So I've been thinking of picking up either a Rhino Rack (Pioneer Platform) or the Front Runner roof rack for my 80 Series. After doing my research, I've come across a few posts on the forum detailing cracking owners have noticed on their C-pillar. Some posters on these threads led me to believe they may have been suggesting a possible link between the roof rack and this cracking. Do any members here on IH8MUD have any thoughts or experiences regarding this? Thanks a lot guys.
80 Series: Roof baskets (and their effect on the roof?)
- Thread starter AusCruiza
- Start date
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jfz80
Cruisin’
THe cracking is overated and occurs on vehicles without a rack or roof load as well. Id consider the two unrelated. IMO its a factor of the extreme bending of the metal material in the stamping process and from general fatigue. Theres a bit of discussion about this in other threads and even some input from CDan on the subject discounting its seriousness.
Here is a 14 yr old thread on the matter by the man himself. Search revealed a few other threads to peruse to keep the information in one place and not dilute the knowledge across many posts.
Cracking in "C" pillars
Here is a 14 yr old thread on the matter by the man himself. Search revealed a few other threads to peruse to keep the information in one place and not dilute the knowledge across many posts.
Cracking in "C" pillars
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
Another way to reduce the impact the rack *might* have on cracking is to get a rack with full length gutter rails like a Prinsu, or Bowfin rack. Same platform style but the rail that runs the full length of the gutter will spread the load far better than a rack with individual feet for mounting.
I have the original Prinsu 80 rack and it's been fantastic.
IMG_3254 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr
IMG_7236 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr
I have the original Prinsu 80 rack and it's been fantastic.
IMG_3254 by Adam Tolman, on FlickrIMG_7236 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr
The C-Pillar cracking is unrelated to a roof rack or off-roading.
My LC has the C-Pillar cracking starting and it has seen ONE time off-roading, but many miles of mall-crawling.
It's my DD and it's never been off-road until me. I've put on about 90K miles on it and it still has the cracks starting (currently 286K BTW)
My LC has the C-Pillar cracking starting and it has seen ONE time off-roading, but many miles of mall-crawling.
It's my DD and it's never been off-road until me. I've put on about 90K miles on it and it still has the cracks starting (currently 286K BTW)
I think roof racks look great on 80’s. Box Rockets is one of my favorites.
But - Why? Do you need it? They are noisy and effect mileage and handling. I’ve tried 2 different racks on mine and ultimately I admitted that other than aesthetics, I don’t need a roof rack.
But - Why? Do you need it? They are noisy and effect mileage and handling. I’ve tried 2 different racks on mine and ultimately I admitted that other than aesthetics, I don’t need a roof rack.
lumbee1
Native American
REKCUT
SILVER Star
I have a bowfin and there is zero noise, no effect on milage and i cant imagine any kind of handling issues with i associate with steering. IF you talking about clearance then slight but honestly my bowfin is just slightly higher than factory rack. I think you'd be suprised how often you use it one you get one. Always thowing something up there. Just wish I could change out my rear older Slee Bumper for a ladder version but the cost difference is too much so swallow
REKCUT
SILVER Star
Im even toying with the idea of some type of solid floor to use as sleeping platform in summer.
REKCUT
SILVER Star
I like the pioneer backbone and frontrunner rack on other models but the bowfin and prinsu design are the perfect version for an 80 IMHO.
