Topic: Roof Rack for 4Runner

[Gibson]

lookin for pics of roof rack on a 4Runner. lookin for something sturdy i can mount a tire on and hi lift and shovel. and how u mounted it cuz i plan on makin it myself  and have no rack mounts on mine.

[Snowtoy]

Here is one I made for an '86 I restored a few years ago.



I used two sections of square tube as rails and mounted it to the top of the runner at three points along each rail.


You could also run oem style rails like these, and mount the rack to the rails.(Will put up a better pic later today)


I make them out of either 1/2" or 3/4" galvanized electrical conduit.  The conduit is about the same weight as aluminum, but costs only a fraction of the price.  I think the cost of the conduit per rack is under $10.

The first rack I made has ben in use for almost 15yrs now, and has held up fine.

While the racks would easily hold a spare 35"(or bigger), getting it up there would be a PITA, so you might consider some type of swing out tire carrier.

3/4" rack on my '91

[junya92toy]

Here is one i built out of aluminum tubing.

[Gibson [OP]]

ya that is kinda what i was thinkin about for my runner. good lookin work. oh and nice pickup!!! wish i had one like that 

[foonanas]

Has anyone used the THULE or Yakima racks on a 1st gen with the rails?  If so how did it hold up?  I would like to put a roof rack or snowboard carrier on there but i have heard the rails on the hard top are not to strong.

[Snowtoy]

The oem style rails I put on the top of the shell on my '90 have held up w/o issue for almost 15yrs now, and it is only made of aluminum and plastic.  I have no concern when using the rack as a handle to climb my up onto the tire when loading/unloading the rack, it creaks a little, but nothing indicating it is going to break.  The best thing to do is to grab a ladder, stand next to the truck and apply some good amount of lateral force to the rails, if the bend or bow, you might consider running something else.

The first gens also have the gutter mounts on the shell and cab, you should be able to buy a set up from Yule or Yakima for a snow board and then buy a rack that attaches it.

[bigarms23]

heres one tied into a partial exo

[foonanas]

Thats where  i would mount them.  on the gutter rails.  just wanted to know if the ones on the hard top were strong enough to use for a rack.  the ones on the cab are metal and the ones on the top are fiberglass.  I am looking to get the yakima set up and then maybe and a rack or snowboard carrier.

[83 Crawler]

wouldnt a roof rack with a tire make a 4runner more top heavy?

[runner88]

Don't use the rails on the shell. It'll break over time if you put any kind of load on it. Use the Side Loader or Wide Body attachments and Raingutter style towers.

[foonanas]

Don't use the rails on the shell. It'll break over time if you put any kind of load on it. Use the Side Loader or Wide Body attachments and Raingutter style towers.

runner88 you have me confused.  first you say not to use the rails on the shell.  because they will break.  then you say and show a picture of the raingutter style mounts.   All i plan to use them for is carring my snowboard.  i would not use them for putting my spare tire on there.

[runner88]

The Side Loader attachment from Yakima is a bolt-on metal Rain gutter that goes into the side of the shell. Check out the rear mounts on the white 4runner: http://www.yotatech.com/f2/show-me-your-roof-racked-first-gen-runner-66030/

[dyogim]

You can custom make one your self using thule feet and bars and incorporating parts from Home Depot.  Not a runner but, similar concept.  Just find the mounting spots that are sturdy and go from there.  Here's what I did on my tundra:

http://dyogim.blogspot.com/2009/05/ive-had-my-roof-rack-set-up-from-my.html#links

Here's the final assembly.  This whole set-up is completely bolt-on.  The steel unistrut material for the framing is great for mounting points (i.e. lights) and there are a lot of off the shelf accessories for it.  The "basket" is a steel mesh pallet shelf turned upside down.  I cut off some excess because it was too wide.  Cargostays in place with some racheting tie downs:

[foonanas]

runner88, thanks for the info.  I got some of those ordered today.