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How to: modify wheel wells for larger tires/Negative offsets

19BlkRam

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Snapped some pictures while modifying the wheel wells today to fit my 35x12.50x20 on a 20x10 -18 offset.

Lift kit is a ReadyLift 3.5 SST

A lot of people ask do they Rub? Answer is Yes, solution is easy since it’s minimal labor.

Tools needed:
Wet towel
8mm socket
Grinder
Spray paint
Heatgun
2 Zip ties
Cold brew of choice!

Begin with finding affected areas, for me it was the Molding on rear of fenders, remove the 8mm bolt and the push in fastener in wheel well. Under the molding there are 2 sliding clips so give the piece a tug outward and should slide right out.
0e186e491894b399981a90da22cf5792.jpg
9c6441a0e441b9ae3b06d23c3e2159ac.jpg



Under the wheel well liner there is a small Metal extension used solely for the retainer clip, this is causing a clearance issue, so I took my grinder and removed it,
eeb380fd7bd6aec3fdf68f603c2c2bde.jpg


2b4d12d4c131d128dbc0ab5eda08643e.jpg


I then drilled a small pilot hole to secure a zip tie to to hold the plastic liner back.

Once done drilling and removing excess sheetmetal apply spray paint of choice to avoid future oxidation.

e41528d9f1e8e9179f01b8dda138746a.jpg


b0775c63403677092cdf1dfb33e45719.jpg




I then proceeded to heat up the plastic liner in the affected area (Clean spot in picture below) as I would heat it up and it would become plyable I then massaged the area with a wet towel in order to mold it back and out of the way giving me more clearance. Move the material around slowly don't heat the area up to much to fast or you can melt it, apply even heat and cool towel pressure will allow you to shape it.


812b4a803e667bfcd9d07aa24678ee78.jpg




Next item to mold was the plastic trim, I heated the inside area to avoid messing with the finish on it, the lower channel is a bit to wide, so by heating it up and again applying pressure with the wet towel I was able to give myself the play needed to clear the tire.

0ed19ba5555a42fed94de0fa7ed10aaf.jpg




Once installed here is the final look, no one would know the difference and you don't have to chop up your fender liners.
fcf6410c52df9f9ab25744ee9e083f1b.jpg



I also had a little rubbing happening on the front part of the fenders, right on the line (marked with square) so I heated this section up evenly and applied pressure again with a wet towel (Cause its hot, and it cools it down into the shape you want to hold) did this process for a few minutes fine tunning moving the material, letting it cool getting in the truck and turning the wheel all the way and listen for the rub. Once you stop hearing the rub you've completed the project.

2ae7b7fc0869c755dbc19f5642751bcd.jpg




5c93ae6002aa4748a84cbbcd03e9a1c5.jpg




Enjoy your Beer and Rub free ride...
Cheers!
acf688d4281f5a2f151e066478ff5916.jpg
 
Last edited:

YoAdrian

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Snapped some pictures while modifying the wheel wells today to fit my 35x12.50x20 on a 20x10 -18 offset.

A lot of people ask do they Rub? Answer is Yes, solution is easy since it’s minimal labor.

Tools needed:
Heat gun
Wet towel
8mm socket
Grinder
2 Zip ties

Cold brew of choice
I was literally just wondering if I could do this on my other car. So what’s the process like? Remove the part with the socket, heat gun to bend it or grind it shorter, zip ties with wet towel to cool burned hand from heat gun, beer for courage?

UPDATE: Stellar writeup/how-to @19BlkRam :coffee::coffee:<-pretend those are beers. Cheers!
 
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YoAdrian

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My bad posted this thread early lby accident, was starting the write up and zoned out. I will update in the morning when I get back behind my computer pretending to work lol.
Looking forward to it! I’m falling asleep at the console here too. Later.
 

blownout1500

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Perfect write up. Went through this process with my Tacoma a few months back before throwing in the towel and trading for a 2019 1500 Hemi. Heat gun and zip ties ready to go!

Question: I’m looking at doing the readylift 2” Level (uca’s + strut extensions) and running 35/12.5r17. Do you see me rubbing the frame with just the 2” lift and UCA’s?

Plan is to eventually go to Kings next year when they become available for 5th gens (but readylift uca should be able to stay).

Cheers and thx again for the write up!
 

19BlkRam

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Question: I’m looking at doing the readylift 2” Level (uca’s + strut extensions) and running 35/12.5r17. Do you see me rubbing the frame with just the 2” lift and UCA’s?



Cheers and thx again for the write up!


What offset are you going to be running? I don't think you'll have issues with the frame as there is clearance its mostly rubber liner that I ran into minus the small metal piece I shaved off.
 

Julian7

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Snapped some pictures while modifying the wheel wells today to fit my 35x12.50x20 on a 20x10 -18 offset.

A lot of people ask do they Rub? Answer is Yes, solution is easy since it’s minimal labor.

Tools needed:
Wet towel
8mm socket
Grinder
Spray paint
Heatgun
2 Zip ties
Cold brew of choice!

Begin with finding affected areas, for me it was the Molding on rear of fenders, remove the 8mm bolt and the push in fastener in wheel well. Under the molding there are 2 sliding clips so give the piece a tug outward and should slide right out.
0e186e491894b399981a90da22cf5792.jpg
9c6441a0e441b9ae3b06d23c3e2159ac.jpg



Under the wheel well liner there is a small Metal extension used solely for the retainer clip, this is causing a clearance issue, so I took my grinder and removed it,
eeb380fd7bd6aec3fdf68f603c2c2bde.jpg


2b4d12d4c131d128dbc0ab5eda08643e.jpg


I then drilled a small pilot hole to secure a zip tie to to hold the plastic liner back.

