Advice on Trimming

*bhults* · 03-24-2004, 09:09 AM

I've heard an awful lot about trimming, and I'm now at that stage in the game where I'm gonna have to do some. I've completed a TT/Shackle/Double AAL lift and I just ordered 32's on 15 inch rims. I test fit these tires courtesy of Matt (Sk1er17), and found that I'm gonna experience a little rubbing, but not enough to downgrade to 31's

Sooooo, I'm seeking advice on how to trim. I've got an Eddie, so I've got those running boards...which I like, but they're a rubbing point. Should I trim them down, or rip em off and get nerfs? How do you go about trimming the inside wheel well? Is there anything I gotta look out for? Nothin' like putting a Sawzall thru something you didn't mean too

I'm just looking for some honest opinions and experiences on what works best when trimming, how to do it, and how NOT to hack up your truck when doing it. Also, the nerf bar/running board dilemma...anyone swap out one for the other? Any and all suggestions welcome! Man, I'm excited! (got a great deal on those ProComps, too!

)

*Nick26* · 03-24-2004, 09:16 AM

Well if you removed the running boards i think the bottom of the fender flares would look awkward and removing the fender flares usually reveals holes in the fenders... so i'd suggest you only trim on the inside of them if possible, also a sawzall my be kind of tricky and dangerous to swinging around in there, try just using a sheet-rock hole saw and utility knife first, thats all I needed except for the little bit I took off the pinch weld. the front bumper was pretty easy for me because mine was all plastic but yours might be more difficult noticing that its metal. Good Luck!

GJarrett · 03-24-2004, 09:19 AM

The inside of the front of the running board can be completely trimmed out for clearance and if you do it carefully no one will even be able to tell that you did it. It is plastic - use a utility knife, it's a ten minute job.

*bhults* · 03-24-2004, 09:25 AM

Yes, Gerald, I was reading the big long post you made regarding all sorts of stuff. I know you've got the Eddie too (and LIKE the running boards as do I) and trimmed the inside to make your shoes fit. I didn't quite understand how you trimmed though, but I'm glad to hear that it came out looking good. Did you trim right along that inside part (of the running board) where it kind of "bells out" before curving in toward the vehicle? I see that as being a major rubbing point. How about the front bumper. The whole bottom half is plastic, and I don't think I'm going to have to trim any metal. Thanks!

Bill

GJarrett · 03-24-2004, 09:40 AM

Yep, you got it exactly, you can remove almost all of that big "bellbottom" leaving just a 1/2" or so lip instead of that huge bell. Do it right and carefully follow the contour of the front of the board and it will look factory, like Ford could have designed it without the bell in the first place. To fit 33's, I did have to also trim out an inch of the bottom plastic at the rear of the front bumper to clear the front of the tire - I don't know if you will need to do that for 32's or not. A utility knife will not cut the plastic on the bumper; you'll need a jigsaw or SawZall and then file the cut smooth. You will probably also find that you will have less clearance for your right tire than left - our vehicles are not perfectly symmetrical and the left tire will have more clearance than the right.

jasonb · 03-24-2004, 09:41 AM

a dremel tool with a cut off wheel works amazing for cutting that plastic also.

the front bumper is easy to trim and is all plastic. the rear of wheelwells, all you should have to trim is the part of the tan plastic that wraps around inside the wheelwell.

i wouldn't think you have to trim much at all though. and yeah my passenger side is hacked up a LOT more than the driver side.

GJarrett · 03-24-2004, 09:44 AM

Oops.... yeah, forgot about a cutoff wheel..... It will cut through the bumper plastic like butter.

*bhults* · 03-24-2004, 10:22 AM

This all sounds really great....I plan to get the tires first, put them on and see exactly where the trimming will need to be done. I'd like it to look as 'natural' as possible. I don't have a dremel, but maybe I'll just go pick one up. I think I've spent more money on tools for this project than I have on parts (save the rim/tire package :p ), but if it makes the job easier, I figure I need it!

*bhults* · 03-24-2004, 10:26 AM

....what about that pesky pinch weld? The pinch weld is that little piece of ominous looking metal that looks as if it could destroy your tire if given the chance, right? What tool can be used to cut that? Or, can I just bang it in with a hammer to get it out of the way?

Jefe · 03-24-2004, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bhults
....what about that pesky pinch weld? The pinch weld is that little piece of ominous looking metal that looks as if it could destroy your tire if given the chance, right? What tool can be used to cut that? Or, can I just bang it in with a hammer to get it out of the way?

If you need to move/remove the pinch weld (I didn't till I had 35's) a good sized hammer will smash it flat

*bhults* · 03-24-2004, 10:53 AM

Nothing like just smashing something outta the way. Somehow, it gives you more gratification by doing it like this!

