I put up a post a while back about 37"s and cut outs, but some research today has got me to thinking.

Does anyone know if the Glassworks' fenders would give me the necessary clearance for 37"s or am I just dreaming. I think I prefer the larger fender because the 37"s will look pretty small with the cut outs. I also think that 37"s will fit just fine in the rear without any modification. Hopefully someone on here can give me some advice. I still have some time before I make a final decision since I need to save about $2500 for new tires and either cut outs or new fenders.

BTW my truck is a 99 F350 with a 2.5" level and 16x10 -38offset wheels.

 

Bump;

If anyone has fiberglass fenders could you tell me if they crack easy, do they bolt on or would I have to make brackets to mount them, and I am sure I will have to extend the inner fender well to mate with outer fender? But my main concern is if the 37"s will clear with them. Thanks.

 

I assume that you intend to keep the current 2.5" leveling kit with the new 37" tall tires... If yes, then I don't think that the Glasswork fiberglass fenders will work for your application.

The website states that the fender flares provide 3" of flare and 1" of rise. If you look at the pics on the website, that is not enough clearance for your application. Also, you may have rubbing issues in the rear with 37" tires on your application. The factory clearance allows for up to 35" tires in the rear with no rubbing. However, when you go above 35" tires, there is a real issue of rubbing, especially while off-roading. In short, I don't think that these fenders will work for your application.

1997 to 2006 Super Duty Front Fenders. 3" flare 1" rise





If in doubt, contact Glasswork's to see what they recommend.

 

I have see pics of rigs with 100% stock fenders with a leveling kit with 37s, they have to trim the heck out of the bumper but it works..

That being said with the correct wheel/tire combo and some bumper trimming I think it could work..

 

I suspected that the fenders would not be enough. I am thinking that I will be going the fender cutout and 37"s route with my truck. if anyone has experience with the fiberglass fenders in a similar application as mine, I would like to see some pics or advice as well.

 

IMO, those Glassworks fenders are fugly. I'd stick with 35s and your leveling kit, save a lot of money on tires and you won't need a gear change. Cutouts, you really need at least 38s to look right.

 

Cartmanea,

You are pretty knowledgeable in this subject so could you recommend a 38 inch tire that is load range E on a 16 inch rim if such a tire even exists. I cannot seem to find any in ten ply even if I could my 4.56s are a little on the high end for such large tires and a 5.4L. If tires are not available then 35" stt cooper's and small fender flares are going to be my only option.

 

There aren't many I can recommend on a 16" rim. You'll be looking for a 325/80r16. You won't find any E rated, but with a D rating, most will still have a rating over 3500 lbs. Cooper STT is one option, and a really good tire. 4.56 isn't that high for a 5.4L. Really I think that engine should have 4.10s or 4.30s stock, so you're easily geared for a 35-37" tire. With a 38" tire you would be looking at wanting 4.88s.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what is motivating you to go to 37" tall tires?

 

I don't have any real reason for going to 37" tall tires other than looks. I am going to be needing a new set of tires soon and I figured I would explore my options. One of the biggest reasons I have been considering the larger tire is because my rpms are a little higher than I had expected from the gear change. I've been thinking that the larger diameter tire would give be the higher effective ratio, but that would cost me that high end towing power at highway speeds. I may have to wait until I do a diesel swap to get the 37-40" tires and cutouts with a 4" lift. at least with a diesel I can have the torque to move something.

 

Let me tell you my story... I purchased my 2005 F350 XL 4X4 with the 5.4L engine four years ago. My original plan was to install a 4" lift kit and 35" tall tires. I wanted the truck to be a "bug-out" vehicle.

After I joined FTE, I realized that my original plan was very common and I wanted a truck with more capabilities. So, I went from 35" tires to 37" tires to eventually 40" tires. I didn't want to install an 8" lift kit for the 40" tires so I went with the Bushwacker Cut-Out fender flares. I purchased a set of five 18X10 Ion Terminator wheels. I had plans for new axle gears, new off-road bumpers, winch, etc. I have nine (yes, I said nine) 40X13.5R18 Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires in my garage. I also have the Ion wheels, Bushwacker Cut-Out fender flares, and a ton of other upgrades in my garage.

What I didn't properly consider was the engine platform for this bug-out vehicle. While the 5.4L 3V engine with proper axle gears would have been fine with 35" tires, it is in no way fine for 40" tires. So, I looked at installing a Whipple supercharger. I wanted a rock solid engine so upgrading the engine internals was required. The cost for this engine upgrade was quoted from $15K to $20K. I was like... WTH! So, now I am at a stand still wondering if I should purchase a different Super Duty with a more powerful engine.

Fortunately, all of my parts can be used on any 2005-2010 Super Duty with the exception of the Bushwacker Cut-Out fender flares (2005-2007 only). What I have learned from this experience is that I should have thought thru ALL of the variables before committing to purchasing both the Super Duty and the upgraded parts.

 

So far I have been happy with all of my upgrades with the exeption of the POS throttle body spacer I bought when I first got the truck. I have had my heart set on 37"s and cutouts but from my measurements a 3" flare would be perfect for my wheel configuration. The 4.5" cut out I am afraid would look rediculous even with the 37"s having at least 2" on the outside of each tire not to mention the flare being radiused for a 40" or so tire.

I may be getting the 35" stt coopers and small pocket flares for now; not what I want, but I can't afford to wear that 5.4 or 4R100 out yet. When I get the new tires and flares I'll post pics so others can see what it will look like before and after.