This is a write up for those who opt to use a Yakima (or other) multi sport rack on their Gen1 4Runner.

These are pictures of the an installed Yakima Side Loader bracket.

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

First - this setup works only with the "Yakima 1A Towers"

You MAY be tempted to use the "rain gutters" above the sliding window. DONT.
You will at best - snap off the cutter where the rack is mounted.
And worst - this happens at speed and you lose the roof load.

The Side Loader requires you to DRILL holes in the fiberglass top.

It is important to drill the holes from the INSIDE to the OUTSIDE.
Use the inner "retainer template" as a guide.

You will NOTE that in the pictures - the retainer plate will fit flush with the inside IN ONLY ONE SPOT.
You have like 2mm of wiggle room.

Inside view
I painted the plate and bolts so it blends in
Outside view
I put this in circa 1992, so its seen some wear and tear
Longer view - see how it also manages to line up with the rain gutter on the window and on the cab

 

thule makes a set of virtually identical gutters. i purchased them through LLBean. these work fine with old school gutter racks; i have a circa 1967 set that i use for my kayak. the add-on gutters are a better choice than using the fiberglass gutter.