Roof Rack Help

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jstutts159

jstutts159

10 Year
Joined
Nov 24, 2013
Threads
1
Messages
9
Location
AL
My LX 470 is a driver but slowly becoming a moderate expedition project and I am adding the rack. For fuction, I'm going for a FR Slimline II but cant decide on the height, regular or tall. Does anyone have an opinion on which is prefered (mainly aesthetically)? Anyone have a picture with the tall version on their vehicle?
Thanks
 
I've got v1, but I think the only difference is the height of the footings. The tall footings will allow a table to be put under the rack.
 
Thank you, SmoothLC.
A table under the rack is great idea. I havent purchased the rack yet and Im open to suggestions for other options. I will not be adding a tent but I will use the full length of the rack for gear and equipment on trips. The rack will remain on the vehicle in normal driving conditions at all times as well. Any suggestions or photos for what works well for these requirements will be helpful.
Cheers,
 
Got a few pics in Front Runner Rails Compatible with Yakima Control Towers.

Here's a pic of the overall rack install.

attachment.php
 
That looks awesome, SmoothLC and was also helpful. Thanks!

GR8OUTDRS, I havent considered LabRak so Im glad you mentioned it. I checked them out today and was impressed. Appreciate it!

I will post some photos once I decide and install it. Thanks again
 
I just installed the FR Slimline II with the tall legs this weekend. I'll try and take some pics tomorrow. I'm glad I went tall as I really like the ability to mount a table underneath.

I skipped the expensive stainless table sold by FR (about $280 if I remember right) and found a 48" by 28" table at Walmart for $30. It won't last near as long, but I can replace it several times over for that price.
 
The taller legs would be nice, but if you live in an area like DC or Northern Virginia, and you're stuck going in and out of parking garages on a regular basis, you may think twice...

Every inch adds up. I've found that with the lip that runs around the edge of the rack, a folding table goes quite nicely on top of my Front Runner, with some straps holding her down.
 
Crappy Iphone Pics

Sorry, my wife has the camera. I quickly shot these as I was heading to work.

Right side. Shows the mount for table, wind deflector and expedition rail.



Left side - even less clear



I hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
LCTom, HUGE help. Thank you for the photos! That is the set up I am going to with now.

May I ask where you purchased the rack? Did it come with all of those cross bars? Also, did it come with 8 tall leg mounts or 6? I noticed you have it attached with 6 but ive seen the short attached by 8. I prefer 3 each side but didnt know if that was by choice or if that is all that comes with the tall kit. How tough was the install?
Thanks again!
 
Thanks, DJWUZJ. That is a good point and I apprecitate the advice. I rarely have to use a parking garage but that would definitely be a deciding factor if I did.
Happy wheelin', cheers
 
I purchased from frontrunneroutfitters.com because they are here in California and I was in a hurry. Super quick delivery, so I only have minor regrets over having to pay sales tax.

The instructions show mounting points for 6 mounts - tall ones (70mm) at the ends, smaller one (60mm) toward the middle. You'll notice that there is a bigger gap between the second set of mounts and the rear mounts, than there is to the front. That is per the directions and I'm pretty sure it's calculated to conform to the roof line. After I had assembled it, I found another set of smaller mounts (60 mm) tucked away in the box. I'll probably install those later, but the rack seems rock solid as is, so I'm in no hurry.

The install is straightforward. Plan on a few hours. It took me a while longer because I'm uncoordinated and usually have to do each step two or three times before I get it right.

There are a lot of great racks out there, but you can't go wrong with the Front Runner. I'm amazed how much gear fits up there.
 
Awesome info LCTom, thanks man. I feel confident moving forward.
Appreciate it!

I basically want a set up almost exactly like yours. Im on a tight budget so it will take me a while but I will post pictures as I progress. I may ask you some questions when I get around to the 2.5 OME if you dont mind.

Much thanks.
Cheers
 
jstutts159 said:
Awesome info LCTom, thanks man. I feel confident moving forward. Appreciate it! I basically want a set up almost exactly like yours. Im on a tight budget so it will take me a while but I will post pictures as I progress. I may ask you some questions when I get around to the 2.5 OME if you dont mind. Much thanks. Cheers
Click to expand...

If you are on a tight budget you can install coil spacers, adjust the torsion bars, and install preferred shocks. This setup will be able to handle light loads. When you add bumpers and winch you may need to upgrade. I run OEM torsion bars with a 1.5" lift, ARB, 12K winch, and full skids upfront. The ride is very nice.
 
2000UZJ,
Your ride sounds perfect. Suspension and tires will be the next project for me. I will be installing all upgrades in my garage myself so I may have to hit you up with some questions after the first of the year. What tire are you running?
 
I'm currently running 315/75/16 (35's). It rides very nicely, I have the ProFender 2.5" remote res and they control the front very well for having a soft sprig rate, no sway bar, and extra weight. Feel free to PM or post up. I hope your wrenching days go smoothly!

image-3106586689.webp
 
2000UZJ that beast is legit! Thanks for posting a photo.

Im hoping to run 33's but I will have stock bumpers for a while. Hoping to achieve that with minimal modification because my cash flow for hobbies is tight right now but I dont want my 100 to be stock.

Camping and mild trails is all Im looking to do right now but someday, of course, I want a "go anywhere" rig like yours. Thanks for the input and advice. Your suggestions and expertise is much appreciated.
 
jstutts159 said:
I basically want a set up almost exactly like yours. Im on a tight budget so it will take me a while but I will post pictures as I progress. I may ask you some questions when I get around to the 2.5 OME if you dont mind.
Click to expand...

I'm happy to answer any question, but I'm seriously the least experienced guy on this forum. You'd be better off using me as a source of inspiration - if I could do it, you and anyone else probably can too.

Tons of informative threads and folks with a lot more juice than me. But, I have bumbled my way through some fun projects and am happy to help you avoid some of the mistakes that I made.
 
Hey thanks LCTom, I appreciate your transparency. I am relatively inexperienced myself so I can probably relate to your perspective on most projects more often than not. You are the one that actually solved the predicament of my original question and provided photos for clarity to make my decision easier.

I will definitely be reading all the other threads and posting when necessary. Much respect for helping me out with the rack.
 
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