A few months ago I switched to Stealth Custom Series Stealth 6 wheels with a -10mm offset, which moved the entire wheel outside of the wheel well. After some rain and trail runs, there was noticably more debris being slung along the sides of the 4Runner - wasn’t too happy about that! Good thing we just bought a power washer - haha! Really though, the OEM mud flaps just weren’t cutting it. On top of that, due to the greater negative offset, the driver’s side wheel was catching the mud flap at full wheel lock in reverse (reversing left)… not a fun sound!
Aftermarket mud guards like those manufactured by RokBlokz are a great solution to this problem. The “Original” size RokBlokz juts out a good inch-or-so beyond the OEM mudflaps, and are straight-cut along their entire length rather than curved, which provides more coverage while maintaining clear-cut vehicle lines. The front mud flaps also feature a body-mount cutout, which somewhat reduced tire rub… but didn’t eliminate it. More details below!
The RokBlokz mud flaps arrived neatly plastic-wrapped in a small rectangular cardboard box. The kit includes two front and two rear mud flaps, stainless steel self-tapping screws, and plastic washers and spacers, as shown below.
The photos below show the front and rear OEM mud guards. Left is the front driver and right is the rear driver. The wheel was sticking out about an inch beyond the edge of the mud flap.
Below are a few photos showing tire rub on the front driver mud flap. Notice that the wheel is very close to the mud flap at full lock, though it doesn’t touch (until in reverse).
RokBloks provides well written instructions with their kit. Ultimately, you will only need a shorty Phillips head screwdriver and plastic trim remover tool to install the new mud flaps.
I began by replacing the front mud flaps. It is easiest if the wheel is turned full lock in the opposite direction of the mudflap you are working on, though you could also just take off the front wheels! Use a plastic trim tool to remove the plastic push-pins holding in the OEM bumper. It’s okay if they break as you won’t be using them later. Install the new mud flaps, ensuring to place the plastic washers on the outside of the mud flap. A plastic space is required for the innermost hole as the mounting point is inset compared to the rest. Repeat for the other side.
Installing the rear mud flaps is easier than the front mud flaps since you don’t need to deal with turning wheels. You must install the plastic spacer on each mud flap at the location show, since the tapped hole in the wheel well is inset compared to the others.
Overall, I am very happy with the RokBlokz “Original” mudflaps. They are wider than the OEM flaps and thus provide better mud/debris protection of the vehicle’s side. The front mud flap’s cutout helped reduce tire rub, but it didn’t eliminate it fully. There are certain circumstances where I am reversing at full lock and on a downhill grade where the tire will still rub the mud flap. However, I’m thinking of using a Dremel to cut back the mud flap and increase clearance - just haven’t gotten around to it yet!
