So, My truck was cursed without the factory roof rack. i've looked at my options of getting a roof basket on my truck but it would have to be mounted way up front. I don't generally like the look of that but if need be, that's what i'll do. But how hard would it to pull a factory roof rack off a 2nd gen 4runner ( or even off a 3rd gen? ) and bolt it to the roof of mine? are they trussed or braced on the inside above the head liner? I haven't really looked at it yet, but it seems like it would be a simple bolt on through the roof of my truck, correct?

 

You have tons of options here. I used to install permanent roof systems on 4 runners. Typical installation (in my opinion, the cleanest, most versitle setup) would involve drilling into the roof - although not through cross members - we used nut-inserts, a type of rivet that is threaded to fix aluminum track sections front to back on the vehicle. A consideration here is whether or not you have a sunroof - if you do, your track length will be limited. Yakima makes aluminum sections of track and sells hardware and end caps for installation. Super easy to install yourself - just measure correctly!!

Once you have track installed, then you can choose your bar rack from there - adding more bars for additional weight etc.

Check out: http://www.nextag.com/yakima-track/search-html for a visual. (top item)

Good luck!

 

There is a write up on here somewhere.

 

I don't have a sun roof so i dont have to worry about that. Nor do i have one of those goofy looking spoilers. the roof of the truck is 100% bare. lol

 

i would find one at the yard and pay no more than 20 bucks and screw it to your roof, easy as pie, just make sure you use a rubber strip underneath or those screws with rubber washers, or something to keep water from getting in

 

thats what i was thinking, but instead of screws. using bolts, and trussing it from each side to the other. just so it can handle the weight. ya know?

 

If i was you, i would go to one of the pic n pulls by you and see if you can find a second gen 4runner with a roof rack and pull the head liner down and see how its mounted and braced through the roof. That would give you an idea of what you need to do.

 

yeah, thats what i was thinking of doing. but since the cash for clunker plan has stopped, Toyota's are dwindling in the Pick n Pulls again around here.

 

whatever you do post it. i am cursed as well and want a factory one, im not fond of the aftermarket ones...

 

Im still researching it. Taking a drill to the roof of my truck isn't exactly comforting...

 

exactly how i feel. the guy i got the truck from gave me the swing mount spare tire thing and im gonna toss it. dont wanna put unnecessary holes in my rig.

 

hmm you have a 91... shouldn't it have it?

 

in a perfect world yes. but this world nor my runner is perfect.

 

lol interesting... cant complain though, 84k on a 22re 5 speed 4runner is a nice find.

 

thanks, traded my dream truck for it. couldnt pass it up!

 

your dream truck? lol

 

85 chevy short bed, red, cowl hood, 454 cid, th400, and ugly as sin wheels. just wasnt a functional vehicle for me, and it was a gas guzzler.

 

Let us know how it goes...I have a 2000 5speed w/ no rack and also looking to go the factory rack route. I have surf a couple salvage yard but did not like the condition of the racks.. With this generation the no rack option has a cover where the track rails would go it appears to be easy....too easy.

 

Did you ever figure it out? Just picked up a rack and looking to find the best way to put it on

 

never went through with it. your best bet would be to order a 3rd gen roof rack from say... baja rack, and get it put on.

a factory rack has been done, i just wanted something full size.

the 4Runner has been sold.