400orBust

I plan to ad a roof rack to my 4runner using yakima sideloader artificial raingutters bolted to the side of the fiberglass top between the side slider windows and the back fixed window....straight back from the molded in fiberglass raingutters. My question is will thule 300 towers clear the top? By the specified height they should clear the roof. My concern is since they curve inwards will they clear the top corner of the roof? I know I could go with higher towers but I want the rack to sit as low as possible. Thanks for any input.

Hammockman

Here's the roof rack on my brothers 4runner. It's all yakima parts and still sits pretty low.

400orBust

Thanks for the photos. In the second pic it looks like a couple inches clearance...I'm hoping to have mine even lower as the thule 300 towers are a bit shorter than the yakimas. Anyone know if the thule 300 towers will clear?

RAD4Runner

Hi guys,
I posted a question a while ago about roof rack rail mount, but no response so, while we're on the topic of roof racks, I thought I'd throw this question once more...
I want the front to rear adjustability of rail mount roof rack, and I saw an older gen Ford Expedition with roof rails (similar to this) look like they would match the whole length of first gen cab. Does anybody have good experience with this or any other roof rail that covers the whole length of first gen cab?
TIA,
RAD

devilmans hand

Rad

I plan on using a short and a long rack from a couple 2nd gen 4runners.
the long will span the fiberglass section, and the short will bolt into the front metal part of the cab.
Leaves me a rack on the metal cab if i ever decide to run topless too.

RAD4Runner

Thanks for the idea, devilmans hand
I guess I'll have to keep a tape measure in my truck and start measuring racks on others' I see . So far a 48'-50" would fit the whole length of the cab.

400orBust

I'll answer my own question...I ended up with thule 300 towers and yakima sideloader artificial raingutters...it worked just as I wanted. About as low as I would want to go still leaving room to attach stuff to the cross bars. I took pics of the process installing the artificial raingutters and the rack mounted. I'll post a mini how-to if I can get the pics on here from my phone.

mmacinnis

Hey man I know its 4 years later but could you please post the diy online if you get a chance?

e-hut7

Dunno if it's the direction you want to go but I drilled some holes in my 86' 4Runner top and installed the roof rack from a 90-95. I'll post a pic of it when I get off work. Picked up the rack used for $70 and used silicone to seal up around the bolts. I get compliments on it (assume they're legit) and it holds my kayaks, surfboards, ladders AOK. Doesn't leak and hasn't cracked the fiberglass. I went this direction so I could park in the garage. Yakima rack was too tall.

ewong

I used the Yakima "side loaders"
They fit perfectly between the rear "wrap around window" and the "slider" window

Place the bracket on the INSIDE of the track (so you get that part right) and drill towards the outside)

The "gutter" will be the same height as the metal gutter on the cab.
DO NOT use the gutter above the slider windows. That is NOT STRONG AT ALL.

https://www.yakima.com/side-loader

papawhellie

Are you buying two racks and cutting down the runner on the one you mount on the cab. Just wondering as I was thinking of pulling two 96-98 racks at the yard for 22.50 each. One maybe on my recently aquired 94 2wd. And maybe the 2nd gen is totally different that the 96-98? Pictures?

ewong

If you don't want to go the salvage yard route...

https://explore.yakima.com/custom-in...502#metaltrack

RAD4Runner

I used raised-rail rack from Chevy Blazer, trimmed-to-fit, and feet sandwd to conform to Yota roof. I posted mounting tips on my build thread.