03-24-2004, 09:09 AM	#1
bhults Elite Explorer Forked River, NJ 1995 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 495 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Advice on Trimming I've heard an awful lot about trimming, and I'm now at that stage in the game where I'm gonna have to do some. I've completed a TT/Shackle/Double AAL lift and I just ordered 32's on 15 inch rims. I test fit these tires courtesy of Matt (Sk1er17), and found that I'm gonna experience a little rubbing, but not enough to downgrade to 31's Sooooo, I'm seeking advice on how to trim. I've got an Eddie, so I've got those running boards...which I like, but they're a rubbing point. Should I trim them down, or rip em off and get nerfs? How do you go about trimming the inside wheel well? Is there anything I gotta look out for? Nothin' like putting a Sawzall thru something you didn't mean too I'm just looking for some honest opinions and experiences on what works best when trimming, how to do it, and how NOT to hack up your truck when doing it. Also, the nerf bar/running board dilemma...anyone swap out one for the other? Any and all suggestions welcome! Man, I'm excited! (got a great deal on those ProComps, too! ) __________________ Ch Check it Out

03-24-2004, 09:16 AM	#2
Nick26 Elite Explorer Cumberland, RI 98' 5.0 XLT Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,190 Vehicle Specs	Well if you removed the running boards i think the bottom of the fender flares would look awkward and removing the fender flares usually reveals holes in the fenders... so i'd suggest you only trim on the inside of them if possible, also a sawzall my be kind of tricky and dangerous to swinging around in there, try just using a sheet-rock hole saw and utility knife first, thats all I needed except for the little bit I took off the pinch weld. the front bumper was pretty easy for me because mine was all plastic but yours might be more difficult noticing that its metal. Good Luck! __________________ First 2nd gen 5 Speed Manual V8 4WD Explorer! SOA & 3" Front Body Lift BW 1354 Manual T-Case swap Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, M5OD disassembly and re-assembly

03-24-2004, 09:19 AM	#3
GJarrett Moderator Emeritus Chief GPS'um and Still Lost Native Texan '99 EB 4x4 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 7,163 Vehicle Specs	The inside of the front of the running board can be completely trimmed out for clearance and if you do it carefully no one will even be able to tell that you did it. It is plastic - use a utility knife, it's a ten minute job. __________________ Ol' Krusty "Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk" Gerald's Truck The best things in life........ aren't things. God's aim looks like He's missing the mark because we're too nearsighted to see what He is aiming at.

03-24-2004, 09:25 AM	#4
bhults Elite Explorer Forked River, NJ 1995 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 495 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Yes, Gerald, I was reading the big long post you made regarding all sorts of stuff. I know you've got the Eddie too (and LIKE the running boards as do I) and trimmed the inside to make your shoes fit. I didn't quite understand how you trimmed though, but I'm glad to hear that it came out looking good. Did you trim right along that inside part (of the running board) where it kind of "bells out" before curving in toward the vehicle? I see that as being a major rubbing point. How about the front bumper. The whole bottom half is plastic, and I don't think I'm going to have to trim any metal. Thanks! Bill __________________ Ch Check it Out

03-24-2004, 09:40 AM	#5
GJarrett Moderator Emeritus Chief GPS'um and Still Lost Native Texan '99 EB 4x4 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 7,163 Vehicle Specs	Yep, you got it exactly, you can remove almost all of that big "bellbottom" leaving just a 1/2" or so lip instead of that huge bell. Do it right and carefully follow the contour of the front of the board and it will look factory, like Ford could have designed it without the bell in the first place. To fit 33's, I did have to also trim out an inch of the bottom plastic at the rear of the front bumper to clear the front of the tire - I don't know if you will need to do that for 32's or not. A utility knife will not cut the plastic on the bumper; you'll need a jigsaw or SawZall and then file the cut smooth. You will probably also find that you will have less clearance for your right tire than left - our vehicles are not perfectly symmetrical and the left tire will have more clearance than the right. __________________ Ol' Krusty "Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk" Gerald's Truck The best things in life........ aren't things. God's aim looks like He's missing the mark because we're too nearsighted to see what He is aiming at.

03-24-2004, 09:41 AM	#6
jasonb Jackstand Wheeler Suwanee, GA '99 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 6,390 Vehicle Specs	a dremel tool with a cut off wheel works amazing for cutting that plastic also. the front bumper is easy to trim and is all plastic. the rear of wheelwells, all you should have to trim is the part of the tan plastic that wraps around inside the wheelwell. i wouldn't think you have to trim much at all though. and yeah my passenger side is hacked up a LOT more than the driver side. __________________ JasonB --Thanks to all the great people in the military for keeping us safe.--

03-24-2004, 09:44 AM	#7
GJarrett Moderator Emeritus Chief GPS'um and Still Lost Native Texan '99 EB 4x4 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 7,163 Vehicle Specs	Oops.... yeah, forgot about a cutoff wheel..... It will cut through the bumper plastic like butter. __________________ Ol' Krusty "Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk" Gerald's Truck The best things in life........ aren't things. God's aim looks like He's missing the mark because we're too nearsighted to see what He is aiming at. Last edited by GJarrett; 03-24-2004 at 10:27 AM.

03-24-2004, 10:22 AM	#8
bhults Elite Explorer Forked River, NJ 1995 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 495 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Great! This all sounds really great....I plan to get the tires first, put them on and see exactly where the trimming will need to be done. I'd like it to look as 'natural' as possible. I don't have a dremel, but maybe I'll just go pick one up. I think I've spent more money on tools for this project than I have on parts (save the rim/tire package :p ), but if it makes the job easier, I figure I need it! __________________ Ch Check it Out

03-24-2004, 10:26 AM	#9
bhults Elite Explorer Forked River, NJ 1995 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 495 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Oh, and.... ....what about that pesky pinch weld? The pinch weld is that little piece of ominous looking metal that looks as if it could destroy your tire if given the chance, right? What tool can be used to cut that? Or, can I just bang it in with a hammer to get it out of the way? __________________ Ch Check it Out

03-24-2004, 10:53 AM	#11
bhults Elite Explorer Forked River, NJ 1995 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 495 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Sexcellent! Nothing like just smashing something outta the way. Somehow, it gives you more gratification by doing it like this! __________________ Ch Check it Out