Fender trimming, should i?

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eleblanc

eleblanc

Joined
Jul 4, 2006
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Location
Montreal
I'll have a OME kit installed very soon 2.5" from original. I'm currently running 255/85/16 tires, BF mud. I have a bit longer shakle in the rear so they fit, but scrub only on one side. Since they are so narrow they will simply flex inside the fender. But i'm jungling with the idea of getting bigger tires but mostly wider. The current tires are 33.5" and most 35" tire are a bit lower then 35", they usually are 34.5" So the gain in diamter would be minimal and i would be changing for wider tires. My first concern or question would be can i fit 35 x12.5 tires with a OME only? i doubt, but some of you could confirm this or not. I shall see very soon. If 35" doesn't fit and will scrub in the rear, would trimming the fender openning by 1" be enough? I'd really like to keep the cruiser has original has possible, for its look and for its value. Do you think trimming the fender would be a great mistake if you are a original geak like me? If it is properly done? I mean trimming 1" then welding back a flat bar to reproduce the inner flange and tig weld it all together?

I need to replace a rocker panel and i'm thinking about trimming my fender in the process, would 1" be any help with Old man emu lift? or just not enough at all for 35"?
 
I agree with you that keeping the pig as origional as possible is important. I think that trimming the fender 1" will not be noticed by many. Keeping the proportions similar is the most important in my opinion. As long as the cut/trim flange does not cut into your tire. I streatched my wheelbase to 101" and cut the fender to fit the rearward movement. It looks great and most will never know.
 
Hi All:

I've run the OME suspension on my FJ40 since 1997. 35X12.5R15 inch tires are too large with these springs. 33X12.5R15 tires rub on the inner fenderwells.

Regards,

Alan
 
I have run 35 x 12.5 (actual diameter is about 34 inches) with 2.5 inch springs and cutting the sheet metal about 2 inches for the past 2 years. It was a bigger problem in front than the rears, which mostly rub on the inside (like other 12.5s).
 
Hurtinslim said:
I agree with you that keeping the pig as origional as possible is important.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure he's talking about a '40 here, not Pig.


Personally unless the rig is collector quality OEM, I don't see much point in worrying to much about "stock". Keep the basic stock flavor, but don't hesitate to make functional mods. Fender trimming is one of those.


Mark...
 
I cringe when sheet metal squeals :frown: :eek:

what do you really need the bigger tires for? where do you wheel?
 
There are really two questions at hand here. Do you want to stay all OEM or not. I truly prefer OEM. I have seen few trim jobs look original as it is hard to replecate returns etc. The other question relates to the desire for larger tire size. I would referto the two responses above. Is this a need fro wheeling or a particular look you are going for. Keep in mind that going bigger on tires begins to demand more of related areas...engine, trans, tie rods, PS? etc. Alot to think about when spending $600 - $1200 on meat. Just my 2 cents.
 
The rig is a 1983 BJ42, 5 speed tranny, in really top shape. Could be considered a collector item (not sure about that tho). Basicly the reason for trimming at this point is to put wider tires, but again once i'll have the OME spring on probably i won't need to trim for 33 x any width

Most of my wheeling is done in road with alot of big round rocks, narrow tires is really not good and worse in mud.

I've already have two sets of R&P 456 and 488 (411 being stock) and waiting to see if i'll be able to fit anything bigger then what i run right now 33.5". If i can run bigger then i'll put the 488, if not then i'll put the 456.

http://www.ericleblanc.com/gallery/...DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2268&g2_serialNumber=2
 
I would think twice about going to a wider tire, If you notice most folks run tall narrow tires for a reason. That reason being they are better off-road most of the time. Sand and loose river are an exception. I found wider tires to be more of a PITA than they are worth. Off-set is critical for brake clearnace, but too much are the tires wear poorly (actually they always waer poorly), they stick out too damn far, make too much noise, and don't give a great overall benefit. BUT They look cool!!!
 
You could run the 34.9.5 TSL's with a 2.5 OME lift. They tuck inside the wells nicely. A lot of guys around here run them, as did I (although with more lift)
 
rabid said:
You could run the 34.9.5 TSL's with a 2.5 OME lift. They tuck inside the wells nicely. A lot of guys around here run them, as did I (although with more lift)
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thats the tire i run on a 2" lift they fit great on OEM rims, they do rub the inner rear fender well at full stuff with the truck loaded(22gal rear tank, 3 member, axel shafs rear and inner w/birfs, Man-a-fre tire swing out tire holder, starter, alt, wp, tools) but i think most it ok.
 
You know what I always say...butcher a Jeep, preserve a Land Cruiser...:)
 
The 255/85 is a cool tire. I would look for some if I had 16" wheels. Buying new wheels is another expense you may have to incur as most 35" tires are 15".
 
rabid said:
You could run the 34.9.5 TSL's with a 2.5 OME lift. They tuck inside the wells nicely. A lot of guys around here run them, as did I (although with more lift)
Click to expand...

They are only 1/2" larger in diameter then the 255/85/15 BF muds i currently have
 
igotta40 You know what I always say...butcher a Jeep, preserve a Land Cruiser...
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X3 You're lucky to have a rare cruiser in a near perfect conditon. Don't butcher it :frown:
 
Thanks guys, i probably won't cut the fenders, anyhow i have 2-3 inch left before it won't fit in my garage anymore. So once the OME springs are on mostlikely there won't be anymore space for bigger tires. and like i was once told, bigger the tire, easier it is, and too often less fun it becomes...

I was doing some reading a few days ago and was surprise to see that in 1983 toyota only sold 147x BJ42 in Canada. I suppose there are more BJ42 in other country but probably RHD.

sometimes i question myself, since the cruiser is in OEM top shape, very rare, and i want something to go wheel. Maybe i shoud just sell it to a collector who is not going to wheel it and go get myself a bare bone FJcruiser manual and get a bumper, winch, 3 inch lift, 34-35" tires, front and rear air lockers and have a great rig for offroad. Obviously that would be more expensive. I've put so much money on the BJ i'm sure i wouldn't get half of what i've put in if i'd sell it.
 
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Just put the new springs on top of the axles. Then you really won't have to worry about trimming the body. It does look to pretty to cut up.
 
atoyot said:
Just put the new springs on top of the axles. Then you really won't have to worry about trimming the body. It does look to pretty to cut up.
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Unfortunatly that would cost more then you can imagine, truck has to fit in the garage. Lots of humide and cold weather here, one of the main reason why Canadien landcruiser didn't last very long...
 
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