Toyota never made a mudflap for the 4Runners with the oversized SR5/Limited fender flares, so you're on your own when it comes to protecting the side of the body from rock chips. The stock running boards do a fine job of protecting the body from flying debris, but I plan on removing them and putting rock sliders in their place. I used a set of stock mudflaps from my 3rd gen (1989-1995) pickup, which I cut down to fit better on the 4Runner. Here's how it looks:





I used two existing attachment points--one that holds the bottom of the flare and one that screws into the absolute bottom of the fender liner. There was an existing hole at the back of the fender that I utilized as a third attachment point. I used a long bolt with old sway bar bushings as a spacer to reach the inner-most part of the flap.






My 4Runner is a 2000, which sits 1" lower than the previous years and I am running slightly oversized tires...275/70R16. These are half-way between the stock tires and the popular 265/75R16s in diameter. They lightly touch the inside of the flap at full lock. I have not tested this setup offroad yet, but if the inside bolt poses a problem, the bolt can replaced with a slimmer allen head bolt, or this part of the flap can be cut away entirely by running a screw into the fender closer to the outside of the vehicle. The flaps can be raised if they prove to be too low for offroading.

Time for rock sliders!

 

looks like any kind of wheeling would cause those things to rip off

 

They're about 3 inches higher than they were on my 94 truck and I never tore those off. If they come off, they come off...the paint will be protected in the meantime.

 

Running boards are off. I removed the mudflaps and flattened the pinch seam at the back of the wheel well and reinstalled the flaps to gain another 1/2" of clearance. I don't think there will be any rubbing issues now.

I was about to raise the flaps an inch or more then remembered the 2" lift I plan to install next month will raise them up right where I want them.





Looks a little funny without the running boards. Rocksliders should help.

 

no way, it looks much better! very clean 4runner

 

I think it looks much better. As a thought for others w/ the beefier flares, have you guys considered the 4th gen mud flaps.

I park right next to a brand-new SE that has mud flaps that look a lot like yours. Since yours are OEM, they're fine but others may be interested in trying this out. Again, it looks a lot like your pics as this SE doesn't have running boards, but instead has step bars.

 

Funny you mentioned that, I happened to notice the mudflaps on a 4th gen yesterday. Someone should give them a try.

Thanks for the complements...it looks like it's missing something without the running boards but they would just get smashed if they stayed on.

 

It is missing something, sliders...

 

Coming soon!