Removing Flares?

[mknherhappy]

How difficult is it to remove the flares? I was told the studs break off easily. If so, How do you replace?

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[Motion Offroad]

That is correct, the studs break VERY easy.

 

You have a few options....

 

1) Buy replacement factory style hardware. The front hardware is available; the rear is not.

 

2) Don't use the factory style hardware, and just use bolts/nuts/washers (stainless is your best bet) from the hardware store to put the flares back on.

[mknherhappy]

So, you drill out the studs, then replace with stainless bolts?

 

Thanks again.

[Motion Offroad]

The studs are part of the hardware from the factory. If you don't use the hardware you can just put a bolt threw the flare with a washer on it than put a nut on the back side.

 

The studs from the factory are part of a long metal piece that "sandwiches" the flare to the fender.

 

Once you have them removed and look at them you'll understand. I'd personally just go get some stainless bolts from the hardware store that fit threw the holes in the fender and attach the flares that way....

[gixxerman600]

I have had mine off 2 times now and only broken one stud pb blaster and let em soke then borak them all lose lube them agen then back them off slowly little at a time on each one so they don't heat up and break.

[fiatslug87]

Inevitably you will break a couple of studs, I have on all three of my MJs. What I've done is grind off the stud heads and punch out the studs. Then braze in new bolts (Stainless is preferred with the right brazing rod). I use this brazing kit, relatively inexpensive and very easy to use: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none

It's pretty easy, just time consuming because I decided to replace all 36 studs every time. Good luck.

[stevep6]

Will this hardware set not work?

 

http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx? ... artID=8581

 

I know it's for a Cherokee, but I thought the mounting hardware would be the same? I have pulled one of my flares off and broke a stud; the slower you work (and the more rust penetrant / lube you use) the better your chances are :)

[89eliminator]

Will this hardware set not work?

 

http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx? ... artID=8581

 

I know it's for a Cherokee, but I thought the mounting hardware would be the same? I have pulled one of my flares off and broke a stud; the slower you work (and the more rust penetrant / lube you use) the better your chances are :)

 

i don't think that works. the rear flares are different between the MJ and XJ.

[fiatslug87]

Will this hardware set not work?

http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx? ... artID=8581

I know it's for a Cherokee, but I thought the mounting hardware would be the same?

In that picture, the four vertical pieces only have two studs, all MJ brackets have three studs. When you pull yours off, you'll see each one is stamped with its location (some can go in two different places), some say "cargo box" which implies they are unique to the MJ.