Factory Roof Rack Removal

Hi guys!

So fairly new to the whole updates to my 4 runner, not super knowledgeable YET.. But working on it, slowly but surely.

Hopefully next week, I’ll be attempting to take off my factory roof rack (2020 AG TRD) and replacing it with my Bravo series UpTop Overland rack.

I’ve read a few forums about the removal of the factory, as people have had issues with bolts getting stripped, broken, or things falling into the headliner or issues with red loctite.

Any tips or advice would be super appreciated, as I’m not trying to make more work for myself (such as having to open the headliner, ext.).

Hoping this is easier than expected!! *fingers crossed*

 

Slightly OT, how long was the wait for your Bravo, I am at about the 6-7 week mark

 

Hey @jetmechG550!

So initially it was a 6-8 week when I ordered, and then I checked the site again and it was 8-10. I reached out and they had issues with the parts getting coated and some other things that pushed things back.

Mine was delivered a little over 12 weeks.

 

Thanks, I ordered shortly after getting my 4R and it was 8-10 weeks in their email response. Hoping it makes it before my trip since the factory rack and rails are useless. Be sure to share anything you find along the way in the install.

 

I did stumble across this video from Westcott Designs.. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xZr7SBB4TqM

I’ll look ask around and post anything else for sure!!

 

I've removed the stock rack.

I didn't heat the bolts and I wouldn't do that personally. Too much room for error and not necessary, IMO.

But I did loosen each bolt a few turns at a time so the clip doesn't fall down in the headliner.

 

Little scary adding heat, but works.

I went through this about 3 weeks ago on my new 2021. I was worried about the bolts too. I just took my time. Slowly kept increasing torque until bolts started to turn and then tried maintained torque. Bolts would then become harder to turn. So switched directions and started tightening the bolt. Would only turn about eighth of turn before bolt would stop again. Then went back to loosening and bolt would continue to loosen past the point of stopping before. Some required this once or twice. Some would seem to “pop” and would then easily loosen all the way out. I didn’t worry about going back and forth between the two bolts on a given mount as the bolts rose up out of the mount as opposed to trying to push the interior clip down toward the headliner.

Again just take your time. Make sure you have a quality Torx bit in good condition and keep the bit straight in the head of bolt.

 

Yeah. I wasn’t a fan of seeing the heat either lol, but I’ll keep your advice in mind! Thank you!!

 

A

Thank you!! I’ll keep that all in mind. Hoping it really is easier!!

 

^^^This... Take your time, steady pressure, loosen-tighten-loosen. I removed mine without problem. Good luck!

 

I saw a video where they said to keep both bolts on each mount in place until both are loose enough to remove by hand. By removing the first bolt completely you can allow the clip to rotate or break loose when removing a difficult 2nd bolt. Still waiting on Gobi for my rack to give it a go but I have already watched all the videos on YouTube.

 

I just took mine off, like literally an hour ago.

firm steady pressure, no jerky movements, I did like a quarter turn at a time then swapped to the adjacent bolt and did the same. They say don’t take one out all the way if you haven’t loosened the other one the same amount. Some came out easy, some not so easy.

I did use a butane torch, and put painters tape around the rack mounts so I didn’t burn the roof. I’d recommend that.

six of the eight bolts came out relatively easy with firm steady pressure. Two were a pain in the ass and got the torch, and slow slow movements.

there was definitely some popping and the bolts coming out easy, was worried I broke the plastic but didn’t.

good luck.

 

i have remove and install two Pro racks with no problems just need the right tools no Torch take your time and like everyone have said loosen both bolts at each leg at the same time before removing completely

 

Thank you!! I’ll keep that in mind!!

 

Awesome!! I initially went for Gobi but decided to go with UpTop.

 

Thank you!! I’m hoping it’s that easy!! Fingers crossed!! What size of torx did you use, if you happen to remember?

 

T40 I believe

 

Thank you!!

 

Heat is used to melt the lock-tite but like
Others said .. slow and firm .. alternating sides works well

 

Anyone want to sell there factory roof racks, i need the cross bars

 

I will be selling mine as soon as I get my Uptop

 

People run into issues by pushing to hard down on the bolts while loosening them and knocking the brackets off the bottom of the roof. Be gentle with the downward force while unbolting and you should be fine.

 

what you be wanting for it shipped to 34479,

 

I'll check what shipping would be

 

ok thanks

 

I just used my 3/8 drive impact and zipped the bolts right out. I got both loose and then removed them fully. worked great

 

I will be selling mine also once I swap them out, hopefully today! So just let me know!

 

Thank you!!

 

I hope it’s that easy for me!! I’ll do updates!

 

Does anyone have a part number listing for the parts needed to convert from the Pro basket to the roof rails? I found info on a delete kit, but that’s not what I want to do. Thanks!