Buy Dodge Ram 2500 Fender

Dodge Ram 2500 fender (also called the wheel-arch panel, mudguard, or body-side panel). It is broken into short sections, each starting with "New Section:" as requested.

Key Facts

The Ram 2500's front fenders are stamped high-strength steel panels that bolt to the hydro-formed upper frame rail and brace to the cab and bumper. Damage outside the rail's OEM sectioning zone calls for a full panel swap. (I-CAR Repairability Technical Support) Fenders shield the engine bay, lights, and cabin from debris, control airflow, and help the truck meet U.S. splash-guard laws that require the tire tread to stay covered. (minimania.com)

What Fenders Do

A fender's curved skin blocks rocks, salt, and water kicked up by the tires so they do not dent brake lines or electronics. (RealTruck) It also guides air around the wheel opening to cut drag and wind noise, helping the Ram 2500's heavy front end stay stable at highway speeds. (I-CAR Repairability Technical Support)

Fitment Years

Front fenders from the 2019 redesign forward differ from 2010-2018 panels because Stellantis changed the hood line, grille shape, and rail material. (, Mopar Repair Connect) Always match the panel to the exact body generation (2003-2009, 2010-2018, or 2019-2025) so the hood, headlamps, and flare holes line up. (Mopar Repair Connect)

Materials

Ram 2500 fenders are galvanized steel treated for corrosion resistance. (eBay) Optional sport-style fender flares are molded from tri-blend ABS plastic that flexes on trail impacts yet resists UV fade. (National Tire & Wheel) Inner liners (wheel-well guards) are usually high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar composites that shrug off stones and road salt. (RealTruck)

Common Damage

Forums show paint bubbling at the lip where salt collects in the rear wheel-arch and under the factory seam sealer at the front mudguard. (RamForumz, Cummins Forum) Rust often starts behind insulation tape on the liner edge.

Repair Steps

1. Unbolt the liner and bumper side brace.
2. Remove the hood hinge bolts and top rail bolts.
3. Drill out any factory adhesive points, then lift the panel away. (owners.mopar.ca)
4. Test-fit the new panel, torque mounting bolts to service-manual spec (25-30 ft-lb for most M8 bolts). (Mopar Repair Connect)
5. Re-seal seams with cat-1 seam sealer and apply anti-chip under-coat.

Rust Prevention

Rinse the wheel-arch after winter drives and spray wax-based rust inhibitor inside the hem flange twice a year. (Cummins Forum, NHTSA) Keep drain holes open so trapped water dries quickly.

Safety Role

In NHTSA side-pole tests the outer fender, upper rail, and rocker panel form the first crush zone that absorbs impact before force reaches the cab. A straight, rust-free fender preserves the designed crash path and air-bag timing. (Mopar Repair Connect)

Legal Rules

Many U.S. states demand that the fender or flare cover the full tire tread and sit no higher than 10 inches above the road. (minimania.com, motrucking.org) Maryland's code, for example, also outlaws sharp fender edges that could injure cyclists. (Mdrules) Local police in Washington have cited drivers whose Ram tires stick past the factory mudguard. (Bellingham Herald)

Custom Upgrades

Lifted trucks often add 5-inch sport flares for legal tread coverage and style. (National Tire & Wheel) Alloy or mesh inner liners improve cooling by letting hot brake air escape while blocking mud. (RealTruck) Always re-locate side badges so the new flare seats flush. (National Tire & Wheel)

Paint & Color

Your Ram's factory paint code is printed on the white door-jamb label next to "PNT" or "PAINT." (Era Paints) Matching this three-character code ensures the new fender blends with the rest of the body.

Maintenance Tips

• Wash under the wheel-arch weekly if you drive on salted roads. (NHTSA)
• Touch up chips right away; exposed steel can rust in days. (Cummins Forum, Cummins Forum)
• Re-torque mounting bolts every 12 months, especially after off-road trips. (Mopar Repair Connect)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my fender is steel or aluminum?
A: Ram 2500 fenders are steel; a magnet will stick. (eBay)

Q: Do I need flares after installing wider tires?
A: Yes-most states require the tread to be covered, so add flares wide enough to hide the tire edge. (minimania.com, Mdrules)

Q: Where are the fender bolts located?
A: Along the top rail (under the hood), behind the door, at the lower rocker point, and inside the bumper brace. (owners.mopar.ca)

Q: Will rust on the lip fail safety inspection?
A: If the metal has holes or sharp edges it can fail because fenders must be solid and free of jagged edges. (Mdrules)

Q: Can I reuse the inner liner?
A: Yes, if it is not cracked. Replace liners made of HDPE if they are warped, because gaps let salt reach the body panel. (RealTruck)

Q: Is MIG welding allowed on the upper rail?
A: No. Stellantis specifies MIG-brazing only for the hydro-formed rail that supports the fender. (I-CAR Repairability Technical Support)

Q: How do I match paint without the code?
A: Look for the three-letter PNT code on the driver door sticker; if unreadable, a body shop can scan the color with a spectro-meter. (Era Paints)

Q: Do fenders affect airbags?
A: Indirectly-deformed rails can alter crash pulse timing, so keeping the panel and rail in factory shape helps airbags deploy when intended. (NHTSA)

Q: Can I drive without a fender?
A: Legally no; state laws require fenders to stop debris spray, and driving without one risks fines and damage to other cars. (minimania.com, motrucking.org)

Q: Are aftermarket plastic fenders durable?
A: Quality ABS or polypropylene flares resist UV damage and flex on impact but weigh less than steel, making them a good choice for off-road use. (National Tire & Wheel, RealTruck)

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