AgentOrange76
Adventurer
I think for all you are looking for, your rack selection is very limited. Smittybilt has a very affordable rack but I won't touch their products with a 10ft pole, the rack also is not the most functional. Please bear with me. I have to recommend Gobi if you are looking at a rack that is foldable even though it's something you would rather not spend that kind of money on. I personally love mine and Gobi's build quality is comparable to ARB's IMO. As far as increased wind noise from adding my rack, I found minimal if not zero added noise. Gobi's design is meant to compliment what little aerodynamics our TJs have. That being said, Gobi's design hinders your windshield operation. Yes, you could buy a hardtop for that kind of price and strap a kayak up there but bear warning of how flimsy hardtops really are. I wouldn't dare strap my nearly 13' 98lb fishing kayak on top of my hardtop without fear of cracking the fiberglass. I honestly believe that Gobi by far offers the best rack for TJs and is really going to have the most operations you are looking for, the price is expensive but definitely worth justifying. Because you plan to run the KC's, the Ranger design would be your only option, although the Stealth design is better clearance wise. Aaaand Gobi is a 100% drill free, besides my special case. This is just me giving you my input on a product I've been running for nearly 2 years. A good cheaper option might be Kargomaster but I'm very unfamiliar with their product's functionality. I'm honestly not sure there is a rack available that meets everything you want.
I've done 10 hour commutes multiple times to and from school with my kayak mounted on my roof rack and had minimal increase in noise, normally the noisiest thing is the straps catching the wind at a funny angle. Surprisingly, I've cruised 85 mph easy with the kayak up there (And before anyone tries pulling crap about no business driving that fast in a Jeep, hop on a Texas Interstate and find out for yourself) and never have issues with crosswinds and such. As far as visibility goes, you get used to it. I don't have a photo of what it looks like from the driver's seat, but I'll snap one this Saturday for you.
On a different not regarding the rubbing, it might be time to consider a small lift. Not sure how old your springs are, but regardless they are likely sagging some from the winch weight. Stock springs are not entirely designed for heavier weight. That all being said, you could also spend $50-$80 and slip in a .5"-1" body lift and call it good or do a small budget boost.
Thanks, stuff like this is exactly what I'm looking for. With regards to the suspension, I've already got 2" puck spacers above the factory springs, so I'm sure the factory springs are sagged out but at least they have new shocks that match the new ride height to help them out. Suspension is definitely something I will do and get a real setup instead of spacers, but probably not in the immediate future. I can't stand body lifts but if I do a tummy tuck waaaaaaay down the road I would need a small one....
As for the rack-wind concern is not a big deal, after all with this new top this is the first time I've been able to listen to the radio on the freeway! Also, what are aerodynamics? It appears I may have overestimated the factory hard top strength, I guess I've been spoiled from seeing all Jeff's awesome fiberglass work. The most it would need to support would be an Old Town Discovery 146 Canoe but for out here it would be a kayak a couple feet shorter. Gobi looks like an awesome product, I'm glad its working out for you. Nothing is off the table right now, just trying to get as many opinions and options and experiences as possible and weigh it all out. Thanks for sharing!