Once done drilling and removing excess sheetmetal apply spray paint of choice to avoid future oxidation.

e41528d9f1e8e9179f01b8dda138746a.jpg


b0775c63403677092cdf1dfb33e45719.jpg




I then proceeded to heat up the plastic liner in the affected area (Clean spot in picture below) as I would heat it up and it would become plyable I then massaged the area with a wet towel in order to mold it back and out of the way giving me more clearance. Move the material around slowly don't heat the area up to much to fast or you can melt it, apply even heat and cool towel pressure will allow you to shape it.


812b4a803e667bfcd9d07aa24678ee78.jpg




Next item to mold was the plastic trim, I heated the inside area to avoid messing with the finish on it, the lower channel is a bit to wide, so by heating it up and again applying pressure with the wet towel I was able to give myself the play needed to clear the tire.

0ed19ba5555a42fed94de0fa7ed10aaf.jpg




Once installed here is the final look, no one would know the difference and you don't have to chop up your fender liners.
fcf6410c52df9f9ab25744ee9e083f1b.jpg



I also had a little rubbing happening on the front part of the fenders, right on the line (marked with square) so I heated this section up evenly and applied pressure again with a wet towel (Cause its hot, and it cools it down into the shape you want to hold) did this process for a few minutes fine tunning moving the material, letting it cool getting in the truck and turning the wheel all the way and listen for the rub. Once you stop hearing the rub you've completed the project.

2ae7b7fc0869c755dbc19f5642751bcd.jpg




5c93ae6002aa4748a84cbbcd03e9a1c5.jpg




Enjoy your Beer and Rub free ride...
Cheers!
acf688d4281f5a2f151e066478ff5916.jpg
This is very detailed, you think this would work with my 22inch stock wheels? I really want some 35's
 

blownout1500

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19BlkRam

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This is very detailed, you think this would work with my 22inch stock wheels? I really want some 35's

The stock wheels tuck under the truck pretty good unsure how it would fit with 35’s I would assume you’d be good with some sort of lift as ReadyLift and other manufacturers claim no rubbing with the +25 offset. You might rub in other areas or you’ll clear the wheels as our fenders luckily have always been pretty roomy.

Good luck check back when you do it
 

Julian7

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The stock wheels tuck under the truck pretty good unsure how it would fit with 35’s I would assume you’d be good with some sort of lift as ReadyLift and other manufacturers claim no rubbing with the +25 offset. You might rub in other areas or you’ll clear the wheels as our fenders luckily have always been pretty roomy.

Good luck check back when you do it
Thanks, on the feedback, once i get it done ill post the results.
 

19BlkRam

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@19BlkRam used this as a roadmap to pre-clear for 35’s coming next week (-12 offset / 2” RL Level). Super helpful, thx again for the write up (y).

View attachment 5919
(y)
Glad I could help. Looking forward to seeing the pictures online when it’s Done ✅

Don’t forget the front liner plastic area as well, it’s easy can be done in under one beers time;););)
 

blownout1500

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(y)
Glad I could help. Looking forward to seeing the pictures online when it’s Done ✅

Don’t forget the front liner plastic area as well, it’s easy can be done in under one beers time;););)
Yeah, I hit both front back with the heat gun & towel ✅
 

cdautrey

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I have a 2019 Ram 1500 bighorn 4x4 with the sports package. I want to put a 2in rough country leveling kit on it. But I’m tryin to figure out how big of tire I can put under it. I’m going with BFG KO2 tires Some one answered answered and said 33 x 12.5. I have the stock 18 in wheel i forgot to mention that. Can I fit 34 x 12.5 R18? and if i could would it require trimming?
 

blownout1500

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I have a 2019 Ram 1500 bighorn 4x4 with the sports package. I want to put a 2in rough country leveling kit on it. But I’m tryin to figure out how big of tire I can put under it. I’m going with BFG KO2 tires Some one answered answered and said 33 x 12.5. I have the stock 18 in wheel i forgot to mention that. Can I fit 34 x 12.5 R18? and if i could would it require trimming?

Yes & maybe. I guess one way to look at it would be (1) you can fit them but (2) some work might be required to get the plastic out of the way.

Out of curiosity, are you worried about trimming because of a lease situation or just don’t want to mess with it?

@19BlkRam has an epic write up of what to do and how to do it. No “trimming” required... you’re just gonna heat up some stuff and bend it out of rub range. The only thing that gets cut is a hidden bracket. You’d basically need to be a CSI detective to suss out that there’s been anything modified... no “chopped” look whatsoever.
 

cdautrey

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Yes & maybe. I guess one way to look at it would be (1) you can fit them but (2) some work might be required to get the plastic out of the way.

Out of curiosity, are you worried about trimming because of a lease situation or just don’t want to mess with it?

@19BlkRam has an epic write up of what to do and how to do it. No “trimming” required... you’re just gonna heat up some stuff and bend it out of rub range. The only thing that gets cut is a hidden bracket. You’d basically need to be a CSI detective to suss out that there’s been anything modified... no “chopped” look whatsoever.

I read through his and i think that could be something I could do but I would have to look into getting a heat gun. I also started looking at the Nitto Ridge Grappler 285/70R18 which is almost as tall at the 34/12.5 but is 11.2" wide so I'm think those would be a better fit.
 

Cmoar

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I just ordered those exact wheels, but going with a different tire. In your opinion could you still have a gator mud flap installed without rubbing as you sit now?
I have the husky ones atm, but I don’t like the look as much as the gators. I was just waiting to get everything on before buying them.
 
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