95SASMudRunner

Hey I have a 1993 4Runner that has no roof rack on it nor runners/tracks for a stock one, was looking to put one on and wondering the best/cheapest way to do this. Want it strong enough to hold a 35 12.5 spare, thought it will mainly be just used for my surfboards/snowboards. Any ideas? I was going to rip a stock one froma junk yard but was told i would have to weld the nuts under the headlines and that welds would cause paint bubbleing/chippage....

Thanks.

4Hummer

more on my site.

snap-on

what is that 3/4x3/4?? thats got to weigh a bit

85badger

Weight probably isn't an issue, especially if he plans on putting a 35" tire/wheel up there.

6lug

Im not dissing that design...but cand the roof handle all that weight, plus whatever you carry, on 4 small points like that without pushing the roof in? Its different when you have tracks on the roof b/c it spreads the load. I know if I push my hand on my roof it will dent in until I let off. Just curious.

91_4x4runner

I imagine that the outer parts of the roof are much stronger than the central parts of the roof (because of the support from the body). If you distribute the weight of a 35" tire across the 4 points its mounted, it probably isnt enough weight to dent it or make it flex even.

Beast

WHY in the heck would you want to put your tire on the ROOF!!!!!!!!!!!
this is the stupidest mod I see!!!!!!
Do you guys understand the logic behind center of gravity??????
WEIGHT ON ROOF GREATLY INCREASES CHANCE OF ROLLING ON AND OFF-ROAD!!!!!!
keep weight close to the ground
SO WITH THAT IN MIND....GOOD LUCK!!!!

amatoer10

the roof is a great place to store an oversized spare without taking up room in the bed or trunk of a vehicle. and as to the COG, how much does a tire weigh? maybe 40-50 lbs? and placing it on the roof moves that weight up by 2-3 ft, compared to all the drivetrain and body components, IMO, the effect on your COG is negligable and i have never felt that my spare tire has made me any more topheavy than i was before. i beg to differ that this is the "stupidest" mod

94-RUNNER

Can we say someone needs some anger management help !

I agree with amatoer10 and it also depends on what type of wheeling you plan on doing. If you are going hard core rock crawling and have a really lifted vehicle COG is an issue. Otherwise not that big of a deal . And yes you can do it without welding the nuts in. Or you could also get a rack that attaches in the door openings of the roof. Thule and a couple of other manufactures make them to fit.

4Hummer

I can stand in my roof rack. and Im 215 Lbs. Trust me I know a little bit about fabrication

I don't wheel with the Tire in the rack. Heck most of the time I dont even carry my spare tire, Be when going on a long distance 4x4 weekend Ill bring my spare and other gear up there. and than leave it at the campsite.