Installing rear spoiler on 3rd gen. Worth it or not?

[Carolinafan]

I searched this for about 2 hours earlier and nothing.

Has anyone ever done this?

I picked up one the other day for my girlfriends 2000 Runner, and just dont want to mess anything up. Is it really as hard as I'm making it out to be in my head?

Any info would be great

 

[mymalade]

Yup, it is likely port installed on all 4Runners that got it.

Most likely M6x1.0mm rivnuts will get you there... But they may be smaller.

Here's a pic of the area from the Burtman site:

-Charlie

Really? That's not what I was expecting it to look like at all. I figured it would be factory threaded holes. Thank you.

 

[hiluxsurf1]

JDM spoiler

Has anyone installed the power rear under mirror spoiler like the one available in Australia/ New Zealand.
I’m wanting to but apparently from factory there were nuts welded onto the inside of the tailgate.
Is there anyway around this?

 

[Pyral]

I haven't. But to add to this thread, those rivnuts can really ruin your day. I was trying to remove my rear spoiler to repaint and the rivnuts started spinning in their holes instead of letting the bolt spin out.

I tried everything, supergluing the rivnuts in place, pulling and twisting, force. Eventually I got one removed by deforming metal. There if they start spinning your totally hosed. Because their enclosed in the hatch, you cant go in from behind, most techniques about removing loose rivnuts wont work in this application.

If you install rivnuts ever, put red loctite on them, and put anti-seize on whatever you screw into them to minimize the chances of spinning the rivnut before the bolt that is in it.

 

[2000se]

I believe I have attached the instructions here-if not just private message me with a real email address and I can send.

This is what I followed when I installed mine 20 yrs ago. You have to install manual rivets in the holes you drilled. Just use masking tape and measure many times to make sure you're even on both side. Also, it goes with out saying to do this on level ground as well to ensure you don't install it crooked.

 

[3bears]

first part of question....is it worth it ( to have) in my opinion yes... I like the look and it helps blow light fall snow and summer dust off the rear window. This is my third 3rd gen and first without and i can tell the difference....even thought about it today on a dusty dirt road.
I have not had constant good luck with riv nuts.. Different applications...and some times work perfect. .I dont know. I have a spoiler ( deflector) on the shelf but im real reluctant to drill holes in tail gate....as if I botch it ....wont look pretty....and up here impossible to find a replacement...so if I botch it...it will end up with plastic plugs and silicone. Ive read on this forum where some one put one on with sheet metal screws...wonder how long that lasted....however many years back on another rig ( not a 3rd gen) I installed a roof rack with sheet metal screws and never had an issue and it took lots of abuse/weight nor did it have an issue with trying to lift off with carrying either canoes or kyaks that would have put upward pressure on... etc.

sorry rattled on....but I want a deflector too