Moved my axle back an inch

[DirtDonk]

Yes, and with all that nice paint too!
Yours are definitely further back than optimal, but that's not exactly anyone's fault but Ford's either. It's a '77 and that makes all the difference because the gas doors really get in the way. We used to cut notches in the flares regularly so they could be moved forward to square up over the tire.

New flares won't fix this automatically. The Warflares are already made larger than the old early style Bushwackers I was hoping you had, so you're already rocking the large openings. They're just pushed too far back.
What does the other side look like?

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Actually I should mention that you "can" manipulate the flares to a slightly wider opening, but it's a finicky process sometimes to avoid uneveness or "pooching" out in places where they should not. They can be raised up sometimes, but that takes a bigger hole in the metal. They can be formed forward slightly, but that might not be enough to give you the clearance you need. They can be moved forward like said, but that means more cutting and filling of old holes and perhaps even metal work as the rear cut area is exposed.

The two solutions I see for that are trying to bend the forward edge only, while still keeping the rear attached (maybe adding a little heat carefully?) or stitching two flares together to create a longer flare.
We've done this for extreme openings for larger tires and it can work well for a slightly rougher installation, but the patch won't look fully kosher with your nice paint and body work. It's usually done by the off-roaders in the group with more function-over-beauty in mind.
And then there is still the forward gas door to contend with.

Which brings up the final solution (if solution is a good word here?) and that's to get rid of the front tank, add a larger rear tank if it has not been done already, and give yourself more room to move the flare forward. With new body work and paint to cover it all up of course.

This is all due to it being a '77. No other model year Early Bronco has this issue.

Paul

 

[Shimmy]

Yes, and with all that nice paint too!
Yours are definitely further back than optimal, but that's not exactly anyone's fault but Ford's either. It's a '77 and that makes all the difference because the gas doors really get in the way. We used to cut notches in the flares regularly so they could be moved forward to square up over the tire.

New flares won't fix this automatically. The Warflares are already made larger than the old early style Bushwackers I was hoping you had, so you're already rocking the large openings. They're just pushed too far back.
What does the other side look like?

Paul

That's what i feared. What a bummer! Redoing the flares seems like the right option, so i'll look into what that'll $$ me and how much sheetmetal i have behind these flares.

The other side looks the same... too far back

The other thing i was entertaining was moving down to 33s. This bronco is a street queen so as long as i dont rub going down the street, will suffice for now. having the axle not centered is annoying tho.

 

[Madgyver]

77 fuel doors always adds to trouble of lining up the aftermarket flares.
i just relocate the fuel door.

 

[sprdv1]

all good, wasn't saying don't ask

Thanks for the info Paul! I believe I have the WH gorilla flares. I'll look into the newer rear flares like you said! Here's a pic of how forward the rear is with a 3.5" SL and 35s. My fenders could be cut further on the leading edge.

Thanks! Done plenty of searching which is what brought me to this thread. I'll do more! Just wanted to confirm that a 1" spaced hole on the perch didn't amount to a 2" slide back. Ask a few times, measure several times, drill once.;D

 

[sprdv1]

77 fuel doors always adds to trouble of lining up the aftermarket flares.
i just relocate the fuel door.

yes sir, good stuff..

 

[sprdv1]

Well said...

Actually I should mention that you "can" manipulate the flares to a slightly wider opening, but it's a finicky process sometimes to avoid uneveness or "pooching" out in places where they should not. They can be raised up sometimes, but that takes a bigger hole in the metal. They can be formed forward slightly, but that might not be enough to give you the clearance you need. They can be moved forward like said, but that means more cutting and filling of old holes and perhaps even metal work as the rear cut area is exposed.

The two solutions I see for that are trying to bend the forward edge only, while still keeping the rear attached (maybe adding a little heat carefully?) or stitching two flares together to create a longer flare.
We've done this for extreme openings for larger tires and it can work well for a slightly rougher installation, but the patch won't look fully kosher with your nice paint and body work. It's usually done by the off-roaders in the group with more function-over-beauty in mind.
And then there is still the forward gas door to contend with.

Which brings up the final solution (if solution is a good word here?) and that's to get rid of the front tank, add a larger rear tank if it has not been done already, and give yourself more room to move the flare forward. With new body work and paint to cover it all up of course.

This is all due to it being a '77. No other model year Early Bronco has this issue.