Where to trim

[jamezz]

My K5 has a new 4-in lift and I want to put 35-in tires on it. I've seen quite a few posts were some people have fender rub and a few that don't. If I put 35s on where is the most common place that needs to be trimmed for these to fit correctly? I don't want to go out and just start cutting up my fenders. I want to do the at least amount of trimming as possible. I asked because I'm not sure if there's just a general place that the tires tend to rub on or if it's just better for me to put the tires on and save for myself.

 

[HankScorpio]

Put the tires on and see. It will be while turning or turning while going over a bump. Usually a bit in the back of the wheelwell and you can cut a bit off the fang at the front. Dont just hack it with a sawzall, a little finesse and some planning will leave a nice clean result. Do a little searching around the site, there is a bunch of info here.

 

[Blue85]

The most common spot is where the rear opening of the fender folds up and around as the bottom lip. That can usually be trimmed back an inch or so without disturbing the outer wheel opening at all.

Maybe try it before you cut or borrow a set from somebody. It's possible you won't want to do it all right by regearing/swapping the axles, longer or C/V driveline, etc. and if you end up back on 33's or smaller you probably don't want a poorly cut fender.

 

[nvrenuf]

The amount and location to be trimmed can vary depending on the tire & wheel combo, wider wheels with big offset will hit more than narrow and/or less offset wheels. For example, 35's on a stock rally wheel might not require trimming however a 35 on a 14" wide wheel with 3.5" backspacing needs more than 6" lift to no require trimming. I'd wait until you have the everything to mount up and check.

 

[Wes Harden]

Both front and rear are cut, PO did this. Atm the tires are 33's on 1983 vintage 4" lift picture was taken in early 2019. Off set has a lot to do with rub 3.5-3.75" back space will be best, to keep from rubbing the inside rear frame turning over a bump.

 

[TJ1978]

This was done by a previous ower for 37's on 4' lift. Probably not the best but whatever. I have replacement OEM fender, one day I may put them on.

Zoom or I can take better pics tomorrown

 

[Mdjunior]

Also depends on what year you have. A round eye has about an inch narrower wheel well than the sq eye

 

[Chevy350Ben]

most just hack an angle out of the back of the wheel opening. with 35's, you probably wont have to trim as much as I needed to stuffing 40's. but if you want an alternative, you can see what I did on my build thread starting around page 8. I wanted to keep the wheel opening kinda factory looking so I sectioned the whole fender, and widened the wheel arch.

1990 K5 Blazer Project "Side-Chick"

XJ steering shaft upgrade. I'm really quite shocked how much it improves steering feel and slop. Should have done this a while ago.

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