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djk

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Finally got around to adding the first mods for the 4runner.

Went with the Rago Fabrication Crossbars since I liked their low profile look and the Prinsu ladder. Both feel really sturdy and there's no rattling or whistling from the crossbars. Haven't had a chance to load gear onto the roof yet!

The ladder does show up in the rear view camera and blocks a part of the image when the backup cam stitches the images together but doesn't affect the safety sensors. It'll just take some getting used to

Drilling into the crossbars was the biggest challenge, the metal was tougher than I anticipated and it probably took longer than it should have w/ a cordless drill

2025 Toyota 4runner Rago Fabrication Factory Rail Crossbars and Prinsu Ladder installed rago fabrication crossbars


2025 Toyota 4runner Rago Fabrication Factory Rail Crossbars and Prinsu Ladder installed prinsu ladder
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YanMik

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How was the ladder install? Did you have to drill holes?
 

Memory Lane

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(Copied from my Facebook post)

I tried installing this rack earlier this week and really wanted to make it work but it was a complete disaster. I consider myself very capable, having done extensive work on my vehicles for the last 25 years. First they say it’ll take only 30 minutes to install. No one can remove a factory roof rack, assemble the 5 cross bars, measure/drill/rivet the factory sidebars, mount the rack and tighten everything up in 30 minutes. That is literally impossible. Second, (and even worse) is that when you are drilling out your holes to place rivets, you have to drill through not just the OEM sidebar, but the sidebar mount which is the structural component keeping this all attached to your roof. They are not easy to drill through which caused my rivets to not line up with the rack mounting points. Finally, to return it it’ll either cost me a 25% restocking fee or a $200 shipping fee. Pick your poison. Like I said, I really wanted this to work and the quality is there, but buyer beware that this is not an “easy 30 min install” as they claim.
2025 Toyota 4runner Rago Fabrication Factory Rail Crossbars and Prinsu Ladder installed IMG_9333
 

Twisted

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Does the sharkfin stick higher than the rack? How much fun was the install?
 
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djk

djk

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How was the ladder install? Did you have to drill holes?
The ladder install was relatively easy, this was the no drill version. They say it takes 30mins, took me closer to an hour

I did accidentally scrape some paint off when I tried to place the hook plate as far left as I could. But I moved it a few more inches to the right and it cleared it fine. Since it's in a spot no one will see, I plan on just putting some touch up paint to protect the metal

I was initially worried about the stress on the spoiler since it is plastic but so far it seems pretty sturdy. I tried pulling on it in different directions and everything held.

2025 Toyota 4runner Rago Fabrication Factory Rail Crossbars and Prinsu Ladder installed PXL_20250709_214848208.MP
 
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djk

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(Copied from my Facebook post)

I tried installing this rack earlier this week and really wanted to make it work but it was a complete disaster. I consider myself very capable, having done extensive work on my vehicles for the last 25 years. First they say it’ll take only 30 minutes to install. No one can remove a factory roof rack, assemble the 5 cross bars, measure/drill/rivet the factory sidebars, mount the rack and tighten everything up in 30 minutes. That is literally impossible. Second, (and even worse) is that when you are drilling out your holes to place rivets, you have to drill through not just the OEM sidebar, but the sidebar mount which is the structural component keeping this all attached to your roof. They are not easy to drill through which caused my rivets to not line up with the rack mounting points. Finally, to return it it’ll either cost me a 25% restocking fee or a $200 shipping fee. Pick your poison. Like I said, I really wanted this to work and the quality is there, but buyer beware that this is not an “easy 30 min install” as they claim.
IMG_9333.jpeg

Lol yeah I definitely agree with you. It took me closer 4-5 hours (spent an hour having to run out and grab a stronger drill bit)

Like you mentioned the drilling was the worst and caused my rivets to line up as well. I also didn't drill fully through the sidebar mount. I just went deep enough for the rivet to sit flush

I figured if I totally screwed up the drilling I'd chalk it up as a loss and still have the rails for a proper roof rack.

To be on the safer side it definitely isn't a one man job. Once assembled it took me being on top of the rig and my brother-in-law and wife to hoist it safely up
 
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djk

djk

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Does the sharkfin stick higher than the rack? How much fun was the install?
The sharkfin does stick up higher up by about 2 inches.

Install was not very fun lol but I would do it again. For me, the worst part was the drilling but the rest is fairly straightforward

If you have a another set of hands and some blankets you'll be able to maneuver the crossbars in place safely
 
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djk

djk

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Here's a reference pic w/ a measurement for ladder placement

2025 Toyota 4runner Rago Fabrication Factory Rail Crossbars and Prinsu Ladder installed PXL_20250713_221221076
 

Jadon.lm

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I will add to this. The install of the Rago Fabrication crossbar is NOT easy. I initially thought they would utilize the fact that the oem rails had guided holes and it would help align easier, but they just make you rivet into their own 1/4 thread holes that you also have to drill. And like the previous person stated, drilling through the front and back ends of the rail are not ideal. We broke a bit inside which made matters worse, but after overcoming that, those points are just aluminum bricks through and through. I even considered welding these points as I don’t think it is a great way to mount.

The pro is that they are sick! I will not lie. I think it makes the 4runner look better, and functionally it allows me to still park in my garage. I also have the side panels which follow the riveted holes, unsure if I want to constantly keep them on as it does seem like a lot of weight on the glass if I start mounting things to it (first time utilizing side panels so unsure of how much these windows can take)
2025 Toyota 4runner Rago Fabrication Factory Rail Crossbars and Prinsu Ladder installed IMG_1876
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