Bushwacker Fender Flares for Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)
We engineered our Bushwacker fender flares specifically for the Jeep Cherokee XJ platform to handle everything from daily driving to extreme trail conditions. Each set provides extended wheel coverage that protects your XJ’s body from rocks, mud, and debris while accommodating larger tire sizes up to 33 inches without cutting or trimming.
Our proprietary Dura-Flex 2000 material flexes under impact and returns to its original shape, resisting cracks and breaks that plague rigid aftermarket flares. Every set includes all mounting hardware, detailed installation instructions, and a limited lifetime warranty. Installation typically takes 2-3 hours with basic hand tools — no welding or permanent modifications required.
Whether you’re building a trail rig or adding functional style to your daily driver, our Cherokee XJ flares deliver the coverage and durability we’ve been known for since 1967. We designed these flares to maintain XJ body lines while adding 2.5 inches of fender coverage per side.
- Dura-Flex 2000 material — UV-resistant, impact-absorbing construction
- Extended coverage accommodates up to 33-inch tires without body trimming
- Direct bolt-on installation using factory mounting points
- Complete hardware kit with stainless steel fasteners and edge trim
- Textured matte black finish — paintable for color-matched builds
Material Engineering & Durability
We manufacture our Cherokee XJ fender flares from Dura-Flex 2000, a thermoplastic polymer we developed specifically for off-road applications. This material absorbs impacts that would crack or shatter ABS plastic flares, then returns to its original shape without permanent deformation.
The compound includes UV stabilizers that prevent the sun damage and fading common in cheaper alternatives. We’ve tested these flares through temperature extremes from -40°F to 140°F without brittleness or warping. The textured matte black finish hides trail scratches while providing excellent paint adhesion if you choose to color-match your XJ.
Fitment & Tire Clearance
XJ-Specific Engineering
We designed these flares around the Cherokee XJ’s unique body geometry, accounting for the differences between early and late model year production. Our engineers created mounting templates that align with factory body contours from the 1984 launch through the 2001 final production run.
The flares add 2.5 inches of coverage beyond stock fenders on each side, providing clearance for 31-inch to 33-inch tires with standard XJ suspension lifts. If you’re running a 3-inch lift with 31×10.50 tires, installation requires no body trimming. For 33-inch setups, minor inner fender trimming may be necessary depending on wheel offset and backspacing.
Installation Process
Our Cherokee XJ flares install using factory mounting points — no drilling into new locations required. We include stainless steel hardware, all necessary brackets, and edge trim in every kit. The process uses basic hand tools: socket set, drill with bits, and a Phillips screwdriver.
Installation begins with test-fitting each flare to confirm alignment before final mounting. We recommend starting with the front flares, as they establish the baseline for rear flare positioning. Most builders complete all four corners in 2-3 hours working alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions About XJ Fender Flares
Yes, our Cherokee XJ fender flares accommodate models with factory side molding. We include extended mounting hardware in every kit that works with both molding-equipped and bare-side XJs. The flares mount to the same factory points regardless of trim level.
If your XJ has side molding, you’ll use the longer bolts included in the hardware kit. Installation time remains the same at approximately 2-3 hours for all four corners.
Our XJ fender flares provide clearance for tires up to 33 inches in diameter with appropriate suspension lift. For 31-inch tires on a 3-inch lift, you typically need no body trimming. Running 33-inch tires may require minor inner fender well trimming depending on your wheel offset and backspacing.
The flares add 2.5 inches of coverage per side beyond stock fenders. We recommend test-fitting your wheel and tire combination at full steering lock and suspension compression before final installation to confirm clearance for your specific setup.
No drilling into new locations is required. Our fender flares use your Cherokee XJ’s existing factory mounting points. We include all necessary hardware and the flares arrive with pilot holes pre-drilled at exact factory specifications.
You will need a drill with appropriate bits to install the self-tapping edge trim screws, but these attach to the flare itself, not the body. The main structural mounting uses factory locations with stainless steel bolts and washers we provide in the kit.
Yes, our Dura-Flex 2000 material accepts automotive paint with proper preparation. We recommend cleaning the flares with isopropyl alcohol, applying plastic adhesion promoter, then using flexible automotive primer and paint designed for thermoplastic substrates.
The textured finish holds paint without additional sanding. For color-matching, many customers order our smooth finish version which provides an ideal surface for professional paint shops. The material’s flexibility requires paint systems that can flex with temperature changes to prevent cracking.
These standard flares offer a clean, streamlined profile that follows the XJ’s factory body lines while adding functional tire coverage. Our <a href=”/fender-flares/pocket-style/”>Pocket Style fender flares</a> feature exposed bolt-head styling for a more aggressive, hardware-forward appearance. Both styles use the same Dura-Flex 2000 material and provide identical tire clearance — the choice comes down to your preferred aesthetic.
Both versions install using the same factory mounting points and include complete hardware kits. Installation difficulty and time requirements are virtually identical between styles.
No, we designed our Cherokee XJ fender flares to maintain clearance with common aftermarket protection systems. The flare profile sits above the rocker panel area where sliders and guards typically mount. We’ve confirmed fitment compatibility with major XJ slider manufacturers.
The rear flares also maintain clearance for aftermarket tire carriers and swing-out systems. If you’re planning a complete XJ build, you can install sliders, bumpers, and our fender flares without spacing conflicts or mounting interference.
Our Dura-Flex 2000 material includes UV stabilizers that prevent the fading and sun damage common in cheaper plastic flares. We’ve tested the compound through temperature extremes from -40°F to 140°F without brittleness, warping, or permanent deformation.
The material remains flexible in cold climates and won’t soften or sag in desert heat. Customers in Arizona, Alaska, and everywhere between report excellent long-term durability. Our limited lifetime warranty covers cracking, warping, and fading when the flares are properly installed and maintained.