97+ Front end

[smithe1811]

Looking through some of the previous posts on the subject, i notice some guys swap out the fenders and some don't. So my question is, is there a difference between the fenders? are they nessesary to swap the front end?

 

Erik :beerhead:

[Boilermaker]

absolutely necessary, no. But the 97+ header panel has slightly different shaped edges. So if you don't swap the fenders, it will look like this:

[smithe1811]

wow, that would annoy me to no end. fenders it is then. thanks!

 

Erik :beerhead:

[BookspanS]

How much fab work to do that upgrade to an '86?

[smithe1811]

as far as i know its all bolt on. the fender flares are a little diffwerent between the years. the 97's run down into the bumper ends and you have to splice in the headlight wiring. if I'm wrong on this someone feel free to chime in.

 

Erik :beerhead:

[Boilermaker]

How much fab work to do that upgrade to an '86?

this thread should help:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=11270

[watchamakalit]

absolutely necessary, no. But the 97+ header panel has slightly different shaped edges. So if you don't swap the fenders, it will look like this:

That ones mine. :cheers:

 

It is a simple bolt on procedure except you need to make a way to bolt it to the fenders if you don't change them. I just bent up some little brackets on each side. I also had to switch the headlight buckets from side to side due to the adjusters and spring anchors being opposite on the 97+ header panel.

[james750]

How much fab work to do that upgrade to an '86?

Unfortunately the 86 didn't have the same front end as the 4.0 setup 87+ models, and therefore they require a little bit more fab work (read:trimming the header panel). I learned this after looking at pics (and comparing them to my MJ) and the write up found on MFPDM's mild build.