Quick Roof Rail Question

[DAWG NATION]

Afternoon

I want to attach a pair of cross bars to my roof.
I have read some of the build threads but im not sure about something.
I have 2 rubber strips mounted on my roof, not sure what they're there for and if i could take them off and attach side rails?

I don't really feel comfortable drilling into the roof so i was hoping there is another option...

Thanks

 

[Kanoe]

Those are the factory caps. You got those if you didn't get the roof rack option.

The roof of the 4runner is exactly the same either way. You have 5 torx bolts in each cap and those are the same bolts that hold the factory roof rack rails on. Your best bet for mounting stuff is to get to a wreckers and pull a set of factory roof racks. They'll fit right on to yours once you take the caps off.

I believe the factory rail system is still available new and I don't think it was too horribly priced if you want to go that route.

 

[DAWG NATION]

Thanks Kanoe
That was very helpful....

 

[danwyl]

I was just in the same boat as you; no roof rails, just the rubber caps. Picked some up from a guy off craigslist for 40$ and installed them. You will need a torx 25 head (at least for my 2002) to remove them. I put a little bit of silicone while installing the bolts to make sure no water gets in.

 

[DAWG NATION]

Picked some up from a guy off craigslist for 40$ and installed them.

WOW $40...
Cheapest I've seen is $110, I'm still looking...

 

[Tacomabob]

$40.00 is cheap for a set of roof rails, you did good.

 

[DAWG NATION]

Update

Update:
I couldn't find new roof rack but I found a guy selling 2001 T4R for parts...
We settled on $80 for the rack which seems reasonable.
Someone mentioned a Torch 25 driver to take off the rack...

Just making sure what other tools I should take with me?

Thanks

 

[apohl17]

Don't forget to have a small screwdriver or tool for prying the end caps off the rails to get to the screws. They are normally pretty tightly wedged on! If you are missing any parts I have an OEM rack system leftover from my build, just let me know.

 

[DAWG NATION]

Thanks apohl17

Thanks for the info... I hope I get it off in one piece... LOL.
When you said "OEM rack system" is that the complete rack or you only have some parts left...

PS. Saw your Iceberg build, very insightful, that's where I would like to be, one step at a time...

Cheers

 

[Brian.]

Thanks for the info... I hope I get it off in one piece... LOL.

Err, that seems like a more complicated way to handle it. I disassembled mine when I first bought my truck so I could clean the roof easier. It comes apart and goes together easily enough. Would sure make installing it on your rig a Whole lot easier just having to deal with 1 piece at a time rather than a wobbly mess of loose, but connected, pieces. But that's just IMHO. Oh, it'll be loose (well, I guess you could re-tighten) because most of the screws you need to remove are Under the ends that hold the various cross-bars in place.

 

[Baughb]

Late to the game. Looking for crossbars myself but saw a whole rack on Ebay for $150. 10-04-2019 Hope it works well for someone.

1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner OEM Roof Rack Complete W/ Hardware Cargo Luggage | eBay

 

[XtremeAdventurer]

Late to the game. Looking for crossbars myself but saw a whole rack on Ebay for $150. 10-04-2019 Hope it works well for someone.

1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner OEM Roof Rack Complete W/ Hardware Cargo Luggage | eBay

Wow! For that price, I might start a side business of going to the pick-n-pull. $2 to get in and $15 for the rack.
My rig didn't have crossbars when I bought it, so I went the pick-n-pull route. Now, I'm building a rack, so will have spare crossbars in the future.
Here, I'll start my business... $50 for the crossbars!
Just kidding, still need them for a bit.

 

[Baughb]

Wow! For that price, I might start a side business of going to the pick-n-pull. $2 to get in and $15 for the rack.
My rig didn't have crossbars when I bought it, so I went the pick-n-pull route. Now, I'm building a rack, so will have spare crossbars in the future.
Here, I'll start my business... $50 for the crossbars!
Just kidding, still need them for a bit.

Here in Southern California to pick-a-parts are very well picked. I have not had much luck with them in the past

 

[liljoedafishho]

same here-$2entry $25 rack I now have a double crossbar and 5 strap on my rig-beefed up look !