Prinsu Rack Install

[bearisasquare]

I plan on installing the Prinsu this weekend and wanted to get some tips before doing so. I want to do this right once.

I will probably do this solo, so i plan to put up the frame rails first and then add the cross bars while on the runner. Will this be an issue? I always see that they are loosely assembled and then put on top of the runner.

Seems like the only big tip is to put a big dollop of silicone over the holes to prevent any leaking.

Are there any other tips or is this pretty straightforward? Thanks

 

[adkfinn]

You'll be fine solo. The install on our 4th gens totally plug and play. Assembling it in place on your roof will be a breeze as the the parts are very light individually. I actually loosely assembled my rack and lifted the whole thing into place in one shot solo (I am a bit bigger than your average bear, admittedly). My only suggestions would be:
- get a cheap set of trim tools to help remove the caps on the factory rack, which was the hardest part of the entire install.
- I'd also get a full tube of silicone caulk and some rubber washers to help waterproof the mounting bolt locations, at least that is what I used. But it rains a lot less in TX than VT, so you may decide it isn't necessary.

Good luck, enjoy!

 

[Rodtheviking]

Get a tap for the roof nut inserts to clean up all the left over loctite. You WILL strip one out if you don't. And you dont want to do that as the only way to change them is to pull the headliner.

M8 x 1.25 if I recall..

 

[RigidYota]

Some great feedback, i put mine up solo and the lifting it onto the roof was the most awkward part. I used towels wrapped around the corners and slid it up.

Also when the rack is on the roof, you may need to loosen it up to get things to shift right then tighten it all a bit at a time.

Its a pretty easy install with some sense applied.

 

[bearisasquare]

Get a tap for the roof nut inserts to clean up all the left over loctite. You WILL strip one out if you don't. And you dont want to do that as the only way to change them is to pull the headliner.

M8 x 1.25 if I recall..

Along with putting silicone on, do you need to apply another mark of loctite on the bolts again when installing or is the silicone alone enough?

 

[Rodtheviking]

Along with putting silicone on, do you need to apply another mark of loctite on the bolts again when installing or is the silicone alone enough?

I did, silicone on the top and loctite on the bottom of the bolt.

 

[bearisasquare]

Thank you all for the help! All went smoothly.
Taking off the factory rack was very easy. I cleaned off the area once that was off. I cleared out the threads fairly well of old loctite. Put a big dollop of silicone on all holes and then placed the spacers on top. I mounted everything individually instead of assembling it all and then placing on top of the 4Runner. I was afraid I would scratch something. Bolted everything down and it all looks great.
For some reason i didn't realize the moonroof went into the body and headliner so I have full use of that still.
The rack is very quiet on the highway, I did not notice any difference from the factory rack. I did order the edge trim and did not check out the different with or without. Definitely works with it though.