LR3 Front Runner rack install question

[GORM]

So I'm installing my new front runner rack which replace the factory rails. My rear rails have a built in rubber lining so when I remove the rails there is only the gutter. The front portion of the gutter (from about the front of the rear rail) has a rubber lining that runs to the front of the vehicle an secured with a screw. The front portion will be secured by the front of the rack but it would appear I need a new rubber insert for the rear portion.

Any idea where I find this rubber gutter material?

Thanks

Kent
Pic #1: me tail rail with slim rubber insert that slides into rail


Pic#2: empty gutter

 

[anglotron]

You can buy full length rubber strips from Land Rover that fit into the gutter channel, but I decided not to buy them because they're about $100 per side. The part numbers LR018081 and LR018079.

 

[GORM]

So you just left the rear gutter empty? Any negative issues leaving them empty?

 

[anglotron]

Yeah, I just left it empty. It looks like a job half finished to me, but after spending the money on the rack I didn't feel like forking out even more. I'm in CA too, so the weather isn't really an issue and to be fair you can't really see the gutter from below. I think I'll probably find some rubber in due course and I've noticed that a few LR4s that I've seen don't have the roof rails. Just need to find one that's been wrecked.

 

[Silmarillion]

I left them empty as well. I have been through heavy rain and touch less car washes with no leaks.

I think it's a very annoying oversight by Frontrunner to not even mention what to do or confirm that they are supposed to stay open in the instructions.

Has it taken you like 8 hours too? I found that we had to dremmel out the rack rails itself because the anchor screws would not fit on a few of the rails. Ugh

 

[Silmarillion]

I would also love someone's opinion on whether that wind deflector does anything other than make the sunroof useless at speeds over 5mph...

Great rack overall though!

 

[GORM]

It took me about 3.5 to 4 hours with help only to get the rack on the rover. That was after forgetting to put the rail bolts in before the air deflector. I had an issue with 1 rail on the bottom being unable to get the bolt in. I found that too late. I have 7 of the 8 installed and will work that one in from the bottom.

I decided to ditch the rails. Why spend $200 for 2 rigid hot wheels tracks? I'd be interested in folks up north (I'm in PA) and whether this is a big deal. With my larger tires and Johnson rods only Michael Jordan can see I have no gutter rails.

I'll let you know about the wind deflector and post some pics of my beast, Mortimer.

 

[Victory_Overland]

I live in Hawaii and it rains and windy all the time. I do not have the factory gutter covers in either. My rack went on in about 2 hours from start to finish but I credit that to a few videos I have seen in the past and then reading the instructions a few times and ensuring I laid out the parts on the carpet before I started. I found out as well that I needed the factory gutter channel and then after I put the FR rail up there I decided I don't want to need to mess with them because of all the crap I found under the factory rails when I took them off.


My opinion is, the factory rails do not drain with all that crap up there so I left it off an I have no drainage or rubbish hanging out after off-road trips. Wet leaves, sticks, mud and all of that stuff under the factory rails is what will lead to rust. Additionally, if you ********** the FR rack on something, I want to see the roof mounts anytime to verify I didn't break anything. I have looked at using home door threshold seals that fit in there perfectly. Punch a hole where the mounts are and you can use one piece the length of the roof on each side for about $30. Not a chance I'm buying the $150 factory gutter covers to cut them up again...hahaha


When I installed the rack, I left everything very snug but loose enough to move around a bit before final tightening. Once I had my alignment correct, I tightened down the rails and then pulled the rack off for final torque, put it back up and it fit perfectly.


I have the wind deflector on and put it on after I forgot about it once it was on the truck for alignment. When it came off for final torqueing, I then installed the wind deflector. I think it helps with noise personally but now that I have my awning on the side, noise is noise and who knows what if anything it is doing now. I plan to run 2 x 20" or 2 x 10" lights up there in front eventually and make my own wind deflector/air damn that bumps up against the roof line and the rack...more for roof protection than anything and maybe help with some noise but I will flip it up when on the trail and need the lights. Too be honest, as big as the rack is, its pretty damn quiet IMO and I love it's capabilities. Awning and RTT install on this rack with my Pelican Cases on the roof are simple and I have all the faith in the world in FR products. The best part is, I roughed it up a few times on the trails and the scratches are there but never gonna rust.


Also, before I installed the black hardware caps, I put a drop of black gasket sealer in there and slipped the caps on so water does not penetrate. Did the same at the reinforcing rails anywhere there is a gap and under the mount bolts from the rack to the roof.


Lastly, I think my FR rack shipping and packaging to Hawaii was the best of ANY product I have ever seen. I could not have been more happy with the product and services of FR thus far. Just my two cents.

 

[Kgh]

Salvage yards are a decent place to look for those gutter covers.