Factory Fender "Chop" vs Aftermarket HD Fenders vs Keep Factory Fenders (& Fender Swap/Chop Regret?)

[joetimmons]

Curious from the forum members who have decided to either do a factory fender "chop" how did that work out (with photos if possible) and /or folks who have totally removed factory fenders in lieu of upgraded 3rd party fenders (with photos if possible) or finally if you got painted fancy factory fenders/inner fenders maybe even with the XR extended flares and you are content and wheeling just fine with that?

Or conversely, did you upgrade or chop your factory fenders and later have "chop or swap" regret and wish you had just stuck with the factory setup?

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[Headbarcode]

I chopped my JLUR fenders over 3 years ago, and have had zero regrets. It's a great, and relatively simple way to gain about 3.5" of tire clearance up front and 2-2.5" out back.

My Jeep was originally lifted 2" and on 35's, and I was on the verge of upping the tire size to 38's. The chop was an easy way of maintaining tire clearance with the smaller lift height and taller tires. I've since lifted the Jeep two more times, first to 4" and now to 6" with the very flexible Metalcloak Gamechanger with 3.5" and 4.5" springs, respectively. The chop still serves the purpose of increasing total suspension travel, by allowing the added uptravel.

Mid chop with 2" lift and 35's...

With 2" lift and 38's...

With the current 6" lift and 40's...

 

[Grayhound]

I did the factory chop and I really enjoy the look! 1 thing I didn’t think about was the temp of the lighting. The led made my halogen headlights look odd so I swapped them out for Oracle bi leds and now really enjoy the front end of my jeep. What started all this for me was cracking my factory running light getting too close to a fence on a trail ride. I could have lived with it, but u know, jeep…

 

[At Risk Ute]

I purposely bought my third and fourth JLs with fancy XR painted fenders to prevent me from going aftermarket ever again.

Recommend remaining stock or chopping Rubi fenders unless you really hate the look of the unpainted fenders.

 

[joetimmons]

Does anybody have a photo of the Metalcloak Rubicon Fender Gutz Delete & Clearance Bracket installed?

 

[MerPinXEss]

Kept factory feeders unti they were no more, got Hooke road fenders never looked back.

 

[SH556JL]

On the 21 I did JLUR suspension swap and gutted the fenders. It looked right with 315s in my opinion. On the 23, I went with 37s and ICON lift keeping the fenders... Each has their advantage, but I prefer a fender that's intact.

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