Suggestions for fender trimming - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*addkev* · 02-02-2002, 08:30 PM

OK, I have had enough rubbing, I have finally decided to go ahead and trim to totally clear my tires. My problem as with most folks, is the front bumper/air dam and the bottom of the fender by the front door. It only rubs when turning fairly sharp. I went with M/T wheels which only come with 3-1/2" of back space so, I knew I was going to have to do this some day. Any suggestions or lessons learned?

Thanks.

*addkev* · 02-02-2002, 10:25 PM

ttt

rich98sport · 02-03-2002, 10:16 AM

hey addkev i have eagle 589's with 3-1/2 backspacing
and bfg 31x10.5 MT's i had to do some trimming on those same spots, all plastic. after that i had no problems with rubbing except at full lock with the suspension at full compression. you might have to do
a tt and shackle combo.

Paul Gagnon · 02-03-2002, 12:32 PM

I'm not sure about the newer ones but on my Explorer there is enough adjustment in the bumper to pull it far enough forward to clear very large tires. Loosen off the bolts that hold the bumper to the frame. Have a friend pull on the bumper until it is as far forward as it is going to go while you tighten the bolts again. You should be able to get at least one inch from that, maybe more.

*Dre* · 02-08-2002, 01:28 AM

........but behind the tire you might want to consider cutting quite a bit off the plastic fender well.... that's where you probably get the most rub...... or the lower corner of the fender itself. What I've done I cut (using sawzall) straight from moulding down to about 1" at the bottom of the fender..... then I bent the lip back in and installed some tought plastic mud skirts to cover the butchered fender..... make sure you paint open metal first before it starts to corrode...... you can't even see the cut on mine.... like from the factory.

Good luck!

02-02-2002, 08:30 PM	#1
addkev Elite Explorer FLExplorers Dallas, Texas. Stationed in Kaneohe, Hawaii '04 Hemi Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 1,079 Vehicle Specs	Suggestions for fender trimming OK, I have had enough rubbing, I have finally decided to go ahead and trim to totally clear my tires. My problem as with most folks, is the front bumper/air dam and the bottom of the fender by the front door. It only rubs when turning fairly sharp. I went with M/T wheels which only come with 3-1/2" of back space so, I knew I was going to have to do this some day. Any suggestions or lessons learned? Thanks. __________________ '04 Dodge 1500 - got hemi? I respect everyone's opinion. But as an American Fighting Man, guarding your freedom to express your opinion, I reserve the right to let you know when YOU'RE WRONG.

02-02-2002, 10:25 PM	#2
addkev Elite Explorer FLExplorers Dallas, Texas. Stationed in Kaneohe, Hawaii '04 Hemi Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 1,079 Vehicle Specs	ttt __________________ '04 Dodge 1500 - got hemi? I respect everyone's opinion. But as an American Fighting Man, guarding your freedom to express your opinion, I reserve the right to let you know when YOU'RE WRONG.

02-03-2002, 10:16 AM	#3
rich98sport Wannabe Elite Explorer Chula vista ,CA 98 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 66 Vehicle Specs	backspacing hey addkev i have eagle 589's with 3-1/2 backspacing and bfg 31x10.5 MT's i had to do some trimming on those same spots, all plastic. after that i had no problems with rubbing except at full lock with the suspension at full compression. you might have to do a tt and shackle combo.

02-03-2002, 12:32 PM	#4
Paul Gagnon Poseur SUV Sherwood Park, Alberta eh? 1992 XLT Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 2,393 Vehicle Specs	I'm not sure about the newer ones but on my Explorer there is enough adjustment in the bumper to pull it far enough forward to clear very large tires. Loosen off the bolts that hold the bumper to the frame. Have a friend pull on the bumper until it is as far forward as it is going to go while you tighten the bolts again. You should be able to get at least one inch from that, maybe more. __________________ Paul Gagnon Sherwood Park, Alberta eh? "No Brain, No Pain" A page from my book.

02-08-2002, 01:28 AM	#5
Dre Elite Explorer Poland 94 Limited Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 4,743 Vehicle Specs	........but behind the tire you might want to consider cutting quite a bit off the plastic fender well.... that's where you probably get the most rub...... or the lower corner of the fender itself. What I've done I cut (using sawzall) straight from moulding down to about 1" at the bottom of the fender..... then I bent the lip back in and installed some tought plastic mud skirts to cover the butchered fender..... make sure you paint open metal first before it starts to corrode...... you can't even see the cut on mine.... like from the factory. Good luck! __________________ 94 Un-Limited - lifted and locked My Gallery