Brand X 4th Gen Ladder Finally Here

[gaterose]

Got my brand x ladder put on this morning, took about 45 minutes to install. They recommend having a helper and I agree it would be helpful but I did it by myself. It seems very strong, I've climbed it a few times and it feels pretty sturdy. I got it put on right before the rain, so the pics aren't great but should do.

What's in the box-

It has two different clamping mechanisms on the top and the bottom.

The top has a plate that just slides on to the top of the hatch about 1-5/8" from the weather stripping. The ladder is hung from this plate with two bolts which are tightened at the very end of installation.

On the outside of the lower hatch, the ladder attaches with adhesive tape, then is clamped on by the lower clamp.

The lower clamp has a C channel that wraps around the lip and clamps onto the lip with two 1/4" set screws.

There is also an aluminum backer bar that it clamps to so it doesn't touch the paint on the inside of the lip.

Full Pictures -

[imghttp://img442.imageshack.us/img442/628/dsc4212a.jpg][/img]

The lift struts don't lift the hatch all the way with ladder even though it's not very heavy.

This is after I pushed it the rest of the way; it will hold fully open, just won't lift itself there.

 

[Spiggie]

Looks amazing!!! I must get one. Link to where you bought? Price(if you don't mind)?

 

[wrestler157]

looks so good. i love your 4r. i still have yet to install those back up lights

 

[gaterose]

Looks amazing!!! I must get one. Link to where you bought? Price(if you don't mind)?

go to brandx and email the link at the bottom, I honestly don't know the price. I'm thinking $150-180, mine was free with my rack as part of the group buy.

 

[wrestler157]

i found the group buy page and it says the rack was 219 originally or like 180 shipped on the group buy so im thinking it is $219 plus shipping

 

[1clean4runner]

Looks awesome! Do they make a version without the hump for those of us without the spoiler? Granted, I don't even have a roof rack yet but this ladder is convincing me to get one.

I see on their website that the FJ one is flat. Maybe that'd fit?

 

[Doozi]

Looks great Matt!

 

[diamondplate]

looks great! I never thought I really needed a ladder until now!

 

[Casper421]

Looks great! Maybe replacing the lift struts with oem will give you some more "lift". They might be worn out. :shrug:

 

[8086bruce]

Looks great Matt!:thumb3:

 

[crashman]

are those leds for your running board? I was thinking of doing that. was it a kit?

 

[BluSkies]

looks freakin sweet! nice job!

 

[gaterose]

Thanks for all the compliments guys (and gal(s))! I like it so far and think it flows very well with the body lines.


To answer some more specific questions...

i found the group buy page and it says the rack was 219 originally or like 180 shipped on the group buy so im thinking it is $219 plus shipping

That's probably correct then.. I was just venturing a guess.

...Do they make a version without the hump for those of us without the spoiler?..
I see on their website that the FJ one is flat. Maybe that'd fit?

As far as I know this is the only ladder that works with the 4th gen 4runner but you could call and ask. I don't think the FJ one will fit.

Looks great! Maybe replacing the lift struts with oem will give you some more "lift". They might be worn out. :shrug:

I recently replaced my struts with StrongArm struts and they are stronger than my worn OEM struts but the problem still exists. I'm going to see if I can find another strut that is the same length but more pressurized... The Strong Arm struts came with replacement balls so any shock can now be clipped on.

are those leds for your running board? I was thinking of doing that. was it a kit?

Yes, they are flexible waterproof LED strips from SuperBrightLEDs.com. There is more info about them in my build thread (link in my sig) It was not a kit. You will have to tap into the factory running board light circuit or the dome/door light circuit.

 

[4Rower]

I love your rack and ladder. You're making me want to ditch my yakima and upgrade. Nice truck

 

[snowbrdr033]

Looks awesome, never seen a ladder mounted on a 4R.....but they're all over those land rovers haha. Nice work!

 

[Djrashonal]

It has two different clamping mechanisms on the top and the bottom.

The top has a plate that just slides on to the top of the hatch about 1-5/8" from the weather stripping. The ladder is hung from this plate with two bolts which are tightened at the very end of installation.

Great Pics Matt!
Judging from the pictures the ladder seems completely independent of the rack. Do you foresee any issue with just getting and attaching the ladder and using another (more wallet friendly) rack?

 

[gaterose]

Thanks again guys!

Great Pics Matt!
Judging from the pictures the ladder seems completely independent of the rack. Do you foresee any issue with just getting and attaching the ladder and using another (more wallet friendly) rack?

You're correct, it is completely independent of the rack and would work with any rack, or no rack for that matter.

 

[4Runner4.7]

Perfect fit. Looks Sweet!

 

[wrestler157]

i just noticed that your rear spoiler looks different then mine a little bit. mine seems bigger i dont know if its just the pics?

 

[Casper421]

i just noticed that your rear spoiler looks different then mine a little bit. mine seems bigger i dont know if its just the pics?

:iagree: My spoiler is difinitely bigger and higher. Probably came with the 06 refresh? :shrug: