Trimming wheel wells to fit larger tires?

[ert01]

My quigley e350 (2002) has a tiny bit of rubbing on the front tires when I'm turning and I'd like to trim the wheel wells a bit to make them fit better. I don't want to lift it higher... it's high enough and theres lots of clearance at the tops of the wheel wells, but it's tight at the back of the wheel.

I also don't want to just cut it and have a sharp edge there... I'd like to use the factory liner inside the wheel well too.

Was thinking of trying this technique:
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/wheels-tires/1043/

Basically, just flatten out the existing lip, then re-bend it further back and trim. Should retain the factory look if donw right and give a little more clearance at the rear of the wheel well.

Anyone else donw this to their van and have any insight or tips before I dig into it?

Was also thinking of buying a fender roller to adjust the lip on the rear wheel wells also.

[BajaSportsmobile]

We "Pie Cut" and weld. No one would ever know it was done.

[ert01]

Can you elaborate a bit more about this method?

It seems like what I'm looking for... something that looks smooth and factory but opens the wells up just a tad bit more.

[Gh0ztkid21]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

We "Pie Cut" and weld. No one would ever know it was done.

Yes could you elaborate a bit more? I was interested in the same thing. Also when the back of the front wheel well is cut closer to the door, can you still fit the bush wacker fender flares on now that you changed the wheel well size/shape? ive seen vans with the wheel wells cut wider having an inch or two sliver along the door jam there, how much does your cut and weld leave?

[BajaSportsmobile]

This van has the "Pie Cut"modification and Bushwackers.

[Gh0ztkid21]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

This van has the "Pie Cut"modification and Bushwackers.

Awesome looks great. After you widen the back of the front well does the bush wacker flares bend or flex wider to fit the new shape of the wheel well?

[rexracer530]

I did the "cut and fold fenders" method recently on my Jeep XJ (Google it - plenty of write ups for it) - I imagine the same technique would work for van fenders. It's easy, quick and looks clean.

[REF]

CCV makes adjustable torque arms to sneak the axle forward for better clearance on Quigley's, Boulder off road also makes a kit with longer fixed length arms. You may also have to get a relocation bracket for your track bar for proper alignment and front diff clearance. I'm now running 315's on my quigley without clearance issues.


2003 Ford E-350 SMB RB-50
7.3L w/DP tuner & 4" exhaust
Quigley 4X4 (heavily modified)
CCV high profile insulated pop top

[Gh0ztkid21]

Great thanks for the info! Just out of curiosity does anyone know after trimming the wheel wells can you still install bushwhacker fender flares? Are they flexible enough to contour to the newly widened front wheel well?

[rallypanam]

Originally Posted by REF

CCV makes adjustable torque arms to sneak the axle forward for better clearance on Quigley's, Boulder off road also makes a kit with longer fixed length arms.

Agile also makes adjustable arms.