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Topic: XJ Roofrack Parts.

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Comet #2
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XJ Roofrack Parts.
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As you fellas have had the XJ model for so long over there ..... Just wondering whether there is a common fix for the following problem.

The press in release button on the OE racks obviously gets UV affected over time and the retaining lugs break off.

1/. Is there a replacement item ???

2/. Has someone devised a simple repair ???

3/. Buying new items in Australia ( even secondhand ) is not good value for money.

4/. Alternatively ... Has anyone had issues with gutter mounted racks - with long term use carrying a similiar load to this ... 2x Spares / Wallaby jack / shovel / axe / 2x Fuel Jerrycans ???

Thanks in advance.



-- Edited by Comet #2 at 04:31, 2008-11-24

-- Edited by Comet #2 at 04:32, 2008-11-24

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LEAD_NOT_FOLLOW
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I think the majority of the time everyone just replaced the peice as a unit (the factory cross-rail) as they are cheap over here at a junkyard.

As far as weight goes I would HIGHLY recomend if you are going to be carrying what you mentioned above to go with a aftermarket roof rack that uses gutter mounts. These will tie into the gutter area of the roof and be MUCH stronger than using the factory rail mounts. The factory rails are just simply screwed the the sheet metal of the roof (aka it's not thick) and I've seen roofs start to buckel with any great amount of weight. If you want to carry a load up there you REALLY need to tie into the factory gutter area as it's MUCH stronger.

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aci4369
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So are you wanting to get all new cross members that tie into the existing rails, or are you just wanting a part?  I am kinda confused as to what the press in release button thing is that you are talking about.



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Comet #2
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LEAD_NOT_FOLLOW wrote:

I think the majority of the time everyone just replaced the peice as a unit (the factory cross-rail) as they are cheap over here at a junkyard.

As far as weight goes I would HIGHLY recomend if you are going to be carrying what you mentioned above to go with a aftermarket roof rack that uses gutter mounts. These will tie into the gutter area of the roof and be MUCH stronger than using the factory rail mounts. The factory rails are just simply screwed the the sheet metal of the roof (aka it's not thick) and I've seen roofs start to buckel with any great amount of weight. If you want to carry a load up there you REALLY need to tie into the factory gutter area as it's MUCH stronger.


OK, Thanks for that ...
Just to confirm ... The factory rack load rating is limited to the weight the roof panel pressings and the aluminium extrusion roof rail will allow ?? ... There is no additional supports hidden by the roof lining ?? ...more interested in the construction rather than factory spec loads.

Have been informed that the gutter is an add on to the side panel and roof panels when constructed - not a folded continuation of either of the two panels ?? ...If this is the case - I wouldn't have much faith in the gutters' carrying ability either. Gutter mounted, heavyduty systems have always been my preference on other vehicles ... but I do have additional crossbars to fit to the roof rails, to spread the load ... just trying to keep the whole thing looking tidy for daily use.
 
BTW ... Most of the items are removed after setting up camp ... just in case anyone is concerned some mad aussie is going to do an equivalent of the rubicon trail with all that up on top ... ohmygod.gif biggrin

aci4369 wrote:

So are you wanting to get all new cross members that tie into the existing rails, or are you just wanting a part?  I am kinda confused as to what the press in release button thing is that you are talking about.

What I was hoping was available was the press in button, that releases the locking pin and allows the factory rack to slide on the rails. According to the parts book only the complete staunchion is available.

In Australia - dealers will try to sell the complete crossbar as a whole ...  When given the part part number for the staunchion ( sliding bit ) its $185 each disbelief.gif in our money .... I didnt want to know what a complete crossbar would cost ... LOLOL

Anyway, can make new locking mechanisms for about $10 each ... but was wondering whether anyone over there had resolved the problem in the past ... same rack off another brand, other available components etc ... no point re-inventing the wheel ... wink

-- Edited by Comet #2 at 17:55, 2008-11-24

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