2022 TRD Pro white - slowly building

Just bought a Sherpa crestone rack to install this weekend! Super stoked to remove the TRD basket.

I heard removing the OEM TRD rack was a nightmare for some people - any advise or tips?

 

I recommend watching videos like this on YouTube that will guide you through it step by step. Westcott Designs folks are super reputable and trustworthy. I know this approach works for most folks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZr7SBB4TqM

 

@Mr. Snuffleupagus Thank you ~ I saw this as well! But I saw some other people on this forum or the other big t4r forum, saying that the plastic inserts underneath these bolts got melted off and damaged. I saw an image of one literally completely burnt off and the plastic ends were almost flush to the base of the roof. Really trying to avoid any damage but if it need be, I already have a torch handy and will bust that thing out if absolutely necessary.

Thanks for the looks!

 

Removed mine the week I bought the truck. Nice warm sunny day. Was prepared for a battle and mine came out no problem. Didn’t need to torch anything.

 

@teedub21 Thats a relief to hear! I have been reading a lot of these nightmares from 2020 & 2021, maybe they got the message to their installation team for 2022.

Being hopeful for this weekend! Hopefully I dont run into any issues!

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Think it just depends on how much loctite they put on it at the port. Don’t know why Toyota thinks it needs red loctite.

Since you’re in SoCal I’d park it in the Sun to let it warm up then pull the rack. Use good quality tools so you don’t strip the TORX bolts.

 

And turn it slow by hand, no impact drivers or anything!

 

Once you start turning don’t stop. If you feel too much resistance don’t force it. I’d have a heat gun handy just in case.

 

No problems removing mine. No heat needed. Nice even pressure with good torx socket in my 1/2” ratchet. Swapped it out for a standard length Victory rack.
Good luck. Pictures of mod when finished, please.
Mine Before:

And After:

 

@qcTRDct @teedub21 Thank you both for the feedback! Will keep that in mind.

 

@Kilo Papa Wow what a beauty! I love how every 4runner still can look so different in my eyes, love it! Ill get some before and after pics in here once I get it all installed!

Happy holidays!

 

Mine now. Much cleaner without that ridiculous rack.

 

Update:

Got my rack installed this past weekend! Some pics below to show some different angles. Super stoked with how it came out; no rattling, don't notice any increase in wind noise, and no leakage. Super easy install I did by myself ~ Took about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Also - I had zero problem removing my TRD pro OEM rack to whoever else may be looking for this info. I used a 1/2 inch socket wrench, it had a long extended handle about 18 inches. Worked like a charm! Just took it nice and slow, took about 30 min.
Now I have a TRD pro rack to whoever may be interested with all mounting hardware included. Currently have about 11k miles on the car and never used to rack once to mount anything. Shoot me an offer if interested!