(Solved!) Dealership Installed Mudflaps Damaged Bronco

[princeslippery]

On Sunday I was turning right into a church parking lot at a slow speed - I'd guess about 15km/h - and heard a crunch start coming from the passenger front tire. The tire caught the mudflap and it nearly ripped the mud flap off while scratching both the rim and the wheel fender as well. This was on flat terrain in a residential area. I didn't even have the tires turned all the way when it caught - it felt like a normal right turn one would take at a light.

These mudflaps were installed by the dealership and were on the vehicle before I had purchased it last August. I haven't had the tires off the vehicles yet - so everything is stock in that area and is the same as when I bought it. I have done some mods inside the hood after reaching out to the dealership to make sure and they approved all of the changes I asked about (CAI, C/H Charge Pipes, Intercooler, Exhaust).

Just looking to get some thoughts from others as the dealership's response is pointing towards them feeling not responsible. Or if anyone has had something similar happen.

I spoke to my insurance company and they believe that the liability lies on on the dealership - and given I did not hit a foreign object its not really an insurance issue. This is a bit of a mall cruiser as I haven't had time to take it off road - so I've babied it quite a bit. Less than 9k on the odometer. I also measured the back mud flaps and one is just over an inch away from the back tire and the other one is over 2 inches away from the tire - meaning they are also out.

Thanks in advance!

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[adam1991]

Ford factory mud flaps don't fit there with that step there. Not sure how they got those on in the first place.

 

[princeslippery]

Ford factory mud flaps don't fit there with that step there. Not sure how they got those on in the first place.

I was actually wondering this - because it looks like it would rub no matter how they install them. Are there specific mudflaps that would work or would I need to change the step itself to get flaps? They are required in my state/province.

 

[adam1991]

some people remove the steps, swap sides, and install them backwards. That leaves room for the Ford mud flaps.

I bought some Mabett mud flaps and used their fronts instead. Easy to install, work great.

True story: I bought the Ford mud flaps online, from Ford, and bought the install. That was cheap. I get to the dealer, they install the rears, then they come back to me and explain how the fronts don't fit--and showed me. I think this was their first experience with it all, but the tech was smart enough to realize what was going on.

I was able to return them, right then and there.

 

[princeslippery]

some people remove the steps, swap sides, and install them backwards. That leaves room for the Ford mud flaps.

I bought some Mabett mud flaps and used their fronts instead. Easy to install, work great.

True story: I bought the Ford mud flaps online, from Ford, and bought the install. That was cheap. I get to the dealer, they install the rears, then they come back to me and explain how the fronts don't fit--and showed me. I think this was their first experience with it all, but the tech was smart enough to realize what was going on.

I was able to return them, right then and there.

This is great information - thanks for all the information. I have been doing a deep dive on OEM mudflaps since your first message and have found many examples of them not working.

 

[Neps]

Wrecked Bronco

I realise that you're upset, but your Bronco is hardly wrecked.

Can't really tell from the pictures, are those Ford Mud Flaps?

 

[Bugkillah]

Show us a pic of the other side, not “wrecked”.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Wrecked? <-- Holy Hyperbole.

Can't believe insurance didn't total it.

Good news that mudflaps are probably the #1 exterior modification just based on the number of redundant threads on B6G. There should be plenty of info on B6G to help you make an informed decision on which set to get.

As for your "wrecked" wheels, you now have instant off-road cred at your cars and coffee. Just make up an elaborate story to match the wheel rash badge of honor shame.

 

[BroncoWTFAN]

I was actually wondering this - because it looks like it would rub no matter how they install them. Are there specific mudflaps that would work or would I need to change the step itself to get flaps? They are required in my state/province.

I believe the flap requirement is only the rear in some states and never the front.

 

[jrollo7]

some people remove the steps, swap sides, and install them backwards. That leaves room for the Ford mud flaps.

I bought some Mabett mud flaps and used their fronts instead. Easy to install, work great.

True story: I bought the Ford mud flaps online, from Ford, and bought the install. That was cheap. I get to the dealer, they install the rears, then they come back to me and explain how the fronts don't fit--and showed me. I think this was their first experience with it all, but the tech was smart enough to realize what was going on.

I was able to return them, right then and there.

The Ford mud flaps now say they are not usable for SAS Broncos.

 

[Dral97]

I had the gatorbacks installed and had no issues exepct for the time a I backed into a big pile of snow/ice (my fault).

Bronco 2021-2025 w/Rock Rails Gatorback Bronco Text Logo Splash Guards Front Pair | Accessories | Ford.com

Bronco 2021-2025 Gatorback Bucking Bronco Logo Splash Guards Rear Pair | Accessories | Ford.com

Below is a pic on my bronco. The bottom part comes off if you want to as well.

 

[userdude]

With those steps, you don't even need mudflaps...?

 

[Beachcomber]

On Sunday I was turning right into a church parking lot at a slow speed - I'd guess about 15km/h - and heard a crunch start coming from the passenger front tire. The tire caught the mudflap and it nearly ripped the mud flap off while scratching both the rim and the wheel fender as well. This was on flat terrain in a residential area. I didn't even have the tires turned all the way when it caught - it felt like a normal right turn one would take at a light.

These mudflaps were installed by the dealership and were on the vehicle before I had purchased it last August. I haven't had the tires off the vehicles yet - so everything is stock in that area and is the same as when I bought it. I have done some mods inside the hood after reaching out to the dealership to make sure and they approved all of the changes I asked about (CAI, C/H Charge Pipes, Intercooler, Exhaust).

Just looking to get some thoughts from others as the dealership's response is pointing towards them feeling not responsible. Or if anyone has had something similar happen.

I spoke to my insurance company and they believe that the liability lies on on the dealership - and given I did not hit a foreign object its not really an insurance issue. This is a bit of a mall cruiser as I haven't had time to take it off road - so I've babied it quite a bit. Less than 9k on the odometer. I also measured the back mud flaps and one is just over an inch away from the back tire and the other one is over 2 inches away from the tire - meaning they are also out.

Thanks in advance!

I had those type on mine when I bought it. The next day I removed them. Hideous junk and I figured they'd be an issue. Glad I removed them.

 

[aermtr]

Bro-Flaps with steps. No need to remove the steps. https://broflaps.etsy.com/

 

[SoDak1623]

Those look like the gatorback mudflaps, which are what I have on mine. They are a quality product, but unfortunately with those side steps and the 35s I can see how there would be a clearance issue. Dealer should have ensured fit before they sent it out. For the badlands they have cut outs that match the rock sliders so the flaps aren't pushed forward, but I've never seen other sets so I can't be certain if they have different ones to accommodate the running boards or not.

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