[shift_RUSH]

I understand the OEM mudguards/mudflaps are quite rigid while there are some aftermarket ones that are more flexible.

~ Is there any difference b/tw the OEM and aftermarket mudguards when it comes to kicking them to dislodge some frozen slush/etc...?

I'm imagining the mounting hardware coming clean out of the holes (like my '83 VW GTi's did) when kicked.

Trying to decide on some OEMs vs more flexible/costly Rally Armor/other... Quite an array of costs w/in the Rally Armor line.

FWIW, I'm near 100% on-road...near 0% off-road.

TIA

 

[ToddG]

I've kicked huge build ups of snow and slush out of mine on many occasions.
The OE mud guards flex pretty well even in the cold.
Never had a problem.
Now I don't go all medieval on them, just a gentle kick or two or three.

 

[Justwork]

Go OEM. I've never had a problem with on road slush and snow, does a great job. That's 10 years on my Xterra and the week I bought my frontier I drove it across Canada in January.

 

[Monashee]

Over the years with long winters the kicking will eventually dislodge the mudflaps, even if you aren't doing it very hard.
Another option is to trim the bottom lip off the mud flap so it doesn't hold the slush as well.

 

[ToddG]

Over the years with long winters the kicking will eventually dislodge the mudflaps, even if you aren't doing it very hard.
Another option is to trim the bottom lip off the mud flap so it doesn't hold the slush as well.

My Frontier is a 2006 and has been through many harsh PA winters over the years.
I've had enough snow/ice packed up in the front fender wells and mud flaps that steering was compromised.
The snow and ice always dislodge very easily with a kick or using the ice scraper.
I've never had a mudflap come loose or fall off in all that time.
I think the OE mudflaps are pretty sturdy but then maybe I've just been lucky?

 

[Monashee]

I still believe the OE mudflaps are better than any aftermarket ones I've seen.
They work pretty good (besides being a little short, especially if truck is lifted any)
Mainly depends on what your truck is used for I suppose... paved roads daily drivers and highway: OEM flaps. Serious off-roaders something more flexible.

 

[ToddG]

98% street driving for me. :thumbsup:

 

[Clint]

All it takes is a tap with your hand or foot, beating the flaps isn't necessary. Four Frontiers later and never had a flap come loose.

Clint

 

[shift_RUSH]

I have an opportunity to buy some gently used OEM mudguards/flaps, but the seller no longer has the hardware. Anyone know the exact details as far as sizing of the screws/bolts/nuts/washers/etc...?

 

[Monashee]

I have an opportunity to buy some gently used OEM mudguards/flaps, but the seller no longer has the hardware. Anyone know the exact details as far as sizing of the screws/bolts/nuts/washers/etc...?

Not sure of size but they are exactly the same as the ones securing the wheel well splash guard/liner to the fender. Could pull one out and match it up in-store. If needed, Nissan plastic push-pins used to secure rest of wheel well liner can be picked up on Amazon for about $4-$15 per 10-100 pack.

 

[ToddG]

Alright, was feeling like a nice guy that wanted to be extra helpful this morning so here ya go.
Mud flaps (edit: rear mud flaps) take 4 screws and one push pin fastener.
See pictures below.

3 screws up the side, push pin shown to the left on it's own tab:


1 screw through perpendicular tab to secure at bottom:


And the actual type of screw used, it's roughly 1/2" long and a self threading truss head screw:

 

[shift_RUSH]

Super cool of ya, Todd!!

 

[travhale]

Just FYI, my flaps do NOT have the push pin fastener, so there may be different variations of the flaps over the years? ?

EDIT: I have not removed my rears, but I know the front don't have the pin.

 

[ToddG]

I was kinda in a hurry this morning, off to a doctor's appointment.
I didn't look at the fronts.
For the record, that is a rear mud flap shown.
I just went out and looked at the fronts.
travhale is correct, there is no push pin fastener on the fronts.
The fronts are held on by 4 truss head screws only like the image I posted above.

 

[shift_RUSH]

Installed my used mudflaps (sans OEM mounting hardware) today.

Fronts went on easiest as the screws holding the rearward fender liner on were simply removed and reused/screwed back in for a secure fit.

Rears required removing some factory installed flat clips with a putty knife from the 'square holes' in the fender/wheelwell lip as well as the lower mounting point. I didn't see how I could use factory style screws (like above w/o a nut), so I used my recently delivered Chinese push pin fasteners for ALL the mounting points. Not sure this style of attachment will pass my "kicking slush off" test this Winter.
Any input from you gurus out there is appreciated. TIA