut fender portion behind the painted lip to give a fclean appearance. Last step is shoving those "nipples" through both the body and the fender liner and tightening then up. I'm happy with the look; let me know what you think.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h247/BigBadBrad84/DSC00660.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h247/BigBadBrad84/DSC00661.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h247/BigBadBrad84/DSC00662.jpg

 

[MikesToy]

Looks like a clean cut. Now, whenever you drive thru sand and gravel, those pebbles gonna ruin the side of your rear bumper.

 

[Colemanfu]

Good stuff - I love it. I did the same with my old Ranger when I went out in the woods. Just a few bolts so I could put them back on for the road.

I think you could be the 1st with this mod.


I did a few things to clean up the back of my rig as well. I run with out the spare, moved the plug for the towing stuff, also removed the "toyota". My rig does not have that big ol hitch.

Nice job!

Sorry old pix the "toyota" is still there. But you get the idea. Going to look into this one tonight! My flaps look kind of small with the spacers and largers tires. Thanx.

 

[BlairB]

I think you could be the 1st with this mod.

Its actually somewhat common, I was going to do it, but am afraid of rocks and such getting kicked up on the sides of my truck

 

[Colemanfu]

R3 - got to thank you for the tip. BB this mod went right by me - don't post as much you but as soon as I got home I hit those back MF'ers with a razor knife.
It also looks like you tucked the cut portion under the flare?

 

[Colemanfu]

Rear muds can be replaced for $65 so I went to town. Let's see how much of a mess it make with out them.
If not for the huge light I think it cleaned up the back some.

I like the look.

 

[r3dh3ad84]

Yea, that was the trick. When you cut the flaps and bolt them back in the way they were before, it looks as though you let your little cousin cut them with a pair of safety scissors . But tucking them behind the flare/painted part gives the cleaner look to match the front. Comprende?