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How To: Roof Rack Removal/ Install

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by wnelax04sr5, Jul 25, 2015.

  1. Jul 25, 2015 at 11:43 AM
    #1
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    Ethan
    CT
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    2004 SR5 4X4 Galactic Gray
    If you don't like your roof rack and want to remove it or swap it for a different style, or if you don't have one and want to add it, this will detail the steps needed to take off and put on an OEM style roof rack. this does not apply to a gobi or WMW rack.

    Step 1: Using a flathead screwdriver, gently ply off the caps on each of the four corners. emphasis on gently
    IMG_20150721_205447041.jpg
    Step 2: With the caps off, use a 12mm socket to loosen and remove the two bolts on all four corners.
    IMG_20150721_211729647 (1).jpg
    Step 3:
    There are rubber stoppers that slide in the tracks at the rear of the vehicle. push these out then remove the cross bars. taking the cross bars out makes it much more manageable to take it off the vehicle
    IMG_20150721_212210633.jpg
    Step 4: Gently work the rails back and forth until the rubber seal breaks off the roof, and you can remove them, and now will have a naked roof.

    Before starting installation, I organized my corner pieces, rails, and caps so that I could grab and go once i stared. you will not want to be searching for parts or hardware while youre trying to put the rack together.
    IMG_20150721_155032113.jpg IMG_20150721_155035364.jpg IMG_20150721_155042117.jpg

    Step 5:
    Put on the front corner pieces with the bolts in loosely. if you tighten them too much you won't be able to manipulate the rack to put the rails and cross bars in.
    IMG_20150721_213150521.jpg
    Step 6: Next step for me was to insert the rails into the front corner pieces.

    *Pictures are going to be sparse from here on out because everything needed two hands and i couldn't stop

    Step 7: Slide the cross bars in from the back and move them reasonably far to the front. This is most easily accomplished with two people, but is doable alone
    Step 8:Once the cross bars are in, you can insert the rear corner pieces into the rails and loosely bolt them down
    Step 9: On the inside of every rail where it meets the corners, there is a threaded hole for a bolt that secures the rail to the corners, now would be the time to tighten these down
    IMG_20150721_213204475.jpg
    Step 10: Once everything is attached loosely and set the way you want it, work diagonally to tighten down every bolt.
    Step 11: Add the caps to the corners and you're done!
    Before:
    IMG_20150719_162811963.jpg
    After:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    jgcaps, Molina4*4 and Bob like this.
  2. Aug 3, 2015 at 6:11 AM
    #2
    Garypi

    Garypi New Member

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    Thanks. Looks easy enough even for me.
     
    jgcaps and wnelax04sr5[OP] like this.
  3. Aug 3, 2015 at 3:16 PM
    #3
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    Ethan
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4X4 Galactic Gray
    if you can turn a wrench, you can do this. give yourself a little credit lol
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  4. Dec 12, 2018 at 11:02 AM
    #4
    Tealfeathers

    Tealfeathers New Member

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    What is the make and model of the new rack you are installing here? I can't seem to figure out what the round bar style is called.
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  5. Jan 2, 2019 at 12:50 PM
    #5
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2014
    Member:
    #12
    Messages:
    2,580
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ethan
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4X4 Galactic Gray
    This rack came off of a sport edition 4runner with the tubular roof rack. Also sometimes come off of the "Urban Runner" edition of the 4th gens
     

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