Is your old fender worn out, rusting, damaged in an accident, or needs to be replaced with a larger fender to keep debris and mud from hitting your vehicle? You don’t have to worry about how to replace it or how much it will cost to have it replaced.
So, how much Jeep TJ Fender replacement cost? Replacing with a small Jeep TJ fender will cost you between $500 – $1,500, while a medium fender will cost between $1,500 – $4,000, and the extra larger fenders go up to $6,000. However, you can save a few bucks by DIY at your garage.
This article summarizes the total cost of replacing the Jeep TJ Fender. It also guides on how to remove and replace the fender on your own. Read through for more information.
Jeep TJ Fender Replace Cost: Based On Their Sizes
Jeep TJ comes with its original fenders that many like to replace with their preferred taste. Fenders come in different colors, designs, materials, and sizes. You can have a customized fender to suit your Jeep TJ at an extra cost.
The replacement cost entails
- The purchasing price
- The labor cost
- For first-timers, you may need to buy tools and equipment to ease your work
Once you have the right skills, you can save on the labor cost and do it yourself.
Fenders are categorized mainly by their size. Small fenders, just enough to cover the wheels and prevent mud and debris from reaching the vehicle. So it will cost anything between $500 and $1,500. Besides, doing it yourself will save around $200 on labor.
Some go for medium fenders to improve the surface area covered. You can get a medium-sized fender covering most of the wheel surface for at least $1,500. Others will cost up to $4,000, depending on the design and material.
For a fancy look and extra-large sizes, it will cost an average of $5,000 and $6,000. These fenders cover the tires and extend to the outside. With the large fenders, you don’t have to worry about sand, rocks, and mud knocking your vehicle’s body.
Fenders help keep the dirt from the tires away from the body. With appropriate fenders, repainting won’t be necessary.
How To Remove Fenders On A Jeep TJ?
The first step to replacing your Jeep TJ fender is to remove the existing one. To remove it, you need to dislodge the attached connections and components. Then unscrew the fasteners holding the fender in place.
The front fenders are interconnected with car accessories, such as the battery and the fuse box. However, to successfully remove the fenders, have the following tools and equipment.
- Screwdriver
- 3/8” ratchet socket
- Hand torque wrench
- A pair of Jeep TJ Fenders
- Penetrating oil
- Pliers
Now follow the steps to remove it yourself.
Step 1 – Disconnect the car accessories
Unscrew the bolts and fasteners holding the car components to the fender. These components include the car battery, fuse box, washer fluid reservoir, and horns.
Most of them are held in place by a 3/8” bolt or 13mm bolts. Use the proper wrench to unscrew the bolts. Consider applying some penetrating oil on the rusted bolts. Ensure all the accessories attached to the fenders have been disconnected.
Step 2 – Remove the hood fastener
Hold the upper part with pliers to prevent the terminals from slipping and breaking. From underneath the fender, unscrew the 3/8” screw and pull it on top. Consider keeping it safe for reuse.
Step 3 – Disconnect the wiring and lights
The horn and light wiring are pinned on the fender. Use a screwdriver to pry off the pins holding the cables to the fender. Pull back the wiring through the holes on the fender till they separate.
Step 4 – Unscrew the fender from the vehicle
To remove the fender:
- Unscrew the fasteners holding it in place
- Use the correct wrench with the sockets to loosen the screws
- Slowly twist the fender until it gets loose, and slide it out. If finding trouble removing the fender, start from the backside and finish with the front side.
Unscrew the headlight covers on the fender to fix the new fenders. Now you can embark on replacing the fenders with the new fenders of your choice.
How To Replace Fenders On A Jeep TJ?
Replacing the fenders is relatively easy, especially if you have mastered the location of every component while dismantling. It will take between 2-3 hours to replace the fender. If painting is required, give the vehicle a few days to dry.
With the right replacement fender, you can start replacing it.
Step 1 – Fasten the headlight covers
Use a screwdriver to fasten the headlight covers on the new fenders. Check if they need to be cleaned before replacing them.
Step 2 – Replace the fender on the vehicle
You can use the help of a friend to lift the fender into its position. Get the cables out of the way and insert them through the holes in their original position.
Hold the fender in place with a few corner bolts. Set it until all holes align and have the bolts tightened to torque.
Step 3 – Replace the components
Put each component back in its original position. If the parts are rusted, clean and repaint before replacing. Start with the parts you removed last and follow in that order.
Step 4 – Connect the cables and the hood fastener
Get the horns and lighting connection back. Hold the wires to the fender using new pins and connect the bulb.
For the hood fastener, replace it by tightening the 13mm bolt. If damaged, consider buying a new one. Do the same for the other fender, and you will have successfully replaced your fender.
Most fenders come with inner flares; consult the seller for a supply if missing.
FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions about the Jeep TJ Fender. Read through for more information.
What Are The Best Tire Fenders For My Jeep TJ?
Fenders come in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures to match the look you’re after. The best fender is the one that corresponds with the rest of your jeep parts and paint.
Out of the available fenders, rugged ridge, EAG pocket-style, auto empire, and G-plus motors pocket extended fenders are a few of the best. Consider your budget, too, as you purchase one.
Do I need Jeep Wrangler TJ fender flares?
Yes. Jeep Wrangler TJ has wider tires that the fenders may partially cover. An additional side flare will help provide extra tire coverage and prevent mud and sand from scratching your paintwork.
Consider having the flares if you make trips on rough roads or if your tires are wide.
Conclusion
Replacing a Jeep TJ Fender requires skills and capital to purchase. With the right skills, you save on labor. Thus, with the above steps, you can easily remove and replace the fender.
Accordingly, Jeep TJ fender replacement cost varies and you can buy and replace your old fender for as low as $500.
You can spend between $4,000 and $6,000 for high-value fenders with extra tire coverage. Now, have the right tools for the task and follow the steps sequentially.
All the best as you replace the fender on your Jeep TJ!