Rack on, rack off, rack on...

[potatomutato]

so i've read numerous threads about everyone's preference regarding the roof rack, stock or not.

my question is, is it easy to take the rack on and off and keep the mounting locations from getting rusty (when off) so as long as you keep the white tabs?

reason being, i may take the rack off (when i'm not stocking it) until toyota introduces the factory wind deflector.

as always, thanks in advance!
potato

[gnwhite]

i heard that it is a major ***** to get the rack off. (Man everything i type sounds funny).

anyway... if you have the cash get a better one like the gobi.

thats all i know and it aint much.

[abophx]

My one experience of buying a rack off an FJ was awful. Never got, it broke 2 anchors loose, so couldn't take it off or the person who's FJ it was couldn't tighten them back down. Better know how to remove your headliner just in case.

[stnmikita]

Maybe I was just lucky but I recently sold my stock rack to another forum member (Thanks again HDay) and we had no issues removing it. We used a (40 I think?) Torx socket wrench, unscrewed each bolt half-way, went back around and removed them completely then lifted the rack off. The entire process took, maybe 15 minutes. Only issue that arose is the plastic washers get pretty wrecked. Easily replaceable with some fifty cent neoprene ones from Home Depot.

I would recommend having a friend help out as the rack is a little unwieldy to actually lift off the top of the vehicle.

[Prof T]

potatomutato previously said:

so i've read numerous threads about everyone's preference regarding the roof rack, stock or not.

my question is, is it easy to take the rack on and off and keep the mounting locations from getting rusty (when off) so as long as you keep the white tabs?

reason being, i may take the rack off (when i'm not stocking it) until toyota introduces the factory wind deflector.

as always, thanks in advance!
potato

It's easy if nothing drops off inside. If it does then the fun starts. Seems like possible trouble for little return.

[stnmikita]

Just re-read your post and realized I didn't actually answer the question! Since removing the rack (about three weeks) I've had the stock bolts and white tabs on the roof. We have had many days of rain + carwash and no issues with rust or leakage.

[seabobsnjfj]

Spoke to a JAC Products rep and claims the spoiler/air dam will be available mid-Dec to Jan 07...hope this cuts the wind noise down

[lilrocFJsc]

I'll be keeping an eye out for that, thanks

[dbbd1]

I bought a rack from someone here on the forum, did the mini-rack mod, and have had absolutely no noise/wind issues. But yes, it went on rather easy.

[FJWALL]

I take it the Gobi is hard to take on and off as well?