Installed mud flaps, and found out that...

Yup, to make a short story long, (don't feel like reading all of it, skip to previous to last paragraph) today I installed a set of Plasticolor mud flaps. I've managed to make a project out of this sort of simple installation.

I measured, made sure it's all straight and stuff (even collected on my wife to get second opinion). I drilled them out, and installed them on driver side. Then took them off and used them as templates for passengers side. I even used hard rubbed washers to even things out. Whatever.

^ yeah, I know, that exhaust looks a bit weird without a tip. Wasn't as noticeable before mud flaps being there.

Turns out, driver side rear mud flap looks like it sticks out more than passenger side one. At least over the rear wheel.
I can't even take a proper photo of it. I can see it when comparing them.
They are installed the same exact way (mirrored), so I started checking measurements, and found out that... my bed is slightly crooked!Maybe 3/16 of the inch... So yeah. F**K it. I'm not really-drilling the holes.
Sorry for being so long winded, but now this knowledge is going to bother the sh*t out of me.

 

Yup, bed shift. Once you install something new and have a "symmetrical" reference that you didn't bother looking at before, they stand out like a sore thumb. My bed is affected the same way yours is, with a bias towards the driver's side. Same flaps.

 

What model number flaps are those? I like the mountain pattern. The OE ones that came with the truck are too rigid, wish they had more flex.

 

A lot of the beds are off. You did a nice job with the install. I worked at a dealership and this guy buys a brand new Lincoln town car. He wanted mud flaps installed before he took delivery so this little cocky prick kid that worked there that knew everything with 6 months experience pulled in his car, put it on the lift and started drilling holes in this brand new Towncars fenders. Only issue was he put the flaps in front of all 4 wheels. Me and about 5 other techs saw him do this and we stood back and didn't say a word untill he finished tightening the last screw in the last flap. We asked him what's wrong with this picture he stood there all proud of himself and said nothing they came out great. Then we said yeah if the guy drives in reverse all the time you did a great job. Needless to say he didn't work there much longer after that!

 

Short ones...

$24 Plasticolor Easy Fit Mud Guard 9" - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...ements=p_4:Plasticolor&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Schlong ones...

$34 PLASTICOLOR 000543R01 Black Off Road Scene Easy Fit Mud Guard 11" - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...ements=p_4:Plasticolor&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

 

Holy shitballs that is FUNNY

 

Those, 9" - short ones

$24 Plasticolor Easy Fit Mud Guard 9" - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NIJUS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

After seeing video of the body-to-frame marriage machine, I can totally see how beds and body mounts are tweaked.

 

Yupp, that's exactly what it is. I tried adjusting them a bit, since they are flexible and all, but I still see it. Oh well.

 

Can't you just enlarge the existing holes and fudge them over.
My screw heads just barely cover the holes I drilled; plus I slotted them, hoping they'll tear away if I pinch them.

 

Yeah, most pickup trucks with a bed on frame and a solid axle exhibit this. It can be corrected to some degree, but needs a complete alignment redone because the rear axle needs to be shifted over and the rest of the truck squared up afterwards. Not worth the frustration unless you have the time and have access to an alignment rack yourself for at least a couple of hours. I have access to this and I still won't bother with it. OCD's gotta cut off at some point.

I did this with some rokblokz paddles I had prior and instead of the tire poke for reference, I started comparing it to the fender flares..
no win.... Fuck it....put the plasticolor on and let them dangle and curl a bit. Now nothing's really symmetrical, but does it's job, so not gonna stress about it.

 

Do you have taco lean? I thought my bed was misaligned for the same reason then had a buddy stand on the passenger side rear bumper to level the truck a bit side to side and the difference disappeared.

 

That's one of the best bonehead stories I've read in a long time. Good stuff.

 

I guess I could, and most probably will, maybe tomorrow. I got frustrated at it today, and said F**k It!

I didn't even check that... I didn't need another thing bothering me, but now I'll have to check! Thanks... lol

 

Does anyone have pictures of bed shift?

 

I originally installed factory flaps at 15k and the psgr front would rub on the step rail until I installed 6112/5160, trueing up the bed that was a 1/2 inch low on psgr side.

 

I was crazy busy today, no time to re-drill the holes, I painted my new shiny license plate bracket with flat black enamel. Turns out I suck at rattle can, lol. 3rd Gen Low Mount/No Drill License Plate Bracket $40 Shipped
I had time to measure bed height. Driver side 36" , passenger side 36 3/4" . Measurements taken at center of wheel hub, from the ground to bottom of fender flare. I guess thats not really such a big deal, lol.
At this point I can't justify spending money on suspension, just to even the truck out. If (hopefully) I'll end up going off road with the truck, ghen maybe. Maybe at some point...
Thanks for your attention.