Factory flares

[Jeepster19]

I know this might sound like a dumb question but here goes.How are the factory flares hooked to the side of the fender area?I can feel bolts on the inside of the fender well lip but I dont see anything on the outside.I want to remove them but don't feel like damaging them.Any suggestions???This is for the year range 97-01 Xj.

[XJ Wheeler]

I believe the '97+ are the same as the '96- and that's what i have experience with. There's a liner inside the wheel well that needs to come out first, or move out of the way. It's attached with some push-in clips. Once that's off you can see there's mounting plates that go over the inside lip of the flare. The mounting plates have studs (9 iirc) that bolt through the fender. Most likely you'll come out of the process with about two that didn't break, that's what happened to me. Pretty straight forward.

[XJ Wheeler]

Found this in a quick search. Should help get the image across.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/XJs/2008-07-27_013841_fender_95_cherokee.jpg

[Brasscatz]

Yep, I broke a few several bolt studs off when I removed mine too. Just go SLOW and use hand tools instead of power tools. some WD-40 will help you too.

[bigjim350]

Broke all the studs off mine, didnt care though since i had no plans of reinstalling them. But if you do want to reinstall them, 1/4" bolts will replace the broken studs perfect

[Jeepster19]

Found this in a quick search. Should help get the image across.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/xj-wheeler/XJs/2008-07-27_013841_fender_95_cherokee.jpg

Everyone,thanks for the help on the flare removal.The blow-up of the fender area really helps.:thumbsup: