Thule with factory roof racks

[eanema]

Hi Guys,
I have a 1998 4Runner SR5 with factory installed roof rack/cross bars.

I would like to remove the cross bars and use a wide set of Thule racks to put two canoes on my roof. The Thule website seems (maybe??) to tell me they don't have a product to use my existing roof rack and add towers to them to support the cross bar. I do NOT want to use racks that use the doors for support (naked roof systems)

Does anyone have any experience with this?
What options do I have?
Is there some way/product to remove the factory roof rack and install an aftermarket track/runner system that could mount Thule towers?

I never thought I would have this kind of problem...

 

[UnderFire]

I don't know Thule at all but Yakima has control towers that mount into the factory rails.

 

[MONTYMTB]

Hi Guys,
I have a 1998 4Runner SR5 with factory installed roof rack/cross bars.

I would like to remove the cross bars and use a wide set of Thule racks to put two canoes on my roof. The Thule website seems (maybe??) to tell me they don't have a product to use my existing roof rack and add towers to them to support the cross bar. I do NOT want to use racks that use the doors for support (naked roof systems)

Does anyone have any experience with this?
What options do I have?
Is there some way/product to remove the factory roof rack and install an aftermarket track/runner system that could mount Thule towers?

I never thought I would have this kind of problem...

I went through the fit guide on their website for a '98 with factory tracks, and it came up with this:

And as UnderFire said, I know for sure that Yakima makes the towers for the 3rd gen.

 

[eanema]

Monty MTB,
Is there a difference between factory tracks and factory rack with cross bars? I thought the tracks are grooves flush with the roof that run the whole length if the roof and is designed for aftermarket racks. I have roof racks that are attached to the roof and ext tend across only the back half of the vehicle. Am I mistaken here or is there only 1 system that both setups use?

Underfire,
Are the Yakima towers mounting to the rack? Or to the runners? Or am I just on drugs and these are the same things?

Thanks guys!

 

[Buckaroo]

Back in '01, installed Thule Tracker II Kit, TK1 with 430 Tracker II Foot Pack and Load Bars to haul my canoe on my 2000 T4R that had the factor roof rack. The factory bars come off (I still have them) and the TK1's mount into the tracks on the roof. I can loosen the anchors with a hex-head (allen) wrench and slide them if I want. I keep the anchors on the truck all the time and clip on the 430 Tracker II Feet & Load Bars when I want to use them. My old fit guide (have all the install paperwork as well) says this works for '96-'01 4 door T4R's. I think they're still available, I searched the web and came up with this.....

Thule Tracker Kit for roof racks

Edit - I just looked at the drop down menu on this site and didn't see the TK1 anchors listed although it discusses them in the text.....you may have to call them....

Good Luck,

Buckaroo