Fender trimming

[dscowell]

I was thinking when I get around to installing my lift I would trim the fenders up too. I watched a video on youtube on how to do it and it seemed fairly easy. The guy also said it took around 2-3 blades to do the job. I was wondering is it as easy as it looks? Could someone who has minimal experience with a grinder do it? Are there any reasons why I shouldn't do it?

[xaza]

how much trimming you trying to do? For my XJ just trimming up the front part of fender allowed enough for my tires to stop rubbing. Was able to complete in less than an hour with one blade on my reciprocating saw. If you trim all the way around fender the trimming at the back opens a hole that allows mud and such to be flung up and into door panel area that will need to be sealed off. I may be wrong but I believe a Cherokee front fender fits your truck. If it does then it's only sheetmetal and worst case scenario you get another fender from a jy and start over with a little experience under your belt. Have not done any trimming to rear yet so can't help you there.

[Hypoid]

I have done the cut and fold a couple times, it is fairly easy.

IMHO, if it's not broke, don't fix it. I'd wait to see if anything rubs before hacking away on the body.

[Chris]

I have done the cut and fold a couple times, it is fairly easy.

x2, the only problem I had was it was too much fun and I wanted to keep on cutting! :erm:

[dscowell]

Well I was thinking it would look better and give more clearance

here are what my fenders look like now
http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag2/dscowell/Comanche/IMG_5645_zps5bf29e2a.jpg

And this is what I was thinking.
http://rocklizardfabrications.com/100_0092.jpg

But I go to you guys first sense you have more experience and know what you are doing where as I don't. So thank you for your answers

[Popsgarage]

IMHO, if it's not broke, don't fix it. I'd wait to see if anything rubs before hacking away on the body.

Agreed!

[redneck23ms]

the fronts you can cut as high as you want. the rears are spot welded to the inner fenders. for that you can cut off the outer lip and then make relief cuts and fold the rest under. there is also a seam at the rear of the front inner fenders that its a good idea to pound over flush with the inner to prevent tire damage. i cut the fronts on my mj mostly with a jig saw then a few spots with a cutting wheel. same on the rears. heres how it looked after the cuts.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/redneck23ms/100_0430.jpg (http://s94.photobucket.com/user/redneck23ms/media/100_0430.jpg.html)
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/redneck23ms/100_0432.jpg (http://s94.photobucket.com/user/redneck23ms/media/100_0432.jpg.html)
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/redneck23ms/100_0444.jpg (http://s94.photobucket.com/user/redneck23ms/media/100_0444.jpg.html)

[dscowell]

That is exactly like what I was thinking of doing with the fenders

[Hypoid]

What size tires, how much lift?

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/redneck23ms/100_0444.jpg

[dscowell]

Well I have the 1.5 and I was eventually wanting to get 31s on. I figured kill two birds with one stone and get it all done at once

[Hypoid]

That is exactly like what I was thinking of doing with the fendersOnce you cut the bed, there is no uncutting it. If you had a rusty, beater truck, I'd say go for it!

You have a straight, clean, short bed 'manche. I think it would have more resale value the way it sits.

Edit: I'm guessing that 31s on that green truck, would make it look like a clown car.

[Popsgarage]

And there are rusty beds at the yards all the time if you decide to cut the fenders. I'd buy a beater Comanche bed at the yard and cut it up and store yours somewhere. What'd the bed cost you at the yard Mike, $60 dollars or so??? I'd do the front fenders as well. Cherokee's of the same year should bolt right on.

[Hypoid]

What'd the bed cost you at the yard Mike, $60 dollars or so???More like $140, and it's near impossible to find a straight one.

I've had people offer me straight beds for the Ranger at $500...for a freakin' Ranger. I'd really hate to shop for a straight, clean, short bed for a Comanche.

[redneck23ms]

that was 4" springs and 1.75" spacer up front and soa with 2" block in the rear i think and 34" swampers. i later removed the 2" block swapped in an 8.8 and went to 36" swampers and as you can see the bed met a few trees and rocks at morris mountain orv park in alabama
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/redneck23ms/mj%20and%20trailer/100_0907.jpg (http://s94.photobucket.com/user/redneck23ms/media/mj%20and%20trailer/100_0907.jpg.html)



What size tires, how much lift?

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/redneck23ms/100_0444.jpg