I just bought a 2000 4Runner and cant find any info on the factory roof rack. I want to carry 2-Kayaks. My Corolla has Yakima racks. Anybody know specs or where to find them
thanks
rich

I'm assuming the spec you're looking for is the maximum weight allowed. On mine, there is a sticker on the front cross bar that says "Maximum weight 175lbs evenly distributed" and then repeats it in kilograms.

I've got a 2 person Perception kayak (http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/acadia-ii-14) it's pretty heavy but still just 82lbs, so two kayaks on this rack should be no problem. It's the actual space up there that I would be worried about. For two kayaks I would consider getting rid off the factory cross members and installing a pair of Yakima or Thule cross bars that not only give you a completely flat surface all the way across, compared to the slightly bent factory ones, but also give you more room since they extend beyond the side mounting clips.

The aftermarket cross members mount into your existing Toyota roof rack rails.

thanks for the info. do you know where I would go to purchase these after market cross members that will fit into the Toyota rails are they from Yakima?
thanks
rich

yakima makes them. a few other brands as well. Just use Google for the 4runner ones, and find the cheapest price. there shouldn't be any issue putting these two kayaks on top. Just take two noodles (floats for the pools) and cut from side to side with a razor and wrap the noodle around the bar. This will add hieght and traction for the kayaks. I have two ocean kayaks that I put on top of my factory roof rack all the time. I just use bungies to secure them.

here's a link
http://www.rackattack.com/kayak-canoe-racks.asp

thanks for the info, I'll check out the website
rich

"The aftermarket cross members mount into your existing Toyota roof rack rails."

Yes. Exactly. I saw a 1999 4Runner today with a Yakima roof rack on it, and the Q-towers were slid into the base rails of the existing factory rack.

Does anyone know what part numbers it takes i.e. which model Q-towers are the ones I need to order to fit into the factory rails on a 1998 4Runner?

Would really appreciate any help you could offer because I can't figure out what I need to order to accomplish this.

Thx much!!

I use the removable Thule racks. Thus when I do not need the racks they can be removed and all that remains is the base units. NOTE: IMPORTANT: if you go this route: When you go to install the base units you have to remove the screws that hold down the fronts of the rails. The end caps are very fragile. The tab that snaps and locks the caps in place snap off easily. BTW: anyone know where I can get just the end caps.... :-)

Post again if this is the way you go and have an additional questions.

You have to buy Yakima Control Towers and landing pads #1 fits very well into the Toyota rails on the roof. I took off all the Toyota cross bars and replaced with 58" Yakima bars. my 4runner is a 2000 model

Yeah, mine snapped off too... Where can we get replacements for this crappy little annoyance? The rack itself is so stout, why did they put these fragile end-caps on there?! Frustrating.

I did that with my 1st 3rd gen. when I was puttin on my Thules. You have to loosen up the base rail two holes down and then pull up on it when you insert the cap. Hella annoying!

Granted I have not spent much time trolling Toyota grave yards but I have yet to find any replacement for the for/aft trim caps for the roof rack rails. I have noticed to my delight that diagonals are identical thus I have moved the rear starboard unit to the front port side (above driver's head). Also, Gorilla tape is extremely tenacious. A small square just as large as the plastic screw grommet has stayed on for years. FYI.