bought a truck, what fender flares to install?

[JDKammin]

I was not looking to get a truck, since I have been happy with my 96 extended cab long box. I came across a nice 04 four door shortbox and want to put some fender flares on to keep the truck cleaner. Any pics floating around with flares or comments on brand to buy and get painted? Thanks.

 

[chris7694]

I think OEM power wagon flares look the cleanest. Don't really know how well they protect cause I don't have them but I'm wanting a set. I'd think as long as your tires aren't so big they'll work just fine. I've got 285's on my truck the same as power wagon's have. They're made out of the same textured material the black door spear protectors on later 3rd gens are made from... I think they'd look awesome with the texture sanded smooth and paint matched...

 

[JDerbedrossian]

I used Bushwacker extend-a-fenders, but be cautious it will rub off paint eventually. I love the way it looks but regret doing it now, so 5 years later its so bad that I cant take them off unless I want to repaint the truck.



Jake

 

[chris7694]

Here's what factory power wagon flares look like they're about $250 from the dealer:



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[Mr.Goat]

Derbedrossian is correct, they wear the paint to the point you can't take them off. Plus if you spend anytime on the bush roads the brush will clean the flares off on a regular basis.



Bottom line do not waste your money there more problems than there worth.



I had (still have in the junk pile behind the barn) Bush Wacker flares as mentioned above. They are expensive to purchase and to keep on the truck plus they do very little to protect the trucks finish.

Over time road crud builds up in behind them in the lower portions which also holds water. I had some nice blistered up rust areas when I took mine off.



I removed mine had the rusted areas repaired, then had the whole lower portion of the body including around the wheels were the flares had been Linexed in silver. It's the way to go. Looks very nice, tough as nails, doesn't cause any damage to the body, and doesn't get torn off by brush.

 

[SierraRam]

Derbedrossian is correct, they wear the paint to the point you can't take them off. Plus if you spend anytime on the bush roads the brush will clean the flares off on a regular basis.



Bottom line do not waste your money there more problems than there worth.



I had (still have in the junk pile behind the barn) Bush Wacker flares as mentioned above. They are expensive to purchase and to keep on the truck plus they do very little to protect the trucks finish.

Over time road crud builds up in behind them in the lower portions which also holds water. I had some nice blistered up rust areas when I took mine off.



I removed mine had the rusted areas repaired, then had the whole lower portion of the body including around the wheels were the flares had been Linexed in silver. It's the way to go. Looks very nice, tough as nails, doesn't cause any damage to the body, and doesn't get torn off by brush.

Wow I must disagree with about 80% of your post. I have had Bushwackers on my 03 and 07 and have never had the issue you have had. Yes they will scuff the finish over time so I guess if you plan on not keeping them on then don't bother. They do keep a lot of crap off of the truck and seem to take a pretty good beating without showing it.



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[Punkineater]

I too have the Bushwackers. I had the rockers and the flares line-x'd and have had no problems.