Rear Wheel Well Liners

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May 30, 2019 | 04:28 PM

Jefford

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Rear Wheel Well Liners

I have a set of full coverage rear wheel well liners to install on my 2000 SD. I have a B&W gooseneck hitch assembly installed already. The side plates that bolt to the crossmember for the hitch ball extend down and bolt to the outboard sides of the rear frame. Has anyone modified their liners to account for the hitch structure to offer any pointers? Much appreciated.

May 31, 2019 | 07:05 AM

SDSC4X4

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From: Newcastle & Gillette WY

I don't have a gooseneck, but I am interested to know which liners you have and any other installation issues as well as how they fit once you get them installed. I've considered getting some myself.

I've not seen a write up so that may help many of us.

May 31, 2019 | 08:03 AM

wp6529

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I'm considering removing the stock liners on my DRW. I have a half mile of driveway that is very sticky mud after heavy rain and it sticks to the liner and then with that weight added the bumps in the road break the crummy liner fasteners and it falls down on the tires. It seems I'd be better off without the liners since the fenders themselves are a lot stronger and in either case the mud is going to stick until I can wash it off. The mud also causes bad wheel balance issues if you park while it's still somewhat wet so it is uneven before it dries. Drive a good distance after the mud and it throws a lot off and the rest dries in a fairly even layer.

Jun 2, 2019 | 09:53 AM

Jefford

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The liners are Rugged Liner brand. It took me 6+ hours to install both sides. I am mechanically inclined, so that was not a factor. I had to cut 8" from the back side that sits against the frame to allow for the hitch frame. They are not a good, perfect fit, although the completed installation is presentable. The two negatives are that the rear portion of the liner opposing the rear or the tire is about 3/4" short of covering the entire fender length. Not extremely noticeable, but I know it's not perfect. The other negative is the front end. You will definitely need a heat gun to make it conform around and to the strut arm that supports the front lower body side. I had to unbolt the strut, heat the liner, then force the bolt back in while the liner was pliable. Not for the faint of heart. For the improvement, I don't know if it's worth the effort. I give the overall rating of this brand a 2 out of 5.

Last edited by Jefford; Jun 2, 2019 at 09:56 AM. Reason: Adding more commentary.

Jun 2, 2019 | 11:35 PM

darkjedi351

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From: Ventura, Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefford

post some pics if you can. I was actually looking into these today. cheers

Jun 4, 2019 | 08:03 AM

SDSC4X4

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From: Newcastle & Gillette WY

I understand the time you took for this job on a couple of levels, because you are fitting to the hitch ands because I always take my time with these kinds of installations and modify as necessary, like you did, to get better results. Thanks for the update!

I'm getting the impression that your inner fenders were molded to a one-size-fits-all spec and then drilled for our trucks. I would not fear heating them for the fender brace as you describe, but have wondered about being able to spray out mud from the bottom of the fenders and frame with the wheel well closed. I keep these areas clean to prevent rust.

Jun 4, 2019 | 08:43 AM

geekwithoutacause

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Holy crap, 6 hours ?
I bought the Ford wheel well liners and they installed in less than an hour and that was taking it easy. I have the b&w hitch installed as well. No cutting needed and not even drilling needed. And I can still operate the b&w handle.