35's in my XJ with no more lift?!

[Explorer 1]

Your right!, Trailer Fenders

My friend Jeff owns a mfg company that among other things makes trailer fenders. He gave me a couple and I cut them in half using one fender for both sides. Once I had cut away as much metal on the Cherokee to give me the room I wanted I inserted the fender half and did a lot of careful welding.

The trailer fender was 18 gauge while the Cherokee sheet metal was only 24 gauge. Because I want to keep all of my articulation this was the route I took.

I leading a trip this weekend to Cerro Gordo, Swansea Grade (Salt Tram) and then Papoose Flats. I've put on my 35's and will see where they rub in the front wheel well. The problem in the front is in inner well so there will need to be some sheetmetal removal and fabrication.

The easy way would be to crank up the Acos spacers on the springs or limit the upward travel with longer bump stops. However, with wanting to keep all the upward travel, this is what I'm up against.

Can't decide wither to have my friend Jeff help me fab the same type of fender flares for the front or go with some of Rusty's newer flexable flares.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

More progress......

Time to start with the front fenders.

This isn't going to be as easy as the rear fenders. With all the movement and wanting to keep my upward articulation, it looks like I'm in for a lot of sheet metal work.

I met last week with Mike at T & J's the people that made my frame stiffners and rock sliders. My problem is that when the wheel to turnd the maximum I rub against the frame stiffners where the are welded to the lower control arms.

I've alreday cut away a fair portion but still have a rubbing problem. Mike has a plan to replace the current tubes with plate that will tie it all in and give the clearence.

With not wanting more of my current 3.5 inch offset, I am also going to have to reshape some of the sheet metal inside the wheel well. I wil most likely use a pannishing hammer for this.

Not wanting to continue with the plastic Bushwacker fenders, I've opted for a front tube fender that will be wrapped in sheet metal, much like the rear were. When complete you won't be able to see the tube but it will have the strength to handle a brush with a rock.

I've installed the tube on the passenger side to see how it looks and get some input from my off-road friends. It is secured to the rock sliders by a weld and to the front bumper by a bolt, This way I can still remove the front bumper should this become necessary.

I'm doing the Lockwood/Millers jeep trail next week and this will give me a chance to see how they work.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

Up date on the front fenders

The passengers side is done and ready for the body shop:

Now for the driver's side which presents a problem with the snorkel. Need to figure a way to have the fender be removeable in the future in order to remove the snorkel.

Think I have an idea, will post of it works out.

So far with the fender and wheel well work the 35's are fitting without rubbing. (like that lower center of Gravity!) :victory:

Thanks,
fred
Explorer 1