[_Ace_]

side shot -

[_Ace_]

I put the SportRack box on the Antero rack and it looks right at home -

[_Ace_]

No problems clearing the wind deflector with the hatch open -

[_Ace_]

It looks like the U bolts that came with the box will work with the rack - they are rounded though so I may look for U bolts with a square shape.

[JZiggy]

Originally Posted by _Ace_

It looks like the U bolts that came with the box will work with the rack - they are rounded though so I may look for U bolts with a square shape.

Looking good! McMaster has a nice selection of square u-bolts, FYI.

Do you get any wind noise on the highway with that box?

[_Ace_]

I didn't even know it was there on my 2003 Suburban...then again it's a lot bigger SUV.

[_Ace_]

No luck finding a square U bolt that in the correct size so I may have to make a set out of threaded rod.

I'll poke around Ace Hardware to see what they have.

[96RedRunner]

Nice build Ace. Would have brought a pretty penny on BaT.

[_Ace_]

Look at this low mile 1997 5 speed in Oregon- if I was closer it would be in my driveway -

1997 toyota 4runner for sale by owner - Salem, OR - craigslist

[phattyduck]

Originally Posted by _Ace_

No luck finding a square U bolt that in the correct size so I may have to make a set out of threaded rod.

I'll poke around Ace Hardware to see what they have.

Flat plate with square holes, carriage bolts and some nuts will keep all sharp hardware out of the box (carriage bolts pointing down). Only downside is that someone can steal the box without opening it first. McMaster might also have the u-bolts you are looking for.

The rack is stronger than the roof - I notice more flex in the roof than the rack if I push/pull on it (Matterhorn). I ran extra OEM track to the front and bolted the front feet down, and I'm considering getting an set of feet to add another between the back two supports to spread the load out over the roof more.




-Charlie

[_Ace_]

I just tried the u-bolt hardware that came with the SportRack box and it works- just had to move the crossbar at the front of the box forward.

After securing it the back of the box is about 1/2 inch from the raised wind deflector so I'll have to keep an eye on that.

Taking it out for a test drive to check noise & handling.

[_Ace_]

Sherpa Antero rack test drive -

Without the box the is a little wind noise (to be expected).

With the SportRack Xl box in place there is a definite rumble. It may have been there on the Suburban too but I didn't notice it because it was farther away from the driver's seat.

I opened the sun roof at 65 and there was definitely some air noise coming from the front of the box as it was just aft of the sunroof.

It wasn't that bad and I could't hear it with the music turned up.

I'm looking at installing some slot covers that slide into the cross bar openings, might reduce noise and will keep the channels clear-

Amazon.com

[96RedRunner]

Originally Posted by _Ace_

Look at this low mile 1997 5 speed in Oregon- if I was closer it would be in my driveway -

1997 toyota 4runner for sale by owner - Salem, OR - craigslist

3,000 miles from Graceland.

[_Ace_]

Installed the extrusion slot covers into the 1st/front cross bar of the Antero rack this morning.

Here is the crossbar without covers...they are open to collecting dirt & ice as well as making noise -

[_Ace_]

Here is a comparison with one slot cover installed -