[Marco7]

I've been planning on this upgrade, but have yet to start other than buying the parts.
What's holding me up is the old splash/dust shields.

I know I can just remove them and be done with it, but I'm concerned about all the debris/etc getting in b/w the inner pads and rotor.

I also know i can just buy new shields to match the larger rotors but this project is already over budget and I haven't even begun to fix the body damage from my collision 2+ months ago. Looked for cheap used ones to no avail.

Then there's the option of cutting away the portion of the shields that would make contact with the new larger rotors.
Sounds like an easy solution with a air nibbler,dremel, or sawzall, but I don't really want to have a jaggedy sharp edge waiting to slice me or anyone else who ventures down there.
Thought maybe capping the edge or folding it over but that would take up more time than I care to spend on it.

So, what have you all done in this situation?
I'm leaning toward just using the nibbler to remove the edge since there would be less sparks around the hydraulic hoses/parts.

[retrofive]

Do they cost that much? Check the parting out section, sure someone will have something laying around. Maybe?

[alkaline747trio]

Those 'shields' have trapped more debris than they have prevented for me. Much less mud gets trapped in there and I definitely have less heat fade....but do have offset wheel that help with that a little too.

[ThePookieBear]

If you want to keep them, you could get some of that rubber moulding that ricers use on edges of fenders and stuff after you cut them. That would have them mostly functional and get rid of the sharp edges.

[Marco7]

Originally Posted by retrofive

Do they cost that much? Check the parting out section, sure someone will have something laying around. Maybe?

You'd think so but the responses I rec'd from PMs were that they wanted to keep the axles whole, so no luck there.

Originally Posted by alkaline747trio

Those 'shields' have trapped more debris than they have prevented for me. Much less mud gets trapped in there and I definitely have less heat fade....but do have offset wheel that help with that a little too.

Well that's encouraging. But still would like something b/w the rotors and the potential birf soup splooge down the road.

Originally Posted by ThePookieBear

If you want to keep them, you could get some of that rubber moulding that ricers use on edges of fenders and stuff after you cut them. That would have them mostly functional and get rid of the sharp edges.

That's a good idea, as long as the trim is capable of the high temps. I also thought, maybe a skim coat of some jbweld along the edge? lol
Might be easier to mould it once it sets up closer to the hardening process.

I've toyed(heh) with the idea of just making verticle cuts every few inches and then bending the existing edge straight/flat with some channel locks or vise grips. That way some of the lip is still there and the shield is still somewhat functional.

I'm going to have to go back in there for the wipers/seals in the future so hopefully by then I can find a used pair like retro suggested.
But right now I need my vehicle back on the road since my brakes are shot due to a seized caliper and it's worn rotor.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll let you all know how it turns out.

[alkaline747trio]

Originally Posted by Marco7

Well that's encouraging. But still would like something b/w the rotors and the potential birf soup splooge down the road.

You're going to have much greater problems if you're getting birf juice on your rotors. It doesn't explode out of the felt wipers, it just makes your birfs click like hell or will toast a wheel bearing.

[livinoffroad]

Originally Posted by Marco7

I've been planning on this upgrade, but have yet to start other than buying the parts.
What's holding me up is the old splash/dust shields.

I know I can just remove them and be done with it, but I'm concerned about all the debris/etc getting in b/w the inner pads and rotor.

I also know i can just buy new shields to match the larger rotors but this project is already over budget and I haven't even begun to fix the body damage from my collision 2+ months ago. Looked for cheap used ones to no avail.

Then there's the option of cutting away the portion of the shields that would make contact with the new larger rotors.
Sounds like an easy solution with a air nibbler,dremel, or sawzall, but I don't really want to have a jaggedy sharp edge waiting to slice me or anyone else who ventures down there.
Thought maybe capping the edge or folding it over but that would take up more time than I care to spend on it.

So, what have you all done in this situation?
I'm leaning toward just using the nibbler to remove the edge since there would be less sparks around the hydraulic hoses/parts.

If you haven't purchased your rotors yet, (sounds like you already did), the 4000 series rotors from DBA (I got 'em from Man-a-Fre) do not require modification of the shields, or anything else. They are a direct bolt on, yet are larger diameter than stock, and the PBR 4x4 pads are a direct swap also, yet provide a larger swept area. I've had good luck with them. 55K on them, and just now getting ready to replace pads. Rotors don't need turning. My driveway is 10% average grade downhill for 1.6 miles.

[alkaline747trio]

Originally Posted by livinoffroad

If you haven't purchased your rotors yet, (sounds like you already did), the 4000 series rotors from DBA (I got 'em from Man-a-Fre) do not require modification of the shields, or anything else. They are a direct bolt on, yet are larger diameter than stock, and the PBR 4x4 pads are a direct swap also, yet provide a larger swept area. I've had good luck with them. 55K on them, and just now getting ready to replace pads. Rotors don't need turning. My driveway is 10% average grade downhill for 1.6 miles.

You have a FZJ, not the same as the FJs we are discussing. And drilled rotors compromise the strength of the rotor and prematurely wear out pads.

[Marco7]

To Alk or others that have gone shield-less:

Does removing the splash/dust shields create any problems with spacing?

I have them removed this morning(yes finally got to it) and am leaning towards re-assembly minus the shields.

I remember reading about some Cruiser owner(not sure what series it was) running into problems with total removal, the inner hub not sealing properly or something to that effect.

Just need a little confirmation before "going commando".

[Lka1988]

Ford Econolines don't have dust shields. Never hear about brake problems on those...