2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission inner rear fender pieces

[kcook]

I just bought a 2002 2500 Quad cab 4X4, and was told the plastic liners for the rear fenders are an option starting in 2002, does this sound right?

 

[1tuffram]

That is sort of correct. The factory stopped installing them for 2002 as a cost saving measure (or maybe it had something to do with the fact the 2002 models would be the last of the 2nd gen trucks and DC probably has to buy things in massive gross quantities from suppliers, any left-overs DC would be "stuck" with since the parts would not be interchangable with the 3rd gen trucks). You can not order them as an option to come with the truck from the factory, instead you have the "option" to buy them from the parts counter of your stealer. If you want to purchase the rear wheel liners, I found Advantage Dodge, 1-800-748-2139... internet sales (www.mopar4less.com) to have the best price. I think they sell them for about half what you would normally pay at the parts counter. I paid $59. 42 for BOTH liners ($29. 71 ea) + $10 freight. Just a heads up, they wanted $1. 47 for EACH plastic rivet and it takes 14 of them. I found NAPA sells the same rivets (#770-2871) which is a package of 20 for $6. 53. I also purchased the Plastic Rivet setter/gun ( #770-2864) for the plastic rivets at Napa for $28. 85. Appearently an ordinary rivet gun will not work for the plastic rivets, thus the need to purchase a special rivet gun designed for plastic rivets.



The install was easy, just pop the liner in the wheel well, line up the mounting holes and pop the rivets in. Took me about 30 minutes tops. This was my first experince with using rivets and a rivet gun so it took me a few to get the hang of it. My install also required a little more time because I have the OEM splash guards and had to remove either 1 or 2 (can't remember exactly) of the mounting bolts on each side then reinstall them, this fastens the lower rear portion of the liner. If you don't have the splash guards then rivets would go in the holes the splash guard bolts do.



PS: If you order the liners do not be alarmed when you see them all scratched up and full of sander swirl marks. Appearently this is the "look" DC intends. The first linners I recieved where like this and I called up Advantage and gave Travis an ear full for selling me liners which looked used and for the life of me I could not understand why anyone would take a sander to them (thus I assumed they where a returned item from someone else). Advantage sent me a second set and they looked just as bad(and I made sure they where not the pair I just sent back). I then looked at the front fender liners and sure as heck, the factory installed liners on the front look worked-over by an orbital sander with 80 grit paper!!! So I assume this is the intended look DC wants now days (unless if something in the current manufacturing process requires sanding off of rough molding seams or something). Funny thing is the liners (front and back) on my '95 have NO scratchs or sander swirl marks. Sad the 7yr old liners on my '95 look in better shape than my '02



Sorry for the lenghty story, just wanted to share what I encountered when having to purchase and install something which should have come already on the truck from the factory. When I asked the dealer why DC dropped the liners, I was told it was a cost saving measure DC decided to do since the competition no longer puts liners in thier trucks. I suppose Ford and GM dropped the hood insulation too, so Dodge had to "be like the Jone's" on that also.

 

[KD7GYJ]

Yea, its a sales gimmick.



If you will notice, you don't have a blanket under the hood either. That was removed for the 2002 edition, plus some other nice things.



I bought the wells from a local dealer and also the rivets. Bag the rivets, they're expensive. I went to the local hardware store where they have a section for specialized hardware. When you remove the plastic sheeting from the rear, you will have to unscrew one bolt from the rear of the fenderwell. I found those exact threaded clips at the hardware store and purchased matching "grade 8" screws about 3/4 to 1 in in length. I also picked up some stainless washers too. I applied the clips over the predrilled holes, inserted the fender well and screwed the liner to the frame. They are tight and don't slip. I didn't have to shell out $30. 00 for a rivet gun and I can replace them by purchasing another screw from the hardware store. I think I paid about $15. 00 for the set of screws and threaded clips. I belive they are 6mm screws and clips.



But if you purchase an engine blanket, purchase the clips. Just push into the holes to set.



Good luck,



Blair

 

[cmckinney]

Engine Blanket

What does an engine blanket do for the truck?



-CM

 

[KD7GYJ]

Make the turbo and engine compartment quieter, less noticeable.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Drops engine noise slightly - POSSIBLY keeps hood slightly cooler, MIGHT protect paint somewhat...

 

[HomerDog]

Anyone know if these liners will fit a 94-98 3500??

It looks like my wells will fit them but the dealer could not match a part # with my 96 3500??