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I have asked this question before with no real response. I am thinking about cutting out the inner fenders to make more room under the hood and more tire clearance. I know this will weaken the structure of the truck, but what if I welded in some new braces. I was thinking of getting some 1" stock or something and welding it in way up inside the fender well connecting the firewall to the radiator support. Do that on both sides, with maybe one connecting the two sides ones by going along the radiator support, then maybe one on each side going down to the frame. That would open up all the room in the world, while maintaining some structural integrity. What are your thoughts?

Something like as follows. (the support would be inside of course so you couldn't see it from the outside.)

I can't see why your plan there wouldn't work. Before you cut stuff out, take a real good look at the parts the engineers that desgined the truck beefed up and made heavy. Those are the parts your going to want to focus on when building your tube frameing. For example, the peice that goes from the corner of each fender (acroos on top of the radiator basically). That is a key peice to hold the front of the truck together. Just be sure you have all those key things build right and I don't see any problems. Your plan sounds A-ok

BTW, what the hell is that engine...Its HUGE!

502! I posted a thing about it in the luvtruck lounge. NOT my truck, although I wish it was.

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind. I'll post pics as I tackle the project. My plan is to do a 4" bodydrop and tuck some 18's up front, but I want as much room as possible. Also, I was thinking it would be easier to change the plugs and check oil and all that with the fenders out of the way.

Again, thanks for the tips.

I cut mine out and didnt reinforce it with anything. I dont lean against the fender but its fine.

Just how flimsy feeling is it? Is it noticeably weaker?

Mine are cut out.
No problem at all.
The only negative is water, no matter how slow I go through dips or around turns that have water it sprays everywhere. Not a real big deal but it keeps you busy cleaning. It does give some extra room when working on stuff though.

I'll look into then. THanks for the tips.

I dunno guys, if you ask me, those braces and supports were put there for a reason. I still think its best to replace them to the best you can once you cut the fenders out.

I'm not wanting to cut out the support, just the actual fender itself, the framework for them will still be there. The part that the outer fender bolts onto and stuff will remain. I'll just wait and see how soft it seams I guess.

Oooooh ok, forgive my ignorance. I thought you were cutting out more then that. Ok, yeah you should be fine with that then, but yeah if something gets soft and wobbly, wouldn't hurt to brace er up.

Its all good bro.

Either way, I'll let you guys know how it turns out. I'm renting a Sawzall this weekend tackeling the job.

are those torque thrust II's on the front????????????????

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03Cobra

yup, I believe so.

so did you cut them thangs out or what?

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03Cobra

doing it this weekend actually.

well???? we need updates and pics

Yep they were there for a reason... so you can cut them out