Installed ARK Micro Flares

[tptpgogogo]

How are these working out for you? I am looking to possibly add these on my TRD Sport. I don't do any off roading and use as a daily driver. I am having issues with some chipping but mostly road grime that is thrown down the sides. I do prefer this smaller look as well and just wanted to make sure they actually help.

Same I live in the city and don't do any off roading. Like some replies in here saying that while it doesn't help if you drive on somewhere muddy, I certainly do think these flares does make a difference since my truck is white and I can tell the slightest dirties being kicked up. But again I'm not exactly running a set of overly big swampers so that could be the reason.

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[Jevans77]

Same I live in the city and don't do any off roading. Like some replies in here saying that while it doesn't help if you drive on somewhere muddy, I certainly do think these flares does make a difference since my truck is white and I can tell the slightest dirties being kicked up. But again I'm not exactly running a set of overly big swampers so that could be the reason.

I pulled the trigger and ordered these. Think they will help some and i definitely think they look good.

 

[Kdbradley85]

I didn't have any problem using the hardwares that came with the flares, the holes lined up so I had nothing to complain about. Enjoy!

Yeah, not much luck… maybe there’s a difference between the hardware on the TRD Off Road vs the Sport, but these don’t seem to wanna work. On the driver’s side front (it’s actually the same issue at all four wheel wells), there is a hump on the flare just below where you’d put the first bolt/screw. This prevents the “guard” from sitting flush. The screws they provide are also a different thread pitch than what the factory grommets want to accept (they state this in their instructions too) and it’s pretty dang difficult to get the new hardware into the existing grommets, but this could also be due to the extremely low temps outside right now. I might give it another go in the daylight tomorrow, but I can totally see where the negative reviews are coming from. I’d sure love to know the profit margins on products like these!

 

[tptpgogogo]

Yeah, not much luck… maybe there’s a difference between the hardware on the TRD Off Road vs the Sport, but these don’t seem to wanna work. On the driver’s side front (it’s actually the same issue at all four wheel wells), there is a hump on the flare just below where you’d put the first bolt/screw. This prevents the “guard” from sitting flush. The screws they provide are also a different thread pitch than what the factory grommets want to accept (they state this in their instructions too) and it’s pretty dang difficult to get the new hardware into the existing grommets, but this could also be due to the extremely low temps outside right now. I might give it another go in the daylight tomorrow, but I can totally see where the negative reviews are coming from. I’d sure love to know the profit margins on products like these!

So I can’t speak for the temperature issue because I’m located in Hawaii and it’s in the 80s here, I do think it’s going to be a factor here because of the flush issue you’re experiencing. The guard while looks to be rigid it is somewhat elastic that once my pieces are screwed in it, and I’m unsure of the wording here, molds around the uneven areas.

I would provide close up pictures but I’m at work, maybe someone who installed it can verify what I’m trying to say?

 

[Kdbradley85]

So I can’t speak for the temperature issue because I’m located in Hawaii and it’s in the 80s here, I do think it’s going to be a factor here because of the flush issue you’re experiencing. The guard while looks to be rigid it is somewhat elastic that once my pieces are screwed in it, and I’m unsure of the wording here, molds around the uneven areas.

I would provide close up pictures but I’m at work, maybe someone who installed it can verify what I’m trying to say?

I get what you’re saying. The holes line up just fine. It’s just a matter of getting the screws started that’s challenging. I did put one on (front driver’s side), and the plastic did bend a bit. I kinda wish it was a cleaner fit though. I also lost daylight and patience very quickly, so I’m definitely gonna give it another try tomorrow. My tires are also a bit oversized like yours, and the Allen key wasn’t giving me a whole lot of leverage to force the screw in with the limited amount of working space due to the big ‘ol tire in the way.

 

[Kdbradley85]

I managed to get them on today. The cold definitely made it more difficult to get the bolts started, but I used the end of the allen wrench to kind of "ream" out the grommets which helped a lot. In the pictures, you can see what I was talking about earlier with the fitment, but the flaps do kind of form in place once they're screwed in.

Here's one of the rear ones:

The front ones; see the gap here is a little disappointing, but it's not terrible:

I have no clue how these will actually perform, but they'll definitely be better than nothing. These tires kick up so much mud on the sides of my truck, but I didn't want to lose clearance with larger sized guards. I'm hoping these are the happy medium.

 

[Burgi]

that gap will close up a little after they sit in the sun for a few days.

 

[Kdbradley85]

that gap will close up a little after they sit in the sun for a few days.

You’re referring to the gap shown in the second picture? I don’t see how that would be possible unless I used a heat gun and maybe forced it with blunt object. There’s not really anything encouraging the plastic to fill in the gap there, but like I said, it’s not terrible. Do you have a picture of yours from the same angle? It would be pretty cool if my assumption is completely wrong . Either way, I’m not unhappy with the purchase.

 

[Jevans77]

Installation took 15 minutes, very easy.

I really like the minimalistic look on these!

How did you get the top bolts to screw in the back? The bolts that come with these are too short. Did you use the push clips as well? Not sure where they would go and starting to think Ark sent the wrong hardware

 

[Kdbradley85]

How did you get the top bolts to screw in the back? The bolts that come with these are too short. Did you use the push clips as well? Not sure where they would go and starting to think Ark sent the wrong hardware

The screws go into the grommets that are already inside your wheel well. In the rear, there is one factory hex screw to remove (there were three in the front ones, so it was more obvious). See the first picture in my post above, and you can see where they go. You should’ve been sent 3/4” long screws.

 

[Jevans77]

The screws go into the grommets that are already inside your wheel well. In the rear, there is one factory hex screw to remove (there were three in the front ones, so it was more obvious). See the first picture in my post above, and you can see where they go. You should’ve been sent 3/4” long screws.

That explains it. They sent me bolts that are 1/2. They worked on the two lower but not the top of the back.

 

[Kdbradley85]

That explains it. They sent me bolts that are 1/2. They worked on the two lower but not the top of the back.

That’s super lame. I’m sure they’ll fix it, but still…

 

[Taconatron]

I have the micros too. My wheels are +10 and had to trim a little on the fronts. 10k miles and I haven’t found any chipping in the paint. In fact I forgot about the paint issues people were having.

 

[Kdbradley85]

@Taconatron Awesome looking truck there! I think the stock tires were a major factor with the rock chipping issues. For whatever reason, those Trail Terrains loved to pick up stones and wouldn't let them go until you're moving fast enough that they fly out at mach 20. I put these KO3s on and rocks come out of the tires at much lower speeds now. The Trailhunter wheels I have now are +20MM I believe, and there's a decent amount of poke, but aside from mud and gunk from the road being flung onto the sides of the truck, I haven't had any issues with rock chipping.

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