Roof Rails Cracked?

[Kmurt]

Is it just a coincidence that both sides of my plastic roof rails are cracked in the same spot? Are they supposed to be like this?

Also, sometime down the road I would like to get a roof rack. Is there anyway to mount a rack to these rails or do I have to get something different to mount the rack on? Sorry about the noob questions.

 

[ThorInc]

Had the same problem on my 1997 t4r, probably expansion/contraction as I park outdoors......found a set of the same rails on ebay for a very reasonable price. Now I use Mother's Back to Black often on them.

 

[02SE]

The plastic is old, and has been exposed to the Sun and heat for 14 years. It shrinks and cracks at the weakest spot. You could fill in the gap with some black silicone, so it's not as noticeable.

If you want a roof rack, I'd find one off a 3rd gen 4Runner in a junkyard, remove the factory plastic rails, and the factory rack will bolt right in place.

Or, maybe someone on here has a factory roof rack for sale.

 

[Kmurt]

Thanks for the replies.

So say I bought an OEM rack, could I later install a steel/aftermarket rack on later down the road and mount it on the OEM rails?

 

[ThorInc]

Thanks for the replies.

So say I bought an OEM rack, could I later install a steel/aftermarket rack on later down the road and mount it on the OEM rails?

Only if the predrilled holes line up; if you want a rack, get the one you want and they will probably be drilling to mount the anchors.

 

[JBurt]

Mine cracked in the same spot. The factory rails are an easy replacement

 

[Kmurt]

So I tend to really overthink things so let me triple check here.

The factory rails will mount in place of mine, no extra drilling required? Direct replacement?

 

[JBurt]

Yes sir

 

[Kmurt]

Perfect. Thanks!

 

[Trikz]

I had the same plastic rails on mine. Sourced a factory roof rack and indeed, it's a bolt-on deal. Make sure you use silicone on the bolts. If you've never taken them off, you might see a square hole on each end. I just siliconed it, nothing, that I know of, goes there.

 

[jeremyc74]

So I tend to really overthink things so let me triple check here.

The factory rails will mount in place of mine, no extra drilling required? Direct replacement?

Yeah, and just FYI there are usually several on eBay, both new and used. I have the rack on mine but I'm considering replacing it with a new on just because the paint is in bad shape and the plastic parts look bad.

 

[Kmurt]

I'm pretty sure I remember seeing an OEM roofrack at the salvage yard. I might have to make a trip back there now and see how good of shape it's in.

Appreciate everyones input.