MetalCloak Vented Aluminum Replacement Inner Fender Set, Black Powder Coat, Jeep Wrangler JK

The factory plastic inner fender liners on a JK have two problems: they take up room that a bigger tyre wants, and they close in an engine bay that already runs hot. Most people solve it with a knife — cut a piece out of the plastic and live with the ragged edge.

MetalCloak solves it differently: the plastic is replaced with 1/16in aluminium (approx. 1.6 mm), laser cut from a CAD design made for the JK. The panels are vented in the shape of the "M" logo, they give more tyre clearance than the plastic, and — per the manufacturer — they bring engine bay temperature down by as much as 30°F, around 17°C.

This listing is the version in MetalCloak's signature black textured powder coat — the same finish as the rest of the Overline armour in our range.

⚠ The manufacturer's installed photos show the raw aluminium version — it publishes no others. What we sell is the black powder coated version; the shape and fitment are identical, only the colour differs.

⚠ Three things to know before you order

1. This is a front-axle set only. The manufacturer does not make a rear set for the JK, and says why: "We do not do a rear set for the JK because (1) it can create a loss of clearance and (2) it is unnecessary, there is nothing in the rear wheel well of the JK that needs protecting." The name "inner fender set" can mislead, so we say it plainly.

2. The set is designed around MetalCloak fenders. It can be fitted with factory fenders or another brand, but that takes extra drilling and fitting work. If you are not running MetalCloak fenders, get in touch before ordering and we will tell you what to expect.

3. The bolts for the rear gap panel are not included. This is the most common surprise with this product. The manufacturer's Q&A: "The 'gap liner' portion of the inner fender wells are designed to use the 3/8" x 4" bolts from our JK Wrangler bolt on fender kits." One reviewer marked the product down for it, writing that "it would've been nice to know that these do not come with the bolts to install the rear gap liner". If you are not fitting MetalCloak fenders at the same time, those bolts have to be ordered separately.

A three-part system per side

This is not one sheet of metal. Each side of the vehicle gets three pieces: the vented front panel, a bracket, and the rear panel that closes the gap at the fender. That is what lets the system cover the whole wheel well and still be adjusted to the individual vehicle.

What it actually changes

• Engine bay temperature – the manufacturer quotes a drop of up to 30°F, around 17°C. The "M" logo venting lets hot air out sideways instead of trapping it under the bonnet. One of the manufacturer's customers gives this as his main reason for buying, on an LS engine swap.
• Tyre clearance – aluminium is thinner and stiffer than plastic, and the front panel is cut higher. The manufacturer describes it as additional clearance over the factory liner.
• The look – this is the part you see on any lifted vehicle running bigger tyres. One phrase keeps coming back in the manufacturer's reviews: they look great. One customer fitted his after his Overline armour, as the finishing touch — which is exactly how this part works on a build.
• No more cut-up plastic – if the factory liner has already been trimmed for bigger tyres, this is what brings the wheel well back to a finished state.

⚠ Reservoir shocks — then you need the other version

MetalCloak makes this set in two versions, at the same list price:

• 3291 (this listing) – the standard version, for shocks without a remote reservoir.
• 3293 – the "Reservoir Cut" version, cut for the reservoirs of RockSport Black shocks. We stock it as a separate item.

⚠ Note a contradiction in the manufacturer's own data. On the 3293 page the manufacturer says the standard version suits 6-pak shocks and the cut version suits RockSport Black. But in the Q&A under 3291, asked about RockSport Black, it answers: "Yes, they are cut to fit with the reservoirs of our RockSport Black Shocks." Those two answers cannot both be right. The safe reading is that the reservoir-cut version (3293) exists precisely to clear the reservoirs — otherwise it would have no reason to exist. Running reservoir shocks? Get in touch before ordering and we will confirm with the manufacturer before anything is ordered.

The same applies to other brands: one of the manufacturer's customers writes that he had to trim his panels slightly to clear his Falcon shocks. With unusual suspension, plan for that.

What's in the kit

• 2 × vented front panel (left and right)
• 2 × rear gap panel
• panel brackets
• a full set of 18-8 stainless steel hardware

⚠ The 3/8in × 4in bolts for the rear panel are not included — they come from MetalCloak's bolt-on fender kits.

Technical data

• Application: Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU 2007–2018, front axle
• Manufacturer part number: 3291
• Material: 1/16in (approx. 1.6 mm) aluminium plate, laser cut
• Finish: MetalCloak signature black textured powder coat
• Construction: three-part system per side, reinforced with formed brackets
• Venting: "M" logo pattern
• Hardware: 18-8 stainless steel
• Installation difficulty: easy
• Body modification: some drilling required
• Time to install: 1 hour
• Shipping weight: approx. 6.8 kg
• Country of manufacture: USA
• ⚠ Manufacturer lead time: 1–2 weeks

Who it's for

First, JK owners running MetalCloak fenders — Overline or RockSport — who are finishing a build and want the wheel well to look as good as everything else. This is the part that closes that job out.

Second, anyone for whom engine bay heat is a real problem: engine swaps, forced induction, hot climates, long slow work off road.

Third, anyone who has already trimmed the factory plastic for bigger tyres and wants the finished look back.

Rated 95% from eight reviews at the manufacturer.

Installation notes

The manufacturer rates the install easy and allows an hour, but it does flag drilling — this is not a pull-the-plastic-out, drop-the-aluminium-in kit. It is most convenient alongside a fender fitment, when the wheel well is apart anyway and the 3/8in × 4in bolts come from the same kit.

⚠ Planning a custom paint job? The manufacturer requires a test fit before painting and does not cover the cost of any custom finish applied. With the powder coated version that problem does not arise.

Szekla4x4.pl is an authorised MetalCloak dealer with a workshop specialising in Jeeps — we can fit the inner fenders together with fenders or armour in one visit.

Why they are worth it

• Aluminium instead of plastic — it does not crack or go brittle with sun and frost.
• Real engine bay cooling, not just a visual effect.
• More tyre clearance without taking a knife to anything.
• Black textured powder coat — consistent with the rest of the MetalCloak armour.
• Stainless hardware, so the wheel well does not start rusting at the bolts.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a front and rear set?

Front only. The manufacturer deliberately does not make a rear version for the JK — it holds that there is nothing to protect in the rear wheel well and that panels there would cost clearance.

Will they fit factory fenders?

They can, but the set was designed around MetalCloak fenders and will then need extra drilling and fitting. Get in touch and we will tell you what that means in practice.

Is all the hardware included?

Almost. There is a full set of stainless hardware, but the 3/8in × 4in bolts for the rear panel come from MetalCloak's bolt-on fender kits and are not in this box. It is the most common point raised in the reviews.

I have shocks with remote reservoirs.

Then you probably need the 3293 "Reservoir Cut" version, which we also stock. The manufacturer's data contradicts itself on this point, so get in touch and we will confirm before ordering.

How much does the temperature really drop?

The manufacturer quotes up to 30°F, around 17°C. That is a maximum figure, with good venting and airflow — treat it as an upper bound, not a guarantee.

Won't aluminium bend off road?

The structure is reinforced with formed brackets — it is not a loose sheet. Its job is to keep mud and stones out of the engine bay, not to take impacts the way a skid plate does.

Can I paint them my own colour?

You can, but the manufacturer requires a test fit before painting and does not cover the cost of paintwork if something needs adjusting. With the powder coated version we sell, there is no need.

What is the lead time?

The manufacturer quotes 1–2 weeks to ship from its end, plus transport to Poland — get in touch and we will give you a current date.