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One of the first things I did to the TJ was install a lift and add larger
and wider tires. The new tires would fit on the factory rims, but with the
additional width of the new tires they would rub on the frame. To make the
tires fit, I got rims with less backspacing than the factory rims. The
difference in the backspacing, and just the plan fact that the tires were
wider made them stick out past the factory flares a few inches. With the
tires sticking out past the flares it was impossible to keep the Jeep clean.
I know, Jeeps are meant to get dirty. But when I'm not out on a trail and
just cruising the streets I like my rig to look good. Besides slinging
stuff on my rig, the exposed tire can also toss debris at other motorist
which is not a good thing. After looking at what options I had with
aftermarket flares I decided on the new offerings from Bestop.
Follow along as the flares are installed.
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As you can see in this photo, the new flares are a lot wider than
the factory flares |
| 1st step is to remove the factory flares and rocker panel
extensions. This is an easy process as the bolts and plastic backing
nuts are easily removed.
Before taking off the front flares, disconnect the side marker
light wire and remove the side marker light assembly.
Once the old flares are off, it's a good idea to clean the surface where the old
flares were mounted.
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The new flares don't have the holes punched out, but have
indentations where the bolts go.
The Bestop instructions state to use a punch to open the holes. By
trial and error I found it easier to use a drill bit the same size as
the indentation and open the hole completely.
The overall fit of the flare is good, but just poking a small hole
in the indentations with a punch resulted in not being able to get
some of the bolts in.
Once you have all the holes opened up, use the supplied hardware to
bolt the new flares on.
Loosely install all of the mounting hardware. Once al of the bolts
are in, go back and tighten everything up. |
| When installing the rear flare, you have to deal with the inner
fender panel. you have two choices. Either remove the panel or push it
up out of the way to get to the backing nuts.
I opted for the second method and just pushed the liner out of the
way as I installed each bolt and nut. |
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As you can see in these photos, the new flares cover the tires and
look good too.
Unlike any of the other aftermarket flares I have seen. The Bestop
flares have internal ribbing for added strength. The flares also have
texture similar to the factory flares. They are also more rounded
which I think adds to the appearance. |
I was very pleased with the quality of the flares. After seeing the
finished look, I'm glad I decided to go with the Bestop kit over the other
aftermarket offerings.
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