I recommend these:

http://www.focusst.org/forum/zl1-addons/32412-rock-guards-now-made.html

They offer protection without hanging too low or protruding too far out to the sides. I have a full set on my FoST. Just my two cents

 

Ordering a set tomorrow!

 

I've seen the posts about ripping the rear mud flaps off. That would be bad. Seems like you would have to back up to a high curb to do it though. Some like the looks of the mudflaps and some don't. I have the Rally Armor. Personally, I'm not wild about them but they serve a purpose. Ask yourself this question:

Would it be easier to remove the mudflaps or repair/repaint the sides of the car?

 

I would be more concerned about pinching the flap between a curb or ice. Snow would probably cause the flap to curl up the tire rather than pull the bumper off.
I have the Rally armors as well and I've backed up with a good 5 inches of snow on the ground no problem. I haven't heard any issues with snow causing it to rip off.
I just make sure that I am careful when I back up. That's my $0.02

 

That's good to know. Snow was more my concern because it would be more likely to happen. Ice would be the next. I hope I don't back up onto a curb that high either. It also seems that every one I have seen ripping off flaps have been rockbloks that are much stiffer. I don't know if the Rally Armor would have as good of a chance of doing that as it will fold up prior to pinching with the tire as opposed to pulling off from the bumper.

 

Had them on my WRX and hated the look so I passed on them for the ST. If you don't mind the way they look then go for it.

 

I have RokBlokz. They're pretty stiff, I have backed into deep snow, enough to get really stuck, with no problems. I ordered them immediately after I first got the car and drove down my tar & stone road. They definitely helped, I could hear less hitting the car after installation. Still not sure if I'll keep them on in the summer, though.

 

By time paint wears off it's time for new car

To be functional they have to stick out, sticking out they look like poorly designed add-on.

Not pretending to be off road rally car ftw.

 

I also have RokBlokz. They're quite stiff. They don't flap in the wind like Rally Armor's.
I doubt the RokBlokz will bend enough to get caught on the tire tread.

 

Yeah, I am actually thinking that the people that have ripped them off, it wasn't due to the tire. I think they probably just pushed the flap far enough to actually break the attachment points before the flap even hit the tires.

I have had 0 issues with mine. They scrape SOMETIMES on steep driveways but never had an issue. They for sure keep crap off your car. I live in a very winters area and had no problems with high snow and no complaints. They have kept a ton of crap off my car. .02

Thanks for that information. This makes me feel better about it. Plus as I have the rally armor and they are not as stiff they probably will give more. So if you aren't having problems with the rockbloks, I would think I am probably okay.



Any other people with experiences? good or bad?

 

I have had 0 issues with mine. They scrape SOMETIMES on steep driveways but never had an issue. They for sure keep crap off your car. I live in a very winters area and had no problems with high snow and no complaints. They have kept a ton of crap off my car. .02

 

Backing up I hit the curb and crack the lower support that you put the bottom screw in. Not happy with 700 miles.

Dam those Mods F*** up your car!

 

Do you have the Rally Armor or RokBlokz?

 

Running modified RokBlokz - Here in Minnesota with all the salt and sand they put on the roads in winter, mudflaps are a must if your car is a DD and you want to try and preserve the paint the best you can. I modified mine because I can't stand the look of them sticking out (personal preference). I run them so they cover the width of the tire. Have been really happy with the look and protection they still provide. Don't really notice them at all on a TB car. I ran them through a bandsaw and took off 7/8 of an inch - Never have had any issues with snow or ice catching the flaps.

 

I've had one of my RallyArmor's metal bracket bend from backing out of my driveway over an ice mound. Initially it was rubbing the tire, but I was able to bend it back somewhat so it's no longer rubbing while turning. I'll need to take it off to fully bend the arm back straight.

 

I considered them but decided they don't look right on our road going STs. They stick out to far and in my mind just something else to clean and possibly get torn or damaged which sounds like is happening. Mud flaps look great on a World Ralley car but those vehicles of the fenders, tires and stance to match....plus they come with a crew to fix your broken mud flaps while you drink something refreshing.

 

I just ordered a set of F/R Rock guards, my RA will be for sale

 

I cant tell you ive hit many curbs and even hit one at speed with my rally armor on. My wheel well lining has been half ripped off and my mudflaps have stayed strong.


Sent from sputnik #534

 

On 2nd year with rally armor flaps. No issues here in NH with snow and ice.

 

I got the ZL1 rock guards, F & R. LOVE Them!

 

Love my RA flaps. My wheels poke quite a bit and without them I'm sure I'd have my fair share of rock chips behind the wheels.

 

RA shorty flaps here. Not big on mudflaps but they work great. Lots of snow this winter and no issues at all. Keeps the lower half of the car soo much cleaner. Glad I pulled the trigger. In my opinion they are a must for daily driver that sees winter.

 

Last week I got the front wheels stuck in packed snow (it looked like the rest of the parking lot! I only sunk when I realized there was no exit and tried to back out!) up to the rockers, needed to be pulled out, but my Rokblokz were fine. You probably would have to back into a curb or something to damage these.

 

Has anyone just put some 3M clear bra behind the wheels in the kill zone? I don't want rock chips but at the same time I do not want mud flaps lol.

 

You'd probably appreciate the rock guards then. they stick out enough to protect but not enough to say, "hey, nice mudflaps"

 

Rallyarmor ones are nice and easy to install, and the material is pretty durable and floppy. I back them up onto a curb everyday and they show no mark or where. I bought some universal ones, and the install was too much a pain in the ass since the rears have no where to really attach too, so I spent some money on direct fit. It was worth it. And I love the way it looks.

 

Rallyarmor ones are nice and easy to install, and the material is pretty durable and floppy. I back them up onto a curb everyday and they show no mark or where. I bought some universal ones, and the install was too much a pain in the ass since the rears have no where to really attach too, so I spent some money on direct fit. It was worth it. And I love the way it looks. View attachment 87362

How did you manage to get mud behind your mudflaps?

 

RA mudflaps are a fantastic product as they are durable and manage to not look terrible considering how much coverage they provide. I've had RA mudflaps on my EVO X and STI and they are always my first mod on these types of cars.