Write-Up: Stiffing Up Body Side Panels (Fenders)

[s/chargedxrunner06]

K2 wanted me to do a write up on this and hope it makes sense, really basic and easy to do, I recommend this even if you don't think it may be a problem, at least it will one less thing to deal with later (preventive mod)

Supplies needed
Aluminum strip 1/8" thick 1" wide and at least 28" long

Tools needed
1/4" drill bit
5/16" drill bit
Drill
Hammer or Rubber Mallet
Vise
Tape measure and pencil

Start by removing far bolt on rear of fender (10mm black bolt) underneath ground effects, remove parking brake cable clamp bolt (12mm silver) just above rear leaf spring,I measured mine and needed 12-1/2" long strip on both sides, yours should be about the same, drill a 1/4" hole on one end about a 1/2" in, place strip on truck and line hole with rear fender bolt use a pencil and mark where the bend will be at the truck frame (about a 25 to 30 degree angle) place the aluminum strip in a vise at the mark and fold by tapping on it with a hammer or rubber mallet to about a 90 degree angle, place strip back on truck and use the existing black 10mm bolt for fender (install hand tighten only) hold strip and line with parking brake cable bracket mounting hole (on frame) and mark for 5/16" hole then line up the brake cable clamp bracket with 5/16" hole and mark for 1/4" hole for the clamp stay pin remove and drill the 5/16" and 1/4" holes, install the two existing bolts and repeat for other side. This really stiffened up the fenders and should have no problems with them cracking after this mod is done.

 

[Twisted Creations]

Awesome write-up Jim, it's great to have a Toyota Master Tech on our side... :top: :top:

 

[Stevenredx]

Great write up... when im not feeling to lazy i may do this :top:

 

[Murderface]

have to do this mod like now, cant take the rattle anymore:thumpdown:

 

[Coupe]

Great write up... when im not feeling to lazy i may do this :top:

Ditto.....

 

[T0LLPHR33]

nice write up bro...:top:

 

[KETCHUP]

nice write up. you can really do a lot with that type of metal. I have used it so far to make my electronic fan mounts and to mount my led underglow.

WTG!

 

[micpun]

i know this sounds odd but ive been trying to find where i can buy an aluminum strip like that. you guys know a place that i could find one? i couldnt find it at lowe's or home depot.

 

[HiTek21]

Nice write up, I wasn't sure where that bed crack issue was or what caused it. Now I know and will probably do this sometime soon. :top:

 

[rpmspeedyblue]

Yep, my side panels were making alot of noise so I did the support also. The crack on both sides are less than a 1/2 inch long but made a lot of noise.

 

[x20Runner05]

If this about the crack behing the flare i beleive there is a bulletin on this.

 

[Stevenredx]

If this about the crack behing the flare i beleive there is a bulletin on this.

Yes there is a TSB on this http://www.xr-underground.com/vb3/showthread.php?t=3139

The main reason of this write up is for the guys that's out of the 3yr 36k :top: