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Bushwacker Forge fender flare frustration

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Obscure Reference Man, Nov 30, 2024.

  1. Nov 30, 2024 at 7:29 AM
    #1
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    I'm almost ready to throw in the towel...

    I got Bushwacker Forge fender flares for my 2022 Tacoma. I was a little frustrated right off the bat, because after a lot of struggle getting the front left flare on, I noticed that; 1) the U-clip supplied to help attach the front most portion were practically worthless, and 2) I could not re-install the OEM mud flaps (the description of the flares did NOT mention this). But there it is.

    So yesterday I got the the front right installed, and then went to do the rears. After struggling for more than an hour, and I simply could not get it (right side) on. The top holes in the flare were more than a 1/2" from the receiving holes in the wheel well. Even after wrangling to move/compress the flare, I could not get the holes to be within 1/4". Also, it was a struggle to even hold it in place. So I connected one of the lower screws first, but then when I tried again to move/compress the flare, it moved even less than before.

    As someone in their 60s (and not terribly mechanically inclined), it's possible that I'm just too weak & arthritic to get the flares to bend and line up with the attachment points. Any tips/tricks to do this? Do I need a friend to push? Some type of clamp? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
     
  2. Nov 30, 2024 at 10:23 AM
    #2
    TacoGranny

    TacoGranny Well-Known Member

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    I would call Bushwacker for any installation tips or to discuss issues encountered. Searching for those fender flares on these forums didn't come up with much for results, so likely not a lot of people here are running them. It sounds like it's either a poor product if things aren't lining up or something is off with your install method, are there decent instructions? If not, then that says a lot about the product. Either way, Bushwacker would be your best bet for assistance. They seem to be much more common for full size trucks, so I wouldn't be surprised if there's not a lot of support for Tacoma's. There's like 1 review on Amazon and it says the fitment issues were so poor and customer service was unhelpful so they returned them, so take that for what it is. Personally I would just paint or plastidip your stock fenders black and call it a day, oversized fenders look goofy unless you add wider wheels to compensate.
     
  3. Dec 3, 2024 at 11:02 AM
    #3
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    Thanks! I've reached out to them, we'll see what they say.
     
  4. Dec 3, 2024 at 11:34 AM
    #4
    Willy Lump Lump

    Willy Lump Lump Well-Known Member

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    This and that
  5. Dec 3, 2024 at 3:12 PM
    #5
    Tocamo

    Tocamo .

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    Do the SR5s not come with oem flaps?
     
  6. Jan 5, 2025 at 6:49 AM
    #6
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    Mine did. But once I put the flares on, they covered up the screw holes. So now I'm driving without. But I am researching "universal flat style" mud flaps, and I hope they'll work.
     
    Tocamo[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Jan 5, 2025 at 7:04 AM
    #7
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    STATUS UPDATE
    After contacting Bushwacker, they assured me that the rear flares WILL fit. They just need a bit more encouragement. So I called my neighbor, and he helped me wrangle them into place. So for anyone thinking about these flares, having help is definitely a requirement.

    Thanks for the feedback everyone!

    P. S. (Mainly to Taco Granny) They may look a bit goofy, but I like them better than the stock flares. I feel less like I work for the county now. Also, I am considering upgrading to bigger wheels.

    upload_2025-1-5_10-3-17.jpg
     
    2016Tacoman, TacoTime55 and Squirt like this.
  8. Jan 5, 2025 at 7:10 AM
    #8
    iwashmycar

    iwashmycar a lot

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    Glad you got em figured.

    Yep, wheels and tires should be on your list for sure.
     
  9. Jan 5, 2025 at 7:24 AM
    #9
    TacoTime55

    TacoTime55 TT59

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    We have the same BW Fendys! lol

    I did not install mine...I had a shop who did my front tint/window guard install put them on for me...so I cheated!

    Plan is to get slightly bigger tires (265/70R17) with Zero negative offset so I can get a little pokey to match the fendys.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Jan 5, 2025 at 7:36 AM
    #10
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    Nice! So jealous of the color. I wish I could have gotten black. Or dark gray. Or red. :)
     
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  11. Jan 5, 2025 at 9:52 AM
    #11
    TacoTime55

    TacoTime55 TT59

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    Thanks!

    Definitely take pics of your new wheel/tire set-up when the time comes.

    I'm thinking the 265/70R17s will still be too small...

    And thinking about the Bilstein 5100s and a 2" Leveling Kit...which would allow a slightly bigger (more expensive) tire...

    But...this is costly...and at my age (59 in June), I need to save for these "Nice Additions" that aren't must haves.

    I'm already saving for the Diamondback Tonneau cover...which was $1899 in December 2024...it went up $50! lol

    https://diamondbackcovers.com/products/diamondbackse?variant=28905652553
     
  12. Jan 5, 2025 at 12:17 PM
    #12
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the info! I am not a truck guy, so it will make for some good info when I do research.

    The cover I got was a Bakflip MX4 ($1100 when I got, now they're $1300). I really like it, and support is great. I lost a corner piece, and let them know, they sent me replacements ASAP, no charge.
     
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  13. Jan 5, 2025 at 1:13 PM
    #13
    TacoTime55

    TacoTime55 TT59

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    lol

    We can get there together...becoming "truck guys." lol

    Yes, prices are going up!

    I remember when the Diamondback SE Tonneau cover was $1399 in late 2021.

    Luckily, you got your Bakflip when you did.
     
  14. Jan 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
    #14
    Obscure Reference Man

    Obscure Reference Man [OP] Member

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    Indeed! Oh, and another nice plus of Bakflip; easy to install. Even a "non-truck guy" (and moderate spaz) like me could do it! :D
     
    TacoTime55[QUOTED] likes this.

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