The shells don't have to be opened all the way, but they do have to lifted enough to let you get the wheel-well cover off (remember to bring your square-drive screwdriver!) This doesn't help much, I know, but in a high wind or close to passing 18-wheelers, we'll take whatever we can get.
On my TM (with a lift kit), I had to lift the shells just a bit - just enough to let me get my fingers behind the wheel well cover and pull it out a bit. I didn't actually have to remove it.
Bill
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