Metal fenders or “plastic”?

[Wat Dog]

I’m opening up a whole giant can of worms here asking for opinions from this group but… Plastic fenders will only have damage on themselves if they get hit on a tree but may potentially be replaced often whereas steel/aluminum will take a bit more of a beating but possibly transmit the damage to the body.

What do you run and why? Bonus points for pics. I’m looking for full (mostly) tire coverage with running lights and turn signal, not a sliver of a 90s eyebrow

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[Gvsukids]

What do you run and why? Bonus points for pics.

Stock. Why? Haven't busted them yet.

 

[taintedsaint]

I run stock since some trails I run are super tight squeezes between a rock and tree. Just as you said, metal transmits impact to body. Plastic flexes. Yes, I'll eventually break one for good but I'm ok with that.

 

[same_O_G]

Stock. Why? Haven't busted them yet.

Ditto. Sticking to the old Jeep moto of "Break it, upgrade it."

 

[HorneyBadger]

Saw a high speed run through a mud hole and watched the aftermarket front fenders get ripped off.

 

[Alans17]

I’ll keep my OEM fenders until they’re sun-faded and gross. Then probably upgrade to metal. Of course, nearly every aftermarket fender offers additional clearance so I’ll need to size up the tires in order to not look weird. Oh darn.

 

[Alans17]

Saw a high speed run through a mud hole and watched the aftermarket front fenders get ripped off.

How fast are we talking? Like “don’t get stuck” fast or “I’m going to try to ski this thing” fast?

 

[Gladiator addict]

I have Poison Spyder aluminum narrow front tires and aluminum rear tires. Before installing them, I raptor lined them. I can't even count how many trees I've hit in the back, but they've all survived really well. I also like that I can physically jump on the front or rear fenders and they will support my 212-pound weight. PS Aluminums gets a plus!

The cost was really their sole drawback. No doubt, it was painful.

 

[Almost]

They used to be very popular on older jeeps for tire clearance, but now that these JT/JLs can fit 35s no problem there isn't really a need. In addition to a lift which most are going to do anyway, there really isn't a need at all outside of aesthetics.

 

[21Moja]

I’m opening up a whole giant can of worms here asking for opinions from this group but… Plastic fenders will only have damage on themselves if they get hit on a tree but may potentially be replaced often whereas steel/aluminum will take a bit more of a beating but possibly transmit the damage to the body.

What do you run and why? Bonus points for pics. I’m looking for full (mostly) tire coverage with running lights and turn signal, not a sliver of a 90s eyebrow

Whats the logic on getting away from OEM? I have seen way too many metal fender flares rip fenders off, sticking with OEM (but I have cut mine a little)

 

[Gvsukids]

Saw a high speed run through a mud hole and watched the aftermarket front fenders get ripped off.

I've popped off a fender liner on a high speed run through water.

 

[SuperUltraMan]

STOCK.
I’ve bumped, banged, and popped these stock fenders and my previous Jeeps’ fenders off only to pick them up, drive home, and push them back on with new replacement clips and plastic rivets.
It’s a cheap and easy fix.
You can easily repair bad scrapes and gouges with a torch to look like new.
Never have to fix paint, straighten metal, or repair body damage.
They’re lighter weight than aluminum.
You can spray WD40 on the inside and mud will fall off.
Body clips and rivets are dirt cheap for a big box of all the necessary parts ($14) on Amazon.
They fit perfectly and look better than all of the aftermarket ones.
Already come with signal/marker lights.
Can be split for more clearance.
I’m sure there’s more reasons but that’s enough for me.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Stock. If I happened to tear one off tomorrow, I’d just replace it with a stock one.

The only way I’d consider aftermarket is if there was some kind of clearance concern. As was already mentioned…that’s one reason they tend to be popular for older Jeeps with tighter wheel wells.

 

[Orange01z28]

I did bust my stock ones (3 out of 4 were popped out on the corners) so I went with KBD Body Kits plastic. I just did this last week so I can't comment on durability, but I did have to put in the resistors on for the marker/turn signals even though I set my Tazer to LED Side Markers. Install was remarkably easy due to the flexibility of the fender. I believe the flexibility will be their saving grace on the trails as well

The biggest thing i'm worried about is how they'll stand up to the Arizona heat and sun

(inners are being delivered today)

 

[Wat Dog]

The reason I’m getting away from stock is that I messed 2 of them up petty badly and I have a High Altitude with painted fenders and no plastic trim piece to separate . Already have a lift and 35s so a little extra clearance won’t hurt. If I’m buying fenders I might as well upgrade. However I like the look of full width fenders to go with my full width bumper

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