I want to get a yakima roof bike rack for my 97 limited 4runner but wanted some input from anyone out there who has one on their 4runner. I've got the factory rack and I hear you can attach several different bike carriers onto the factory system using Mighty Mounts. There's only a few that are compatible with the factory rack like the Lockjaw, King Cobra, Anklebiter etc. and these are all upright systems where you don't have to remove the bike's front wheel. They seem like a good design, but a little bulky when not in use. Also, those Mighty Mounts don't look too strong. It seems like they would snap under the slightest amount of lateral stress. Another possibility is the Load Warrior which is a cargo basket that you can attach other carriers on top of. That sounds great, but it seems like a rack on a rack on top of another rack is geting a little unstable, not to mention beyond reach. Does anyone have any good experiences with any of these factory mounting racks, or should I just pony up and buy the towers that fit into the rack rails. (I already have two crossbars that would work).

 

I've got mine installed in front of the factory roof rack, so I could used both if I needed to. Plus, I had transfered it from an older car, so it was a lost cheaper for me to just buy the $40 clips versus having to buy the mounts for the existing rack. As far as bike carriers, the best kind is the ones that take the front wheel off. These are the safest, most stable scenario. You can also lock these onto the rack, in addition to locking the rack to the car with the locking cores. I've had this same system on 3 cars, and I've had no trouble with any of the cars or anything. The only pain is having to take the front wheel's off. Other than that, I can fit four bikes on my rack, so it's good enough for me. Plus, if I want to add something like a cargo rack on the factory rack, I can have both this way. Hope that helps!

Chris

 

Here is a very old pic of my rig from August of 2000.
http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/tando/b...mp/lockjaw.jpg

It is the Yak Lockjaw bike mount with a Load Warrior rack.

But if you use crossbars and Q Towers to mount the basket like I did, more than likely you will have extra bar sticking out the side.

This extra bar that extends is where I put the Lockjaw on.
Same as for my Hi-Lift jack.
It too is on the extra bar that sticks out.
http://www.pnw4runners.net/tando/mod33b.jpg

I have 3 Lockjaw bike mounts, and have had them since the late 80's.
I have had 3 bikes up on the roof of my old 90 truck I had, and also 3 bikes up on the roof of the 4Runner, and they are very stable.

Even took a long trip up into Canada with the '90 truck with all 3 up there, and never had a problem with them.
It is very stable, and you don't have to mess with the front wheel.

The Lockjaw is useless though if you get a fat tubed bike like I will eventually.
For that, I already have the Copperhead bike mount here where you remove the front wheel.

 

i had the lock jaw rack on my 87 4 runner , no problems , i did have a fat tube aluminum frame bike on mine though , not sure if they have 2 different sizes one for like road type bikes and one for thick framed bikes , the only problem i could see , would be if you had a trek y frame type bike , then it definitly wouldnt fit .
yakima has the new style , cant remeber the name of it , but it looks even more stable . i like not having to take off my front wheel.
the cool tihng is if you like the lock jaw style you can find them on ebay for cheap now ,

erik b of oregon