Hello everyone... Been following a few weeks... decided to register and participate.

First thread/question... I have a 91 4runner w/o a roof rack... I would like to add a "safari" style rack that is capable of hauling kayak's and other light weight cargo... any specific model/size recommendations... I was considering Yakima but I am not sure how is will attach because there is not really any "raingutters" to clamp to... I have an old Barcrafters ski rack for my Honda that won't work because of that reason.

 

Yakima & Thule has the adapters, Yakima calls them "clips," that would work with their racks to fit your 4Runner. Most aftermarket rack makers are excellent. I've used Yakima extensively on my past vehicles in the past, but I'm willing to try Thule out for my next set.

 

Check Corey's setup. I don't think he has a factory rack either.

 

Check out the Surco racks... they may have a few adapters for you.

 

What Cebby said
https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...mods/corey.htm

Fresher pics here of some close ups.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/runs/41203/4_12_2003.htm

The Yakima Load Warrior is a pretty decent rack, and there are many mods out for it now.
I had to fab a few of my own, but now more are out.

 

I have a surco that I used to strap my kayaks and mountain bikes too. It's cheap and light, which is good, but I'm not sure it's strong enough/heavy duty enough to handle the stress of 2 kayaks at highway speeds. I did it a bunch of times, sometimes up to 300 miles at a time, any my Surco held up ok, but it's definitely loose in a few places. I'm not sure I'd push it.

I mounted the surco to thule bars, then mounted thule bars to the top of the surco, and put thule kayak/bike carriers on that second set of bars. I can get you some pics when I get to work on Monday... if you're interested, PM me.

You can do it with a surco, but I would recommend something better/stronger if you can afford it.

 

Save yourself a few hundred bucks and Build your own.

Itll be cheaper and stonger

 

4hummer... your rack looks strong but do you have any trouble with leaks?... I hate the thought of putting 4 holes in the roof if I don't have to... did you hit cross braces within the roof or how do you have it reinforced?...

Thanks to everone else for the advise

 

No Leaks. I used cocking (sp ?) on the underside of the plate before bolting it on tight. (Sandwich effect)

Theres just a big metal plate on the inside, Ive Stood in the roof rack and it holds my weight. and Im 6'4 and 215 pounds.

Heres a pic from the inside

 

[beavis]hehe......hehehe........you said cocking........heheheh[/beavis]

You meant "caulking".

 

I'd recommend doing what I did and finding a pair of Yakima Q-Towers and Crossbars used (Ebay?). You'll save yourself a good chunk of cash right there buying them used.

If you want a basket, there are several kinds, but I think the main ones are the Yakima LoadWarrior and the Surco Safari. Those were both a little out of my range so I went with a SportRack Cargo Basket which I think is only available in Canada. That doesn't do much good for you

If you're thinking of doing the dealership thing and installing the factory rack that came as an option on your rig, don't. You won't be able to carry nearly as much weight as if you go with a Yakima or Thule setup.

The guttermounts should work just fine on your truck, and personally I like having the rack just over the doors, it makes it much easier to access things on top as it's more stable standing on the cab floor than it is on the tire/rear bumper.