Looking for advice on roof racks...

[RiverMan]

I am planning to install a roof rack (basket style) to my 1990 4runner ( http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2213670 )

Thule and Yakima both make a nice cargo basket but neither will fit on my t4r with the factory rack. Is it easy to remove this rack? Or does anyone know of a company that makes a basket that will mount to this rack?

Thanks in adnvance!

-=] River [=-

 

[yotatilla]

Check out conifer racks, I have seen them on second gen's before. Just remember that if it doesnt fit, it can always be made to fit.



Sam

 

[RiverMan]

Check out conifer racks, I have seen them on second gen's before. Just remember that if it doesnt fit, it can always be made to fit.
Sam

Thanks for the tip but I can't find thier website.. Do you have a link?

Thanks!

 

[yotatilla]

I looked it up, but could not find a conifer rack. I found this one, made by Surco, and both styles will fit your app. Around $200.
http://www.roofracks4less.com/surorasy.html

Sam

 

[RiverMan]

Thanks for the tip. That rack is probably the one I will go with (the black one)

Thanks!

 

[Rock Slide]

Next time, try searching this site a little before asking a question, it's got some good info on roof racks:

Check this thread written some weeks back:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14488&highlight=roof+rack

Con-ferr is the only way to go! Expensive, but worth it.

http://www.conferr.com/

 

[599er]

The factory roof rack is very easy to remove. In fact, it was the first true mod that I preformed (and the only, so far) to my T4R. Each end of the channel has a cap that is held in place by a single screw. Assuming you have the appropriate star-pattern bit, it's easily removed (don't remember the size). Loosen up the screws on the bars and slide them off. Put the end-caps back in place.

REI was running a kick-ass sale on Thule equipment last year (20% off + some), so I purchased a couple of feet, locks bars and gunwhales for my canoe. Start to finish, it took me about an hour to remove the factory rack and install the new mounts and bars.

I thought the factory rack was very flimsy and didn't seem to support any manner of weight evenly or well enough to comfort me in carrying a canoe at any speed greater than 50mph. So out with the old and in with the new and I'm more than pleased. The new rack is as sturdy as the channel screwed to the roof is.

 

[RiverMan]

The factory roof rack is very easy to remove. In fact, it was the first true mod that I preformed (and the only, so far) to my T4R. Each end of the channel has a cap that is held in place by a single screw. Assuming you have the appropriate star-pattern bit, it's easily removed (don't remember the size). Loosen up the screws on the bars and slide them off. Put the end-caps back in place.

REI was running a kick-ass sale on Thule equipment last year (20% off + some), so I purchased a couple of feet, locks bars and gunwhales for my canoe. Start to finish, it took me about an hour to remove the factory rack and install the new mounts and bars.

I thought the factory rack was very flimsy and didn't seem to support any manner of weight evenly or well enough to comfort me in carrying a canoe at any speed greater than 50mph. So out with the old and in with the new and I'm more than pleased. The new rack is as sturdy as the channel screwed to the roof is.

Thanks for the tip! I too have a canoe and a kayak and don't feel this factory rack is strong enough... nor foraward enough.

 

[RiverMan]

Next time, try searching this site a little before asking a question, it's got some good info on roof racks:

Check this thread written some weeks back:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14488&highlight=roof+rack

Con-ferr is the only way to go! Expensive, but worth it.

http://www.conferr.com/

Those are nice looking racks! Thanks for the tip.. Which rack did you get?

 

[Rock Slide]

Those are nice looking racks! Thanks for the tip.. Which rack did you get?

I bought the 39" x 53", 2-Piece, Rack Mate. List price is $330.98 Weight is 39 lbs. Part # 39532. It's a really good fit. It stopped right short of my sunroof and didn't stick too far over the sides of the truck. You also have to buy the Mounting Kit which bolts the rack directly to the 2 frame rails that run from front to back of your T4R. Part # RM-2. I also opted for the optional Floor Kit and installed it in the rack. Part # FL3953. (Check the site for correct Part #'s, they may have changed.)

I installed 4 lights on the front of the rack and 2 on the back, so I also purchased 6 light brackets to mount the lights to the rack.
After all was said and done, it came to a hefty price tag, but it was well worth it. I wish I still had some pictures of it on the truck before I sold it so I could post them, but unfortunately I don't.

When I get an '02 T4R, I plan installing the same rack setup on it as well. It's very strong and can handle all the crap I throw on it all day. If you end up going this route, let me know, and I'll give you a bit of advice on how to impove its setup for everyday use.