Topic: BL or no BL?

[jfrabat]

As most of you probably remember, I am running a 4" RE suspension lift under my YJ to clear 33" tires.  When at max flex, the rear tires are still rubbing on the rear of the wheel wells, and they keep bending the metal here.  It seems that the extended bump stops are not doing all that they should...  Anyway, I want to fix this, because when I use the tire chains, the carnage gets to be more than I care to have.  So I was thinnking of using a 1" BL to fix the issue. 

The reason for BL and not cutting is that I rather keep the rear of the wheel wells covered so that mud will not get in as much and thus protect against rust.  So what do you guys think? 

[chardrc]

usually body lifts are a pain to install because of rust.. but form what ive seen of pictures of your jeep it looks like rust hasn't seen it yet so you probably wouldn't have issues with snapping off body mount molts trying to install the lift. i can see what your saying about not wanting to cut since i did my tj flare install and can understand that. so id say go for the 1" body lift for your situation and keep those chains form eating wheel well for lunch..

[Jeffy]

As most of you probably remember, I am running a 4" RE suspension lift under my YJ to clear 33" tires.  When at max flex, the rear tires are still rubbing on the rear of the wheel wells, and they keep bending the metal here.  It seems that the extended bump stops are not doing all that they should...  Anyway, I want to fix this, because when I use the tire chains, the carnage gets to be more than I care to have.  So I was thinnking of using a 1" BL to fix the issue. 

The reason for BL and not cutting is that I rather keep the rear of the wheel wells covered so that mud will not get in as much and thus protect against rust.  So what do you guys think? 

You don't have to cut the pinch weld out.  Usually only the lower portion needs to be cut.  Otherwise extend your bumpstops.  A BL probably won't solve the problem 100%.

[sharpxmen]

I have a 1'' BL and i like it better than the stock, gives a bit more room in the engine bay and cleaning the top of the frame with water pressure is also easier. I did break both bolts in the rear of the tub, PITA to fix it, that part sucked big time but other than that I would do it again.

[FourbangerYJ]

Trim before BL. It's free, it's easy. Start small and cut more if needed. Some paint on the cut will prevent rust. Your flares will still work unless you go crazy on the cut.

[Bounty Hunter]

The YJ has very small rear wheel wells.  If you want the best of both worlds, install TJ fender flares.  Much larger wheel openings and good tire coverage.

[neale_rs]

Also voting for the cutting.  Primer and paint will keep the rust at bay.

[jfrabat]

I'll look into cutting, I guess...  Maybe trim off an inch or so (the flare should still fit, I guess, with some triming of that as well; holes for holding it in place seem to be enough out of the way).  I'll need to get some paint, though; maybe match it locally and use an airbrush to paint it (but I would need to get the air brush as well).  Of course, I need to get that painted regardless, as the tire chains did a pretty nice job of banging up the paint...

[sharpxmen]

would be under the flares so just use a paint brush.

[FourbangerYJ]

Pull off all that plastic junk that is inside the fender well if you have not already. Those things trap dirt and mud like crazy! Cut the sheet metal ( a grinder with a cut off wheel is the weapon of choice for me) Then on your flares trim off what you need and re-drill the holes. Mask off the area and use a rattle can of black for the fender wells.

[Jeffy]

Pull off all that plastic junk that is inside the fender well if you have not already. Those things trap dirt and mud like crazy! Cut the sheet metal ( a grinder with a cut off wheel is the weapon of choice for me) Then on your flares trim off what you need and re-drill the holes. Mask off the area and use a rattle can of black for the fender wells.

If it's in good condition, it can actually keep dirt out.  You do get dust in there though.

[jfrabat]

If it's in good condition, it can actually keep dirt out.  You do get dust in there though.

In my case, it actually keeps the mud OUT of the rears...  So I prefer to keep them if possible.  I just got the Jeep back today (HYDROBOOST IS READY!!!  WOOOOHOOO!!!!), so I'll look into it this weekend and see if I have time to do anything before taking the Jeep back to Panama the week after that...