Pulling the Roof Tracks off a 4runner

Hey everyone,

Planning on making a trip to the junkyard in the near future to pick up some roof racks and cross members for the top of my bed cap. I will be pulling them off a 2nd gen 4runner.

Has anyone done this? I am wondering what tools I will need and how to go about it.

Zach

 

I have. It worked great:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cap-shell-roof-rack.665873/

There are actually several vehicles with flat roofs and basic t-track style roof racks that would work great. You could just measure your cap and then find something with measurements similar. I found it was pretty easy to shorten (narrow) the cross bars on the 4runner rack, and if I had needed to I could have trimmed the length of the t channel pretty easily too.

If you have any specific questions let me know.

 

Oh, I'm not sure mine came off of a second gen, it was late 90's. I used the cross bars from a Ford though. I'd say play with stuff at the yard until you find a set up you like, that's what I did. The checkout guy didn't care what it came off of, just "roof rack system, that'll be 28.50". I probably could have grabbed a third cross bar if I wanted to but I couldn't think of why I'd need it. I did grab a bunch of the d ring tie downs because those are always handy!

 

I actually found your thread before I made this post and plan on doing exactly that! I am just wondering how the tracks came off of the SUV. I do not know what tools to bring since its a pull your part.

 

If I recall correctly, the 4runner just used a small torx head screws, and the Ford tracks used Phillips head screws. I just brought my tool bag I keep in the truck so I had a bunch of stuff but I think all I really used was:
Torx bits and whatever you use to drive them
A couple screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
Nylon trim tool if you have one (for track end caps and to lift the tracks if needed)
Flat head screwdriver would work for this too

Wouldn't hurt to have a set of wrenches and a pair of pliers available but I don't think I needed them.

 

I removed the end caps on the tracks first using torx bit
Removed all cross bars by hand by loosening the knobs and sliding them out of the tracks
Removed the tracks with the torx, you might have to give the track a little smack to loose it from the roof if it's stuck

Stick the hardware and end caps in your pocket as you go. Expect to replace the screws that held the tracks down in your installation. You'll want longer screws to go through the cap with fender washers, lock washers and nuts, or stop/lock nuts.

Then take the tracks around the yard grabbing other stuff you like, like tie down d rings or if you see other cross bars you like, making sure they fit the t tracks as you go.

 

Thank you so much for the help. I figured that I would just bring my tools and hope for the best, but I wanted to make sure there was nothing weird involved with the job. Cannot wait for the end result. Will keep the thread updated with my progress.

 

Just picked up cross members and tracks from the junkyard. Will keep everyone updated as to how they come out

 

Just finished up. Drilled holes through the cap (which was a bit stressful), mounted the tracks, and mounted my crossbars / roof rack. Loving the results.

 

@zjdietz just found this thread and thinking I might go visit some junkyards to find some cheap tracks. Did you end up pulling yours from a 4Runner as well?

 

Yes I did. Came of a 3rd gen. LKQ charged me $40. It was very easy, all I needed was some torx bits if I remember correctly

 

Awesome thank you. I’ll check out some local junkyards and keep my eyes out for some 4runners

 

Glad this idea is getting passed around. I certainly wasn't the first to think of doing this or the first to do it by any means but I love to see a great idea get spread around. That's what the forum is for.

@zjdietz your installation looks great!

@rustyfromskowhegan I still watch the forum and this thread if you have any questions for me but it really is all about as simple as it looks. Drilling the holes in your cap is a bit of a butt puckering moment but just measure a lot and be careful and you'll be fine!

4 runner tracks work well and are easy enough to find but anything from a flat roof suv should work too (Ford escape, Jeep Cherokee, maybe a bronco)

Almost a year later, my roof rack has held up pretty well. It's got some dents scratches and gouges from hauling canoes, ladders, etc up there but I don't really mind. If the cross bars ever get too rough I'll just replace them. They are cheap enough and easy to find at the junk yard.

I've been thinking of making a set myself that extends over the sides a bit more anyway so I have more width to work with. Maybe that'll be a project this spring or summer

Buggsy

 

Hell yeah man! Thanks for the help originally

 

I’ll post back here if I’m able to score anything

 

I'll add that I got a set of tracks from Pick n Pull for a Ford Windstar (2003 I believe). Used a torx bit to get them off and I was set for $20. They were 60" long I think. Lots of options available in the yard.

 

That’s good to know about another make/model that has tracks. Were they standard t slot tracks and/or were you able to add Thule or Yakima racks to those tracks from the Ford?

 

They are fairly standard t-slot size. In fact I bought some Yakima Anchor Plate "A" and they fit perfectly. The slots are 7/8" wide and 1/4" deep approx. This is part of a DIY rack I'm working on.

This guide is what I used for inspiration:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-diy-shell-roof-rack.476955/