I have about 4" if space between the top of my front tire and bottom of the fender flare and wondering if flat fender flares would fix any rubbing issues while wheeling or if I need a lift. I have a JKU, 33x12.5x16, MB TKOs forget the backspacing, Barricade trail force front bumper, and soon to be a winch and trail force rear bumper (no tire carrier).

Everything I read about this with 33s or 35s and stock bumpers said flat flares should work, but wasn't sure if the sag from the steel bumpers and winch would require an actual lift.

I don't have any problems now but haven't started going on trails. I'd rather not have a lift so flat fenders would be my first choice, second would be coil spaces, and last would be a 2.5" full lift.

 

Since it seems you don't really want a lift, why not just go with your first choice and get the flat fenders. If you still need some room you can move to your second choice and get a small coil spacer, and so on and so on, as you feel you need to.

 

I have a 2.5" lift with bushwacker flatfenders on 14 jkur. Without proper bumpstops you will still rub with 35's or at least if you want to flex at all. Rear is more so then front. Also without some lift your belly will drag.

 

Or read through a few of the fender chopping threads. If it turns out good, you saved some money. If you mess up or just don't like the look, buy the flats.

 

Flat fenders and a leveling kit should work. Are you using 4.5 inch backspacing on your wheels or are they stock?

 

I agree from experience. Bushwacker is running a rebate right now.

 

I'm trying to save money so if I need a lift then I wouldn't have to get new flat fenders too.

Awesome Jeep! I just got 33 Duratrecs and my wheels are 4 or 4.5" backspacing so not sure if I'll need the bumpstops as much as I would with 35's? For belly drag would coil spaces help or do I need a full lift?

I have 16" MB TKO's it's either 4 or 4.5" backspacing.

 

Here is my 2011 with Smitty Built Stinger bumper, 9000lb winch, Smitty built flat steel fenders, with a TF budget boost level kit, rolling on Falken 35s on TKO wheels. no issues so far!

 

Lift and then cut your fenders to start with. You can always upgrade those later. That seems ancillary IMO.

 

If youre not planning to get bigger tires then just go with flats. You should have zero rubbing issues.

That being said if you do go with bigger tires in the future and youl already have flats 😃