EPISODE 9: Bushwacker Fender Flare Install

Level of Difficulty: Easy
Tools Required: Hand tools and (1) helpful friend would be great
Installed By: OC Motorsports
Install Time: Approximately 2 hours

With so many ways to personalize and modify a Jeep we have no shortage of ideas on how to make our Centennial JK look unique while accommodating the other mods we have installed. After adding a Rancho 4” lift, Weld Rekon wheels and 37” Falken Wild Country tires we knew it was time to upgrade the stock Jeep flares to something that would protect our JK without compromising wheel travel and articulation. With its recent acquisition of Bushwacker, Centennial sponsor Lund Industries now offers just about every accessory a Jeep or Truck enthusiast could ever wish for. After perusing their extensive offerings on JC Whitney we chose their Flat Style Fender Flares in black to compliment our Bestop bumpers and hood shield and Ventvisors from sister company AVS.

Daniel told us that he has installed many fender flares and volunteered for our project. He opened the Bushwacker carton and found the flares expertly packaged to prevent shipping damage. The Bushwacker installation kit was comprehensive, including hardware, brackets, front LED turn signal lights with connectors and stripping to fill in the space between the flares and the body for a factory look.

Starting at the right front corner Daniel removed the (4) 10mm bolts securing the OE flares and pulled the flares away from the body while removing the inner fender liner. He suggested taking your time removing the bolts and plastic plugs of the stock flares to prevent any body damage which could slow the install process. With the factory flare removed Daniel attached the Bushwacker bracket to the body with the supplied hardware. No drilling or cutting of the body is required. With the bracket in place, the next step is to attach the weather stripping to the inner edge of the top of the flare where it meets the body. Make sure your hands and the Jeep sheet metal are clean or the stripping won’t adhere. Bushwacker includes alcohol wipes to help. While time consuming, this step is well worth the effort since the stripping fills the gap between the flare and the body for finished look. Daniel trimmed the fender liner he removed earlier to match up with the Bushwacker flare and reinstalled the liner with the factory plugs.

The Bushwacker front flares include a slick LED corner light built into the flare. Daniel disconnected the corner light of the stock flare from the OE harness and spliced in the Bushwacker LED light with the bullet connectors provided.

With the front right flare in place, Daniel moved to the rear and removed the factory flare then repeated the same basic steps. The rear bracket is composed of (3) pieces and also uses the factory mounting points.

With the front right flare in place, Daniel moved to the rear and removed the factory flare then repeated the same basic steps. The rear bracket is composed of (3) pieces and also uses the factory mounting points.

Bushwacker manufacturers flares for thousands of vehicle applications in Portland, Oregon and ships them around the world. With so many styles, materials of construction and finish options they have something for every Jeep and truck on the road.

Brands featured in this episode:

• Bushwacker