Anyone have the knowledge in this department, or even pics on how to take off 06 FX4 fender flares? I just bought painted Lariat ones, and i'm about to attempt to install them myself. But just looking at them, it looks like the backing clips will be hell to deal with. Help from the experienced, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

I did the same switch on my FX4 but it's been a while and I can't find any pics of the process.

There are fasteners on both sides of the wheel house on the rears at the bottom and some christmas trees holding the flange. The front flange is just held by christmas trees (one on the bottom too). Remove the bolts and cut the heads of the trees (you'll need some new ones) with some side cutters or similar. Since you've got another set of flares you can see where and how the clips hold the flare to the fender. Start at the bottom and work your way around removing one clip at a time by squeezing it from behind and pulling the flare away to see where the next clip is. The tough ones are near the top of the wheel house where they are in a tight area. I can't remember if I got my hand up in there, or fiddled with some needle nose pliers here, used a small straight egde or pick to release the clips from the front while pulling back the flare, or just pulled these ones out (if this is the way, be sure to not bend the sheet metal). Up front I think I just pulled the inner fender liner back to get at the clips. Anyways, just get started and you'll get them off. Once you get the painted ones on any trouble will have been worth it.

 

there is a tool that is used to take those Christmas tree type clips off without breaking them. it kinda looks like a mini prybar with groves in it. i borrowed my neighbor, he works at a body shop.. i will ask him what the tool is called. but it took approx. 20 mins to do all 4

 

you dont need a special tool to remove them. I removed mine to paint them.

the front 2 have several small bolts holding them in place plus the clips that are drilled into the body of the truck. Remove the nuts on from the inner part of the fender (wheel well) and then gently pull from one end to the other. Some of your black clips will remain on the truck and some may pull out with the fender. They should be on the fender. For the ones that are still in the fender which are about 1" by 1/4" are held in by the 2 flanges on each side. I used a flathead screwdriver to pull out on the clips and then press the flanges on each side and then they slide right out. Then just remount them to your new fender flares and push them back onto the truck in the pre-drilled holes they came out of. Go right back on and cant tell they were ever off the truck.

The back ones are also held in by the clips. I did not have any screws on mine except some of the push pins that did break off. You can purchase more or leave them off, I found that the clips that hold it to the side of the truck are plenty strong to keep them tight and locked into place.

 

Thanks Gents, i looked on here this morning hoping to see some feedback on my question. But nuttin' So i had the day off today, and said what the hell, i can do this. 3 hours later it's done. I took my time to make sure i didn't break one clip, because my buddy wants them for his truck. After taking the wheel well cover off the front ones, it was easy to get to them all. The back was another story, i took a mini slotted screwdriver and one by one pushed in the stems so i can pull them out. The truck looks so much different now. I gotta get use to the new look. Now i have to find some sort of template to drill the holes in my buddy's truck for these flares. He has a 04 XLT with no flares at all. More fun on the way i guess! I'll post pics soon. Thanks guys for replying to my thread. Cheers Al