Wheel Well Inserts

Kodiak450 · January 22, 2009

For those of you with the nbs, investing in those wheel well inserts would be a very wise descion. Yesterday I got around to getting the PS manifold replaced, one bolt broke off (The one closest to firewall). Even though a leak was not heard, it certainly was leaking. After removing old manifold, I found alor of carbon deposits that had leaked out from gasket due to broken bolt. Also my oil dip stick tube was rusted down near starter sheild and broke, had to replace that too. This particular area that had rust on it was a very small area, right over starter on side of block. Salt and water will get in there because of hole through wheel well. They do not make wheel well liners for my year truck, so I am going to use a pond liner and seal up the holes. Similar problem occurs on DS, where brake lines are mounted on frame they are exposed to the elements, and I usually generously apply alot of fluid film to this area. So for those of you with the nbs, I would say it would be a wide investment to get yourself some of those wheel well liners, you will prevent costly repairs done the road. luckily I have a warranty which covered the cost of the manifold and 1.5 hours of labor. Also had my DS upper ball joint replaced as it was shot, warranty covered that too! Going to to PS upper ball joint in a couple weeks as it is not going to last for that much longer.

Silverado4x4 · January 23, 2009

I dont understand, the wheel well liners are for the rear so whats that got to do with rusted bolts on your motor?

Kodiak450 · January 23, 2009

The reason why you get rusted parts on the engine and portions of the engine compartment is from the rock salt and water getting in through the front wheel well areas. Had the front wheel wells been protected with a liner, there would be no progressive rusting issues on parts. The manifolds on both sides get rock salt and water on them from the tires being able to throw salt and water up on them. My starter sheild had a thick layer of rust on it, this is the same are where the dip stick tube is located and where the dip stick tube had rust too. Protecting the engine compartment with a liner, would really be beneficial and pay for it self easily. It doesn't take long before road salt goes to work and eats at unprotected metal if not washed off in a certain time frame. I've had my unfair share of replacing rusted out manifolds over the years and am going to try to put an end to it by using a pond liner to fill in the gaps. Hardest part will be making it fit neatly, but I would sacrifice looks if it meant protection.

pwall · January 23, 2009

I would like to get a set of the wheel well inserts, but they don't make them for the dually.

I've been thinking of getting LineX applied...at least that will help.

dietz4ibanez · January 23, 2009

Yeah we are going to need pictures to see how this turned out!!! Sounds like it is going to be killer!

Kodiak450 · January 23, 2009

I'm just planning on filling in the gaps. Basically want to close up the gap near front shocks, the rear is going to be a much harder job. I'm thinking of either fabricating a peice to fit inside engine compartment and tacking it to plastic wheel well, or doing it from outside. But I think doing it from the inside would be a better choice, this way I can get it to fit nice and secure. with less hard corners to work with.

sesmith3 · January 23, 2009

You could get an old rubber mat bedliner and cut it to fit. They are thick enough to last and are heavy enough not to flop around.

Kodiak450 · January 24, 2009

Pond liners are very strong and flexible, depending on what grade liner you get. I would prefer to work with a thin one that a staple gun would secure to plastic well. Possible problem is, I might need to get a better staple gun, as the old one I have is currently jammed up and has it's limits.