So I got the rocker panels and front fender flares back from the painters this week. Below is my adventure in installation.
Removing the LMTD fender flares:
You have to install the fender flares BEFORE you install the rocker panels. At the bottom there is a blue clip that makes a great starting point once all the screws have been removed from the inside fender wall. remove all the screws and use a trim pry tool
like this one from Griots Garage. I highly recommend using a tool, although you can simply pull the flare off, but you run the risk of breaking off the receiving ends on the flare.
There is a thin strip of double sided tape that also connects the flare to the fender metal.
Installing the TE flare:
First check to see if any clips broke; most likely you will have broken a few. i ordered my replacement ones from
ClipsAndFasteners.com - Automotive Retainers,Clips and Fasteners
Orange ones
blue Ones
I was not able to find the thin double sided tape anywhere, but if you double up on 3M mounting tape
like the 3M™ Scotch-Mount™ Molding Tape, 03609 you should be fine. This should give you enough height to just clear the lip that connects up with the fender.
I first clipped in the bottom blue clip and the orange end clip. I then pushed and clipped the remaining one. I didn't, but you can use some masking tape to place markers on the fender so you know where the clips are.
I first thought that the rear of the rocker panel would line up with the trim on the rear doors; it doesn't. However, I don't dislike the look and the bottom of that trim piece has a rubber cover, so no dirt etc will get into it. I may replace it with TE trim at some point, but I've spent enough on this project so far; I want a Defiant light bar and Baja rack first
Installing the TE rocker panel:
Keep in mind that when installing the TE rocker panel on a LMTD there is a rubber plug under the rear doors that needs to be removed so the drain that is part of the TE rocker can partially slide into the hole. Getting this to line up can be a minor pain, but if you can lay under the truck with a light source, it shouldn't be a big deal.
Installing the TE front mudguards:
For the mud guards you will be missing some clips. I ran down to Lowes and for just over $2 I got 4 clips to lock the mudguards in place. The screws keep them on the truck, but the clips keep them from being able to sway back and forth. I used a 5MM screw-in and a 7/16 nylon rivet. I wasn't sure which one would fit better, so I got some of each. The 7/16 rivet is the slightly snugger fitting option, so I would probably use those on both holes.
Feel free to give me a shout with any questions.
Okki