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Question about ad-on roof racks

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by babscooter, Dec 4, 2021.

  1. Dec 4, 2021 at 9:10 PM
    #1
    babscooter

    babscooter [OP] New Member

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    Can anyone tell me if there is a aftermarket roof rack which will connect to my existing roof rails (not the upper slider rail system)?
    I don't want to drill new holes in the vehicle roof, but would like to use the existing factory rails or at least use the original holes to attach a rack such as a Victory or Sherpa type low profile rack. Hope that makes sense, will look forward to comments.
    Thanks.IMG_3278.jpg
     
  2. Dec 5, 2021 at 5:22 PM
    #2
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    You just answered yourself. You stated if there are no aftermarket crossbars, you're ok using the pre-existing holes to mount the new setup.

    I mean, if you're looking for just the cross bars themselves, buy some extruded aluminum and create your own feet to attach to the pre-existing side rails.

    Me, I found it easier to just replace the whole roof rack with a Sherpa rack as I've found it very useful.

    Roam Adventure Co 83L case mounted with Sherpa mounts -

    20211119_164225.jpg

    Waterport mounted with Sherpa mount and Waterport's universal bracket -

    20211125_104328.jpg

    Maxtrax boards mounted using Sherpa traction board mounts on Maxtrax pins -

    IMG-20210827-WA0010.jpg

    Smittybilt Gen2 awning on Sherpa awning mount -

    20210704_160025.jpg

    And a few random pics -

    20211111_193340.jpg

    20211126_065045.jpg

    20211201_171756.jpg

    IMG_20210217_182415_973.jpg
     
    AZ40CAL likes this.
  3. Dec 5, 2021 at 6:03 PM
    #3
    babscooter

    babscooter [OP] New Member

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    Oh man! What a sweet set up! So, it sounds like if I remove the entire OEM roof rack system that the Sherpa one will bolt on through the existing holes in the roof. Is that correct?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Dec 5, 2021 at 7:34 PM
    #4
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    That is how most aftermarket racks attach. Some of the full length racks do require drilling additional holes closer to the windshield, but most offer a "no-drill" option.
     
  5. Dec 5, 2021 at 9:24 PM
    #5
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    It's exactly what I said above.

    Sherpa Equipment Co offers two styles for our 4Runner.

    The Antero, shown above, is roughly the length of the factory rack.

    The Matterhorn, is much longer and requires careful placement of the added feet up front (for weight distribution reasons).

    I'm considering upgrading to the Matterhorn from my Antero, but even if I don't, I'm pretty happy with my setup as is -

    20210704_143759.jpg

    20211126_155147.jpg

    20211112_152753.jpg

    20210629_142430.jpg
     

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