Are these flares stock?

[LenTex]

My truck came with these flares. The rear ones have a good amount of wear on them. It looks like the truck has gone down many gravel and dirt roads in its life. I’m wondering how much of a PITA it’ll be to take these off. Also wondering if it would be better to sand them down and repaint them, then cover them with a protective film - or if it’s be better to just leave them off.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Looks like OEM

 

[Cseybert]

Yes

 

[LateToTheParty]

They indeed look like OEM flares. If it came built like that, then you'll likely have a couple of holes behind them if you take them off. If they were put on aftermarket, whomever did so may have cut the tabs prior to install, to avoid those holes. If you look at your build sheet you should be able to determine.

That said - if you're careful you should be able to remove them and assess what you think would be the best course of action. I would guess once you see the paint behind them (either pristine and stands out from the rest, or scuffed and also stands out) you'd likely want them (or an equivalent replacement) back on.

But until you address the lack of coverage from your mud flaps versus the poke of the tires, anything you do to the flares seems like an uphill battle.

 

[Riddick]

Those look like OEM flares to me. Its hard to tell how bad they are damaged because they are not clean, any change you can clean them up and then post some pics? With your wheel offset your tires will continue to fling rocks into this area and possibly down the side of your truck, it all depends on how far your tire poke out.

If it bothers you you can always mask them off and apply a type of bedliner material or rockerguard spray to the inside area. I personally would not paint the entire flare, only the inside portion of the flare (part facing the tires) When your fender liners are cleaned up you probably wouldn't even notice the coated surface.

 

[LenTex]

Here’s a couple of better pictures of the road rash on the rear flares. The front ones are fine.

 

[Cseybert]

A friend of mine took both of his off. Took them to a body shop and got them repainted for about 300.00 dollars. Wider front mud flaps would help.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

A friend of mine took both of his off. Took them to a body shop and got them repainted for about 300.00 dollars. Wider front mud flaps would help.

And running boards usually help some too

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Sounds like they’re doing their job. They look great from here.

 

[LenTex]

And running boards usually help some too

The truck came with Amp Research Electric steps.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

The truck came with Amp Research Electric steps.

That kinda sucks to keep rocks down

 

[relbus]

Repaint them and then have Xpel PPF applied. It helps a lot but wont totally prevent damage.