
If you do a guard/flare chop it can't be put back in. When you remove the drivers side you'll see that it protects a vacuum cylinder and the air intake. Also on gravel, stones will be hitting the inner side of your guards risking dents from the inside out.
When you mark your cuts keep in mind the lower screw that joins the bumper wing to the guard, best to keep these intact so it doesn't flop about.