Gobi Ranger Rack Installation: Write-up

[kenallwine]

So my Gobi rack came last week. There have been many questions on how it fits and works. Here is my attempt at providing some answers. I photo documented the installation procedure today. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Rack installation:

All of the parts came will labeled and well packaged. Every item was protected. Inside the main box, the pieces are strapped together and nothing was damaged.

Here is how the brackets are well labeled:

The first thing needing to be done was to remove the rear bumper. Well this was easier said than done. As I was backing the bolts out, I realized that the threaded inserts were backing out. So I had to give them a good shot of SeaFoam and use a pair of vise grips and out they came.

Next was to install the pinch seam brackets. These hold up the rear support beams. The was pretty straight forward if you follow the directions.

 

[kenallwine]

Now on to the front support / light bracket. This is straight forward. The only problem I had here was that the hardware package was short the 6, 5/16" Stainless Steel washers were missing. No problem as I happened to have some already.

Then onto the rear support beam installation. Again, very straight forward.

The main rack body we installed a bit differently than the instructions. Instead of using the table as recommended we put the rear support up to the final positions and the set the rack up on top. I set the front in place with the bolts until I had the back support in place.

Once the top rack was in place, I put the quick disconnects in place. Here are pictures once I installed them:

Here is the back side with the disconnect engaged and disengage.

 

[kenallwine]

Here is the rack tilted back with the retaining strap:

Now onto the ladder:
Straight forward once again following the directions

This is the support bracket for the ladder

The is the lower ladder mount (1/2" blolt)

The rubber isolator that goes against the rear of the body came with an applique to protect the paint:

I was a little concerned about the window hitting but no problem!

 

[kenallwine]

Everything went in quite well. I really can't complain about anything.

Here are a couple other pictures:

 

[07 Elephant]

Gobi really has their design and fabrication shop putting out good work. I have the stealth rack for the 4th gen 4runner and I've been pleased with it for 2 or more years. I didn't know the jeep rack was so engineered though. Liking how it folds back like that. Very cool. Not your run of the mill rack. Thanks for posting up the detailed install. I hope more folks will support gobi and buy their products. :smiley_drive:

 

[kenallwine]

Now that I have been driving around for two days with it, I have found that the welding slag that is inside some of the tubes is rather irritating. I'll get over it though..:ylsmoke: It is nice that it hinges back to be able to remove the tops.

 

[GunnIt]

Ken,

Thanks for the post. I just ordered my Gobi this weekend and your photos helped me figure whether this rack was going to work with my rear Teraflex bumper...it will.

How long did it take to receive the rack once you ordered it?

 

[kenallwine]

Ken,

Thanks for the post. I just ordered my Gobi this weekend and your photos helped me figure whether this rack was going to work with my rear Teraflex bumper...it will.

How long did it take to receive the rack once you ordered it?

It took about 4 weeks from date of order until I received it at home.

 

[mmccurdy]

Very nice writeup, it should help answer some of the questions folks have about the rack and how it mounts.

I have an earlier rack, and it's nice to see that Gobi are really learning from field testing and continuing to improve the design. For example, my rear frame mounts only have one angle gusset and they're getting a little bent out of shape after hundreds of hard off road miles while fully loaded. The newer brackets have two gussets (visible in the last pic of your first post) and should have no such issues.

Enjoy the rack! :smiley_drive:

 

[LawlerClan]

Local help

Ken,
Just wanted to reach out to you. I am in Palmyra so if you ever need a hand with a project like that let me know.

Chip

 

[Andy G]

Did you end up putting any lights on the front (or rear)?

I just installed a Ranger on my '10 JKU and am looking at the best options.

 

[coastie kyle]

I basically sold my hardtop for a soft top trade and $1500. When I get the money on Thursday Im ordering my Gobi too.

 

[bconrad5150]

I put my Gobi Stealth on Sunday. This is one awesome rack. Blows all the others out of the water...

 

[SilverJK12]

Very nice post and pics! I am thinking about getting this rack. :victory: