3rd Gen 4runner Roof Rack

[JasonRedwood]

Hey there I'm looking for help deciding on a roof rack for my 1997 4runner limited. After going through most options I have settled on either the Diamondrax Lowprofile($530) or the Bajarack($550).
The Diamondrax price that I have includes the mounting hardware and fairing. Not sure if Bajarack includes the mounting hardware. Anyone know? I can pick up the rack from the manufacture on one of my trips south so shipping isnt an issue.

What I'm looking for is enough pros or cons to sway me in one direction or the other.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[enzo]

Get the bajarack, yes it comes with mounting hardware.

 

[rickashay]

Have you thought about the Whitson Metalworks 3rd gen rack? I had it on my old 4Runner and it was outstanding. Very sturdy, full length, VERY snug fitting. Worth the extra cost IMO and he will even custom make any little changes you might want to do to it.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Thanks rickashay!
Thats a great looking roof rack. WOW.
I'm going to send an email to them.

EDIT: I contacted Josh at Whitson Metalworks. Answered all my questions perfectly. Wondering if anyone else would be interested in sharing shipping charges to the west coast?

 

[rickashay]

Thanks rickashay!
Thats a great looking roof rack. WOW.
I'm going to send an email to them.

EDIT: I contacted Josh at Whitson Metalworks. Answered all my questions perfectly. Wondering if anyone else would be interested in sharing shipping charges to the west coast?

No problem, I was so happy with mine... and Josh is a super awesome guy, that I feel obligated to pass it on wherever I can!

For posterity - my old setup in action:

20120217-IMG_0984.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120301-IMG_1069.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

 

[ebg18t]

Josh at whitson metal works is great. If I didn't have a BajaRack I would have ordered one from him. I don't think you can go wrong with either though.

 

[JasonRedwood]

I really want one of the Metalworks racks. $600 plus $185 shipping is a bit more than I wanted to spend...
Might have to wait and pick up an extra freelance job.
The diamondrax fits my low profile needs but man, the metalworks rack is just designed very well.

 

[City_Rider]

No problem, I was so happy with mine... and Josh is a super awesome guy, that I feel obligated to pass it on wherever I can!

For posterity - my old setup in action:

Any chance to show off eh?

Nice rig... shined up well. I second the Whitson product - looks a little bit cleaner than my Baja Rack. Both are quality products and you can't go wrong with either really. It's mostly esthetics and pricing.

How's work? I see you're up late!

 

[JasonRedwood]

Rickshay, she is a looker!

 

[shmabs]

How much weight can you put on the whitson racks forward portion? I know they have some landing feet up front...

Mike

 

[rickashay]

Any chance to show off eh?

Nice rig... shined up well. I second the Whitson product - looks a little bit cleaner than my Baja Rack. Both are quality products and you can't go wrong with either really. It's mostly esthetics and pricing.

How's work? I see you're up late!

Haha Yah, I miss the 4Runner, so I need to post pics to try and eleviate the feeling of sellers remorse. haha

Rickshay, she is a looker!

lol thanks! Can't wait to see what rack you end up with! I'm actually trying to work something out with Josh now, and get one built for my LX450!

How much weight can you put on the whitson racks forward portion? I know they have some landing feet up front...

Mike

I've never really measured how much, but the front is definitely not as stable as the rear portion of the rack. It's not a design flaw in the rack, but the weakness of the 4Runner roof structure itself. I walked on my Whiston rack before (I weigh 250lbs) on the rear section and the mesh flexed a little but the rack held me fine. I would usually only load ~20lbs of fire wood or something in the front portion... so that's all I can comment there directly.

 

[City_Rider]

I've never really measured how much, but the front is definitely not as stable as the rear portion of the rack. It's not a design flaw in the rack, but the weakness of the 4Runner roof structure itself. I walked on my Whiston rack before (I weigh 250lbs) on the rear section and the mesh flexed a little but the rack held me fine. I would usually only load ~20lbs of fire wood or something in the front portion... so that's all I can comment there directly.

Yep - 210lbs here and I've walked on my Baja Rack.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Rack paint recommendations

Ordered the Whitson Full length rack!
Curious what you painted yours with @Rickashay?
I have an option of getting it powder coated black through a bike builder friend of mine. He thinks it will be about $150 with prep and coating.
Other, cheaper, option is using a bed liner.
I'm leaning towards the bed liner to save on the cash.
Any suggestion or cons on the bed liner option?

 

[ebg18t]

BAMF recommended the Rustoleum hammer finish primer and paint for my sliders. The hammer finish hides minor imperfections.

 

[cnutco]

I wish these were available for a Gen3 Montero!

VERY NICE!


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