Buy Dodge Ram 3500 Fender

Overview

The Dodge Ram 3500 front fender-also called a wheel-arch panel, quarter panel, or mudguard-is the stamped sheet-metal or composite panel that wraps the tire and keeps road splash off the body and other drivers. Modern Ram 3500 trucks use a mix of high-strength steel with an aluminum hood and other light parts to save weight. Because the fender sits low and takes constant hits from water, salt, and stones, owners often deal with paint chips and rust, especially on older second- and third-generation trucks. A sound fender protects vital sensors, helps the truck meet tire-coverage laws, and keeps resale value high.

Key Facts

Size & Fit

• 2025 Ram 3500 body width at the widest point (with mirrors folded) is just over 97 inches; depth at the wheel arch is roughly 10 inches, so the fender must match those clearances.
• Ram kept the same cab structure from 2019-2025, so 5th-generation fenders interchange across those years. Earlier generations (1994-2002, 2003-2009, 2010-2018) need their own stampings or flare style.
• Dually (dual-rear-wheel) models use extra-wide rear wheelhouse panels and bolt-on flares that differ from single-rear-wheel pickups.

Materials

• 98 percent high-strength steel in the latest frame plus aluminum trim lowers overall weight by about 143 lb and improves corrosion resistance.
• Older steel fenders are prone to wheel-well rust; FCA issued bulletins on treating corrosion on aluminum replacement panels too.

Legal Basics

• Many states cap tire poke at 2 inches past the original fender line; Wisconsin puts this in writing for inspections.
• Where larger wheels stick out, bolt-on fender flares are a legal alternative, as noted in SEMA-backed Louisiana law.

Common Problems

• Rust blisters. Owners report rust spots on 2002-2005 Ram 3500 wheel arches soon after repairs if inner liners stay damp.
• Paint bubbling on aluminum. A 2022 FCA service bulletin tells techs to refinish blistered aluminum hoods, doors, and fenders with approved primers to stop galvanic corrosion.
• Loose wheel flares. FCA warranty notes repeated claims for re-installing dually rear flares due to skipped clips; correct torque and clip placement end the issue.

Installation Steps

Always disconnect the battery and wear eye protection before body work.

1. Strip trim. Remove grille bolts, headlights, and wheel-liner screws with a 10 mm socket, as shown in the Open Fender manual (step-by-step photos inside the PDF).
2. Unbolt the fender. Five top bolts under the hood lip, two inside the door jamb, and two at the lower rocker release the panel.
3. Test fit. Hang the new panel loosely, align body gaps to a 5 mm uniform line, then torque fasteners to 9 N·m.
4. Rust-proof. Coat bare edges with weld-through primer and cavity wax to match I-CAR corrosion-protection guidance.
5. Re-install flare or liner. Clip or bolt the liner and any flare following factory torque values; check that tire clears lock-to-lock.

Care Tips

• Wash wheel wells weekly in winter. AAA warns salty slush trapped behind the fender lip speeds rust.
• Seal chips early. Even small paint chips let moisture under the coating; AAA's car-care guide urges prompt touch-ups to stop corrosion.
• Use correct paint. Follow EPA's low-HAP spray rules and dispose of solvents per Paint Stripping & Misc. Surface Coating Rule.

Custom Upgrades

• Pocket-style or OE-style flares add up to 4 inches of extra cover and can be trimmed for 37-inch tires; downloadable guides show trimming marks for Ram HD flares.
• High-mark cut-out kits raise the wheel opening 2-plus inches so larger off-road tires clear on full flex without body rub.
• Lightweight composite replacements drop several pounds and resist dents better than stamped steel, though they cost more and may need extra paint prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a fender do?
A: It blocks mud, rocks, and water so they don't hit the cab, wiring, or other drivers. It also shapes airflow for better fuel economy.

Q: Which Ram 3500 years share the same front fender?
A: All 2019-2025 trucks use the same basic outer panel; 2010-2018, 2003-2009, and 1994-2002 each use different stampings.

Q: Are the newest fenders steel or aluminum?
A: They are high-strength steel; only the hood and select supports switched to aluminum.

Q: How do I keep rust away?
A: Rinse the wheel arch weekly, seal paint chips fast, and spray wax or cavity wax inside the lip.

Q: Do I need flares to pass inspection?
A: If your tires stick out more than 2 inches past the fender in states like Wisconsin, inspectors will fail the truck unless you add flares or narrower wheels.

Q: Can I swap a fender at home?
A: Yes-basic hand tools, a helper to hold the panel, and careful gap alignment are enough. Use factory torque specs and add rust protection before painting.

Q: Are dually rear fenders different?
A: Yes, dual-rear-wheel trucks have wide bedside pods and separate flare pieces.

Q: Will a bent fender affect airbags?
A: If sensors behind the splash shield are crushed, airbag timing can change. Always inspect wiring and sensor brackets during repairs.

Q: How much does a replacement cost?
A: A bare steel panel averages $250-$400 plus paint. Composite or cut-out kits run higher. Labor is 3-4 hours at body-shop rates. (I-CAR)

Q: What paint code should I use?
A: Use the truck's OEM paint code on the driver-side door tag to order exact-match primer, base, and clear.

(For deeper technical details, see the linked Ram specs, Mopar body manual, I-CAR corrosion guide, SEMA law summaries, NHTSA bulletins, EPA paint rule, and AAA maintenance tips embedded throughout the article.)