There are two common reasons why the Jeep CJ tube fender upgrade may become a top/special need for any vehicle.
A Jeep CJ owner may decide to replace a damaged/defeated factory design with a more robust and/or more durable option.
Thanks to the excellent clearance and decent protection they offer to the vehicle’s body while driving on treacherous paths/roads.
On the other hand, a replacement/upgrade could be conducted while the factory fender is still in top condition, most notably to give the vehicle a new or refreshing appearance.
Although the benefits a tube fender offers are numerous, especially the support it provides during off-road adventures, it ensures the vehicle is adequately equipped to withstand whatever it comes across on the way.
These benefits can only be enjoyed/appreciated when you pick the right design for the truck.
However, the selection process could be confusing or intimidating, with several options available.
As you read along, the best tube fenders for Jeep CJ that anyone could settle with for top-level protection will be discussed/reviewed accordingly.
The list also extends across the CJ5 tube fenders and Jeep CJ7 tube fenders. Our top picks are from highly-rated brands such as Smittybilt and OMIX.
How To Choose Jeep CJ Tube Fender
01. Price
Fenders are essential components of every Jeep CJ. Hence, anyone should make the necessary effort to keep them in excellent condition from time to time.
This means appropriate/timely replacement whenever the factory design gets wrecked or damaged or in case anyone decides to get a more reliable option for their vehicle.
While at it (when looking at the designs to eventually settle for or purchase). Avoid going for options that are out of reach.
We can’t deny that the expensive and highly rated designs offer optimum protection, especially in extreme conditions and during off-road drives.
Nevertheless, that isn’t enough conviction for anyone to invest more than they could afford at a time, thereby affecting other financial obligations or even resulting in debt.
If you can’t afford the expensive options. Several solid, affordable fenders are on the market, especially those engineered/built by the top brands.
Great examples are the five designs we have reviewed. Come up with a budget and look for fenders (from top brands) that fall within the price.
Afterward, go through the list and choose anyone that complements your truck and delivers the best performance.
02. Clearance
Choosing a fender that accommodates the upgrade is crucial for individuals replacing their wheels and tires with bigger options.
For instance, replacing the current tires with a larger size (up to 33 inches) means the existing/factory fenders won’t be able to provide adequate clearance.
Hence, there is a need to invest in a design that supports the upgrade to ensure free tire movement.
This way, the tires will be prevented/shielded from touching the flare to avoid premature damage or expensive tire replacement by settling for fenders that offer adequate clearance.
03. Construction Material
As we indicated earlier, one of the numerous benefits of installing fenders is to resist conditions/elements that could dent or damage the vehicle’s body or paint, both on/off the road.
While choosing a design to buy, ensure the construction material is of top quality (durable and sturdy) for extended protection over a long period.
If the fender can’t handle the aggressive nature of the road or take the hit, especially during extreme conditions. No way such a design will keep the vehicle safe.
As a result, you may have to pay heavily for repairs, which may be a repainting job or replacing a broken/damaged part or component of the vehicle.
Alloy steel and Thermoplastic (UV-treated) are the two most popular construction materials. They are highly praised for the level of toughness and strength they possess.
04. Aesthetic Appeal
The fender should not only be durable (for extended protection). It should also refresh the vehicle’s identity by delivering an irresistible/compelling appearance that announces your presence at all times.
Your design choice should give the vehicle an attractive/aggressive appearance that speaks well of its off-road personality.
If the fenders appear out of context or don’t fit/complement the vehicle (in terms of use and performance). Avoid such design at all costs to wade off unnecessary/unwanted attention.
05. Installation
Depending on where you live or the quality/price of the fender. A professional installation could cost as high as fifty percent (50%) of the Fender’s price.
An easy way to avoid this costly expense is to settle for a design that can be attached/mounted on the vehicle independently, using basic garage tools.
Go for a design that can be attached to the pre-drilled holes using the screws and other accessories present inside the packaging box.
If the product has an installation guide (precise and comprehensive). It will go a long way in providing clarity and directions to get the job done efficiently, especially for first-time installers.
06. Compatibility
While recommendations are great, especially if the product justifies the hype by delivering on its promises, which can be verified by reading through the reports from existing users.
Still, that isn’t a direct pass or all the convictions that are required/needed to pick up such a product.
Until it is confirmed/verified as a perfect fit for your vehicle (compatible with the model year). Do not make any payment of financial commitment.
How To Install Jeep CJ Tube Fender: Steps
With basic yet necessary tools and steps to follow, the Jeep CJ tube fender can be installed by anybody without any challenges or complications. This eliminates the need to pay heavily for a professional installation.
01. Familiarize With The Process
The first thing anyone needs to do is get to know how the mounting process works (for individuals who haven’t installed a fender before).
Go through the installation manual and read the whole process carefully. Get familiar with the steps involved.
If the package doesn’t have the mounting guide included, go on YouTube and watch relevant videos.
During this moment, it becomes clear if the task is of interest, giving you enough time to think about proceeding with an independent installation or settling for a professional installer to avoid expensive mistakes.
02. Prepare The Tools Required For The Job
Usually, the installation manual has the list of tools needed to mount the fenders successfully on the vehicle.
Go over the list and get these tools ahead of the mounting exercise.
Ensure they are in good condition and well-arranged to support easy reach whenever there is a need for any of them.
03. Check The Package
Ensure the package comes with all the needed accessories to complete the integration.
It’s always better to identify any missing components or quality issues and make the necessary correction before the installation than to find out mid-way into the exercise.
Also, you can go ahead to position the fenders across the installation spots or pre-drilled holes to see if it fits nicely.
04. Seek Help/Assistance
Depending on the weight of the design, it may be a bit hard/challenging to complete the integration independently. s
Inform a friend or older family member about the task and seek their help to make it easier.
When you have someone to hold the fenders in place while the screws are attached, the experience is always smooth, especially the drastic reduction in installation timeframe.
05. Take Out The Old Fenders
The old ones have to be detached before the new fenders can be installed. Release the screws holding them in place and take them out carefully.
06. Attach The New Set of Fenders
Once the old/factory fenders have been detached or taken off, the next step is to integrate the new ones.
If you have an assistant or someone helping with the task, ask them to hold the fenders in place (one after the other) as they align across the holes where the screws would be attached.
While still holding the fender, insert the screws inside the holes and ensure they are tightened firmly.
If the holes are small for the screw to pass through, do not hesitate to expand them.
07. Take a Ride
Once the fenders have been successfully integrated, you may decide to take a short ride across the neighborhood to see how far they hold.
If the fenders hold on solidly and the performance is satisfying, especially the adequate clearance for unrestricted movement of tires.
It is a great time to show off the new look, which further reinstates the vehicle’s personality and position as the undisputed ruler of off-road adventures, leaving a lasting impression on onlookers.
Final Thoughts
The benefits that come with the installation of the Jeep CJ tube fender are numerous, which clearly highlights why a lot of off-road enthusiasts keep investing in it.
So far, we have made five (5) different recommendations for interested buyers, cutting across various CJ models and model years.
Irrespective of your design choice, the vehicle’s function, and appearance will experience a significant boost.
Hello there, this is Thomas Byrd. I am a professional car mechanic who leads a team of junior mechanics in a repair and restoration shop. In the beginning, I used to work for a jeep service center as a basic worker. From there I keep learning, changed my job 2 times and now I am a professional who leads a group of mechanics. Though a have expertise in the jeep, I know very well about all types of cars. To share my knowledge and skills with others I have created this blog website. Whenever I get free time from work I give my time to my blog.