Frontrunner rack on a 2000 LX470

[ThomD]

Anyone have any experience installing these on the LX or LC? I'm putting a rack on so I can mount an awning. The Frontrunner looks interesting because I need to keep the height down so I can get into the garage.

 

[AlterKnight]

Hi, I installed a used one on my 2000 LX early this summer. Fortunately for me, the previous owner of the rack had it all assembled and all we (he helped) was remove the OEM rack and install the FR - which consisted of mounting the feet and then attaching the already assembled rack.

In speaking with the previous owner, the assembly is pretty tedious (lots of little bolts in small places) but straightforward. I think he said it took at least 4 hours and mounting the rack is a two person job.

My observations of the rack to date:

- it came with metal fairings but would have totally blocked the sunroof, so the previous owner sold me his sunroof plastic bubble thing that breaks up the wind pretty good (7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10)

- it lacks railings like the Hannibal or AO, however you seem to like this due to the FR's reduced height - however, I think these other racks can remove the railings so they have the best of both, but I think the their price is significantly higher than the FR (campinglabs has the best FR price, I think)

- I have added a number of accessories to my rack: spare tire holder (haven't used yet); ax and shovel mounts; dual jerry can holder; tie downs; and front light brackets.

- I too want to add an awning, and again think I am going to go with campinglabs awning given Overland Journal's review.

Here are a few pics...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Give Paul at Equipt a call, he's been running a Front Runner on his several for years now and has sold many, many more of them. He lined me up with a FR for my Tacoma, he knows the product line better than any.

 

[spressomon]

Bought the FR earlier this year and have utilized it extensively over numerous on-trail trips this year with 100% satisfaction. Although the FR is a little more work to install than say an AO...but given AO's are not distributed in the USA (supposedly going to be distributed here sometime) and the FR is less expensive...its a super rack once mounted to your roof.

 

[ThomD]

Thanks guys. The rack looks great. I was a little confused about how it mounted, but I gather that the factory "rack" comes out and the FR track mounts into that space.

spressomon: Is that Slee's "Blueberry" bumper? Man I like the look of that, but the wife gave me one of those "What do you need that for?" looks. I can't complain because she is on board with the roof rack/awning and a Kamparoo in the Spring.

 

[spressomon]

Thanks guys. The rack looks great. I was a little confused about how it mounted, but I gather that the factory "rack" comes out and the FR track mounts into that space.

spressomon: Is that Slee's "Blueberry" bumper? Man I like the look of that, but the wife gave me one of those "What do you need that for?" looks. I can't complain because she is on board with the roof rack/awning and a Kamparoo in the Spring.

Yes the factory rack including the roofline rails get removed. FR includes everything you'll need including the base rail runners that get bolted to the roof channels that used to secure the OEM rack system.

Just an FYI: I, and others, have had to drill and countersink one hole per FR rail to match the holes in the LC. My LC has 3-factory roof rack vertical supports...some models only have 2 of these vertical supports (LX I think). I assume the nutserts are there for the 3rd OEM riser...which you will need for the FR.

The drilling operation isn't a big deal with the right drill bit and a counter sink...otherwise you'll need to enlist the services of a friend with tools

My bumper is the new 100/LX front bumper. Not identical to the original Blueberry bumper...and then I added my own light bar. It is one super stout bumper!!!

Dan

 

[ThomD]

My bumper is the new 100/LX front bumper. Not identical to the original Blueberry bumper...and then I added my own light bar. It is one super stout bumper!!!

Dan

Oh yeah, what kind of light bar is that and how do I convince myself that I'm spending money on experiences, not stuff?

-t

 

[spressomon]

Oh yeah, what kind of light bar is that and how do I convince myself that I'm spending money on experiences, not stuff?

-t

VisionX Solstice array. I started with LightForce 170's and wanted better wash of light...that led (no pun intended) to the VisionX LED. I need them mostly during hunting season when it gets dark before I'm out of the hills ;-) otherwise for our typical summertime explores they rarely get turned on...

Don't buy stuff you don't need.

 

[REDrum]

I also have an LC100 w/ a FR rack, and I second everything Alterknight posted. Sure I'd like side rails (like on the Hannibal), but with the low rails I fit in most parking garages (also have 3" Slee lift kit...). My rally service crew also like to low rails as we (they) are constantly loading and off loading Ez-up tents and big Pelican boxes. FR also has a cool ladder that mounts loose and rests against the rear tires, makes getting up on the rack a snap.

As for the faring challenge...I went with a 48" Thule and got creative with zip ties for mounting. Looks great and no to low rack noise/harmonics. Just don't run through a car wash with it on (don't ask...) PM me if you'd like a photo.

Cheers!

 

[ThomD]

Thanks REDrum, my weekend project is to install the FR rack that finally arrived this week.

 

[adventureduo]

Im surprised to see FR didn't respond to this post as they are board sponsors.

Tom, post up pics of your rig when you get it fitted.