Building a more capable 4x4 usually includes the installation of
larger tires and wheels. Having recently replaced my Scrambler?s
31x10.50x15 tires with taller and wider 35x12.50x15?s, you can see
from the pictures that the new tires extended past the stock CJ fender
flares by more than an inch.
If
you need wider fender flares, Xenon may have just what you?re
looking for?even if you have a Scrambler! I used a set of their
replacement flares for my ?82 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler. They also make
flares for most other CJ models, YJ?s, TJ?s and many other makes
of 4x4?s.
The installation was very straightforward and took me a
total of about 40 minutes. The process is simple:
Before
- Front
After
- Front
For the front, I just removed the stock flares and replaced them
with the new Xenon flares. The new flares used the stock mounting
holes. No additional drilling was required. The Xenon front flares
even have the proper stock like contour for the front turn signals.
The rear flares required a little more work. I had to trim away
a portion of the inside flange on the new flare in order for them
to fit flush against the wheel well opening. I used a Dremel tool
with a small cutoff wheel. I also need to drill 2 more holes in
each rear flare to match the stock holes in the body. The Xenon
directions said to drill the additional holes in the body but I
decided I?d rather drill into the flares. (I already have plenty
of holes in my jeep body tub) After that it was a simple job to
bolt them up.
When I first removed the new flares from the box, they were
somewhat twisted and getting them flush with the body was
difficult. I laid them in the sun for about 10 minutes and as they
softened up a bit, the twist was gone. They then fit perfectly
flush on the body tub.
Before
- Front
Before
Rear
After
- Front
After
- Rear
The Xenon kit was very complete. It included good directions, and
all new mounting hardware.
The directions also included the recommended steps to paint the
flares. For some applications, the paint would be a nice addition, but
for the trails I do and the frequent rock or brush contact I decided
to leave them unpainted. Scratches would quickly show through the
paint.
As you can see from the before and after pictures, the wider tires
are now fully covered. In fact, I now have extra room that would allow
me to run even wider tires or wheels.
The stock flares measured 2 ? inches wide front and rear. The
replacement Xenon flares measured 5 inches for the front and 6 ?
inches for the rear. The different front and rear widths may be
specific to the Scrambler. The Scrambler has a more squared off rear
wheel well than CJ-5?s or CJ-7?s. It appears to me that Xenon
provides a CJ front flare and a YJ rear flare. That may also explain
why the rear flare did not match all of the stock bolt holes and the
need for trimming the flare.
Although I have not had them on the trail yet, they seem very
strong and are made of thicker material than the stock flares. They
should hold up well.
If you have added wider tires and wheels to your jeep, Xenon may
have you covered!
Contact
Information: XENON Dept. ORC 2891 E. Via Martens Anaheim, CA 92806 USA +1 714-632-1709
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