Hi. I'm new to this forum and have a question. I have a 99 Pathfinder XE 4 wd (with manual transmission) and just upgraded the tire size to 265/70/15s and added black wheels and want to add fender flares (like the SE version) as I think it would look a lot better and probably prevent dirt from messing up my nice black paint. I'm not averse to an aftermarket set up but a few searches on google haven't turned up much.
Any suggestions as to the ones to buy and where to find them? And I probably need new mud flaps so any advice is appreciated.
This Pathfinder has only 78k miles on it and is in great shape mechanically and cosmetically and I hope to keep it for awhile.
Thanks!
Fender flares
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jaybirdjtski
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:34 pm
- Car: 1999 Pathfinder XE 4 WD
Re: Fender flares
infiniti qx4 flares may work?
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Buzzman
- Posts: 2079
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:35 pm
- Car: 2016 Lexus RX 350
2023 Kia Stinger Elite V6 AWD.
Re: Fender flares
Not sure about the QX4 flares. They may not meet up properly against the Pathfinder's bumpers.
As for where to get them, if there is a wrecking yard near you, I'd start there.
My local jukyard has a few R50's, and I've seen the flares on some of them (not in great shape mind you, but they are there).
As for where to get them, if there is a wrecking yard near you, I'd start there.
My local jukyard has a few R50's, and I've seen the flares on some of them (not in great shape mind you, but they are there).
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jaybirdjtski
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:34 pm
- Car: 1999 Pathfinder XE 4 WD
Re: Fender flares
I ended up getting some generic flares from JC Whitney for about $75 deld for all four. The reviews were pretty good and they should work fine. No luck finding the flares at local recyclers and as it turns out I'd have to buy the bumper assembly for the SE to get Nissan flares to look right. Now I understand why I see so many vehicles with upgraded larger tires that don't even bother with flares unless the law requires it.
I've had this XE (which is in great condition and low miles) for a number of years and have been waiting for the Michelin tires to need replacing. Of course upgrading the size required larger wheels but I will say that Tirerack did a great job with the mounting and balancing and my first impression of the General Grabber AT2 is very favorable. 265s vs the 235s stock size. The road noise is about the same and the AT2s certainly look like they'll preform much better in snow and mud this winter. When the flares get installed I'll post a pic because I am sure many LE and XE owners hate the wimpy look of the 235s! Probably one reason why so many Toyota 4 Runners are out there. Buyers looked at the XE and LE style and went with the 4 Runner! They just look so much better in ALL trim versions. Nissan must have decided to go for the passenger car look for those two models and not the SUV big tire look! IMHO, a big marketing mistake!!
Thanks for the replies.
I've had this XE (which is in great condition and low miles) for a number of years and have been waiting for the Michelin tires to need replacing. Of course upgrading the size required larger wheels but I will say that Tirerack did a great job with the mounting and balancing and my first impression of the General Grabber AT2 is very favorable. 265s vs the 235s stock size. The road noise is about the same and the AT2s certainly look like they'll preform much better in snow and mud this winter. When the flares get installed I'll post a pic because I am sure many LE and XE owners hate the wimpy look of the 235s! Probably one reason why so many Toyota 4 Runners are out there. Buyers looked at the XE and LE style and went with the 4 Runner! They just look so much better in ALL trim versions. Nissan must have decided to go for the passenger car look for those two models and not the SUV big tire look! IMHO, a big marketing mistake!!
Thanks for the replies.
Re: Fender flares
Wondering if you got the flares installed? Im thinking of doing the same thing with mine but wanted to make sure the JCwhitney flares were worth it. I would love to see some pics!