Rack Help...(no factory tracks)

**JeffreyJim** · 08-22-2007, 07:11 AM

Hey all...

I am finishing up "project 4Runner" and still need to complete the electrical stuff (battery to power rear heater for winter camping) and more importantly, a rack system.

For the record, it's a 95 4Runner, no factory rails/tracks. I know Yakima makes tracks I can install but I was wondering if there is anyway to do it cheaper? I can't attach to the windows because I plan on picking up a rocket box which would hang over the front too much.

I don't care about adjustability, once I get the bars up there in the right spot, I have no real foreseeable need to slide the towers forward or back.

What do you guys suggest? Thule or Yakima? Anything else out there? Where to buy?

**stuckathuntermtn** · 08-22-2007, 08:59 PM

Thule. They should have a fit kit for you to put a set of X-bars on. well, Yakima probably does to. I've yet to be educated on them, but I just got a job at a shop that sells them (hurray me!) so, we'll see.

**bossass** · 08-22-2007, 09:12 PM

I had a friend who had a shit of a time getting a rack up on a 4runner. I don't think Thule or Yakima had feet that clamped to rain gutters or door frames available for his model (I think it was a two door). Anyway, the only option he had was to have the tracks or rails things mounted up there. It's expensive. I think he stalked patiently on ebay for a while to get the shit cheaper.

Edit: If i was gonna have to drill in the roof of my SUV, I'd sure as shit pay somebody who knew what they were doing to do it for me. If you do do it yourself, make sure that shit is watertight. I'm paying for that mistake currently.

**Jaxson** · 08-23-2007, 11:57 AM

I put a couple of rail systems on new vehicles and never had any problems with leakage. Before Yak or Thule had them I used some Ford Explorer rails which are basically the same. You can buy them from Ford (expensive but you get the kit to install them) or maybe you could get some from a salvage yard. I used a square of double back tape (the thick stuff) put RTV in the hole and around it, and also used some putty that was supplied with the Ford kit and never had any concerns with any leak. I think it was a bit of overkill. Just be careful when you install the inserts and you should be okay. Hope this helps.

**bossass** · 08-23-2007, 03:52 PM

Forgot, on the way home with my $6 Domino's large pickup pizza, I did a slow drive by of a 4 runner, probably mid to late 90s, with a Yakima system. There were feet that attached at each of the four door frames, not the bolt on rail system. This is gonna be your way to go if they fit your year. Keep an eye on ebay for the kit you need, and it'll probably come up pretty quick.

**JeffreyJim** · 08-23-2007, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by bossass

Forgot, on the way home with my $6 Domino's large pickup pizza, I did a slow drive by of a 4 runner, probably mid to late 90s, with a Yakima system. There were feet that attached at each of the four door frames, not the bolt on rail system. This is gonna be your way to go if they fit your year. Keep an eye on ebay for the kit you need, and it'll probably come up pretty quick.

Problem with this system is my skis/rocket box will stick out over the front of my windshield. This not only looks goofy but it just isn't functional.

I think I'll be getting the Yakima tracks and drilling.

My buddy did it to his taco topper and has had zero problems. Silicone, Plumbers tape on all threads and a lot of care...shouldnt be a problem.

(except the tracks cost 130!)