No Roof Rack

Does anyone have a 4Runner with the roof rack removed and replaced with nothing? I saw some pictures on another site with a 4Runner and no roof rack...it looked pretty cool and thinking of doing it with mine. To that end, would the old roof rack bolts be sufficient in keeping the roof water tight?

 

https://trail4runner.com/2019/05/07/5th-gen-4runner-roof-rack-delete-mod/

 

Thanks!

 

Np ! considering it myself because it looks great and I never use roof racks. Please share any info if you decide to do it. Post pics

 

I removed mine

 

Definitely...I bought a Gobi Stealth about a year ago and it is nice and solid, but still so bulky and noisy. Plus, I haven't really used it as much as I had hoped. So now, I would like to see it all clean, even without the stock rack. The link you sent, said there is a kit for about $70 bucks. I will look into and probably do it...then post the pictures. Thanks again.

 

I'll be doing it to my 23 Pro when I get it later this month!

 

You guys that removed it what kit did you purchase and any tips when installing? Did you guys use silicone or just what came with the kit? Thanks!

 

I used the Toyota kit. And added silicone around the bolts.



TOYOTA 2004 to 2020 4Runner 2006 to 2018 Rav4 ROOF Rack Removal Delete KIT OEM Genuine https://a.co/d/0v7BvRX

 

Does the cap overlap the weather stripping? I heard from others that they had a small gap between the new plastic cover and the weather stripping. Thanks !

 

Water may pool in the roof ditches temporarily, but it will evaporate faster as well. The weather strip does not make a waterproof seal.

 

The Cap does "technically" cover the Weatherstripping. But not by much at all. Hence the silicone to be safe. It's literally just the slightest of the edge to make a connection.

No issues with that set up doing that for me. Weekly car washes and all.

 

I purchased the delete kit and after spending way too much time researching what types of sealants/silicone etc I still haven't made up my mind. I'm assuming the foam washer on the bracket and rubber washer on the bolt should be water tight if installed perfectly but I know how these things work. Nothing is machined perfect between the sheet metal,hardware/human error things are never perfect. I have some butyl rubber strips laying around that I might just wrap around the edges of the bracket. Thanks for uploading the pics. I'm trying to do it right so I'm not some sad guy posting about what not to do in 3 or 4 years when my truck needs a new roof and headliner

 

I think Toyota agrees with you and I believe that's why the manual calls for an anaerobic thread sealer on the bolt threads - as an extra precaution against water penetration/leakage.

 

Just an update. Ordered a knockoff kit from someone on ebay claiming oem and the foam on the brackets had little imperfections and small pieces missing. The covers had no numbers on the back and the bags they came in said made in japan. Ordered a kit from toyota and the foam on the brackets were fine. The bag from toyota said made in usa. Slightly different shade of black between the two. The knockoff kit would've worked fine if the foam on the brackets were intact. I'll post a picture or two if I decide to install this weekend

 

I bought the OEM stuff for $100 off Amazon, and will install soon. I think the silicon and plumbers tape should be good for stopping leaks.

 

This may be a bit off topic, but I removed the roof rack from my 2003 4R myself. We discovered that a nice big rear shelf attached to the 2" hitch receiver, actually provided about 2mpg of gas mileage while the roof rack dropped our mpg by at least that amount. Good luck with the mod. 4Rs do look a lot sleeker without their roof racks IMNSHO.

KA5UTN

 

Thats what I used. The OEM kit should have only costs about $60ish from Scamazon. Should come with 8 bolts and washers, 4 clips and 4 covers. 2-3 wraps of teflon tape and a small bead of silicone grease ( NOT RTV!!!) around the washer. Get em nice and snug and you should be good to go. Been about 18 months and no leaks.

 

I have been wanting to take my Pro Rack off even before I bought it 20 months ago. I never liked the look of the Pro Rack and I don't ever foresee me needing to use it. I have removed the rear seats and I have plenty of interior storage and sleeping space for me, myself and I. We have had a Chevy Suburban for 20 years (still have it) and the only time we used the roof rack was once a year for Christmas trees. In 30 years of marriage and with three active boys (now grown) we only used a roof rack for one trip in our Honda Pilot (still have it) to Maine for our Party of Five (borrowed a Thule roof top storage bin that worked very well). I am almost 61 now and given how rarely I used a roof rack over the past busy 30 years of my life - I think in full confidence I have no future roof rack needs. Looking forward to having sleeker look, a slightly quieter ride and maybe saving a ounce or two per fill up!

 

No need for roof rack if packed properly

 

Why NO RTV?

 

"NOT"... I was saying I did not use RTV. I was not saying to not use it. I chose not to use it. You can, but be aware that RTV has an acid in it, and when it cures it will peel/ bubble the paint. Being that the area is seldomly seen, but is susceptible to holding water, I didnt feel like having a rusty roof. But thats just me.

 

I just had the chrome factory roof rails taken off today at a 4x4 shop where I was having some other work done. I bought the Toyota kit for about $65 on Amazon. I had no need for the rails and think the truck looks better without them.

 

Meanwhile I'm like...
Lol

 

I think it largely depends on how many passengers you travel with when you take a trip. 99% of the time it's just me and my dog so there is room for all kinds of cargo inside the 4Runner.

 

No man you're totally right, the hole plugs and rack delete looks awesome. I think if my wife and I got a second Toyota, which is coming, I could see how others have streamlined them off

 

Thanks for the reply

 

Rack removed

 

I love this delete kit. I know it’s contrary to the purpose (and the thread, oops) but I think every aftermarket roof rack should come with this kit. I know several of them don’t “finish” the drip rail, but simply have spacers that bolt to the roof. The sealing plate underneath and the cover trim (just drill holes) are too useful to ignore.

 

I do love the look of no rack. But I need a place to haul kayaks, lumber and such.