Remove Cross Bars on 6th Gen -- How-to? Issues?

[Crankpin]

Just unbolt ? Any issues here ?

Thanks

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[Hacksaw]

If I remember from the videos I've watched on installing a full length rack, I think you have to slide the cross bars out the end of the rails. So you have to pop the plastic caps for the main rail mounts, unbolt the mounts completely on one end, and loosen on the other, and slide the cross bars out the open end. Then reverse the process to re-assemble with just the rails. But I may misremember the video I saw.

 

[72and10bulls]

Just unbolt ? Any issues here ?

Thanks

Are you removing them due to looks, functionality, or noise? My incoming 4Runner has the PIO Crossbar option and I could not have them delete/remove.

 

[Crankpin]

Not concerned about looks, just do not need them. May just sell. If I was a camper, etc., good option. Best option on this 4R is the tow pkg.

 

[JONNYBOSCO]

I noticed a considerable amount of wind noise. They were installed at the dealership .. Had I know, i would have opted to have the not. Where is the video to show how to remove them? I’m still looking - I see 2024‘s but not for the 2025 limited.

 

[JONNYBOSCO]

If I remember from the videos I've watched on installing a full length rack, I think you have to slide the cross bars out the end of the rails. So you have to pop the plastic caps for the main rail mounts, unbolt the mounts completely on one end, and loosen on the other, and slide the cross bars out the open end. Then reverse the process to re-assemble with just the rails. But I may misremember the video I saw.

Where did you find the videos? I’m still looking

 

[Hacksaw]

I looked again too because I at least want to know how to remove my crossbars for future reference, but I couldn't find the video I thought I remembered. So I must have misremembered.
I seem to recall (on delivery) the dealer telling me there's some tool in the glove box for the roof rails. But maybe that just allows moving the position not removing them. Sorry, that's all I have at this point.

Edit: right after posting the above I found the video I was referring to, where the cross bars are installed after removing the ends of the main rails. Here's the link, but it's for a 5th gen so it might not be the same process for the 6th gen:

 

[3661]

Here’s what came with mine.

 

[Hacksaw]

Thanks 3661. So, apparently:
1. You don't need to remove the rail end caps to install or uninstall these crossbars.
2. You can't place the cross bars anywhere you want along the main rails; you can only place them at the fixed locations along the main rails that have the pre-drilled holes for the crossbar's pins to insert into.

 

[JONNYBOSCO]

Here’s what came with mine.

 

[samsamdar]

Just uninstalled my OEM cross bars today. It's pretty much exactly the same procedure as outlined above:
- Pop off the four plastic caps. You'll see 2 indentations on each one for a plastic pry tool. Be careful as they are on super tight and will go flying at the paint.
- Remove the 4 hex bolts (2 per bar). I believe this was a 5mm or a 3/16" hex bit bolt.
- Push the locking mechanism towards the middle of the roof and remove the bar.

Super easy process once you get the black plastic end caps off!

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Just uninstalled my OEM cross bars today. It's pretty much exactly the same procedure as outlined above:
- Pop off the four plastic caps. You'll see 2 indentations on each one for a plastic pry tool. Be careful as they are on super tight and will go flying at the paint.
- Remove the 4 hex bolts (2 per bar). I believe this was a 5mm or a 3/16" hex bit bolt.
- Push the locking mechanism towards the middle of the roof and remove the bar.

Super easy process once you get the black plastic end caps off!

Have you noticed a decrease in the wind noise? I am considering removing mine and the rails themselves if there is a delete kit like there was for the 5th gen. By delete kit, I mean four rubber squares that plugged into the track where the rails bolted on. On my 2016, I removed the rails completely and loved the clean look. I received many compliments from passersby. They noticed something different about my truck and once they realized the lack of rails, they liked the clean look as well. Of course, some people would prefer to keep the rails and maybe there are many more people like that, they just didn't comment on my truck to me about that.

 

[samsamdar]

Have you noticed a decrease in the wind noise? I am considering removing mine and the rails themselves if there is a delete kit like there was for the 5th gen. By delete kit, I mean four rubber squares that plugged into the track where the rails bolted on. On my 2016, I removed the rails completely and loved the clean look. I received many compliments from passersby. They noticed something different about my truck and once they realized the lack of rails, they liked the clean look as well. Of course, some people would prefer to keep the rails and maybe there are many more people like that, they just didn't comment on my truck to me about that.

Yup I noticed a significant decrease in wind noise; but I'm also sensitive to that kinda stuff. The front wiper motors on mine are pretty loud imo for example. Either way, I say take them off and see how it goes. They're super easy to get back on! I'm on a 1200 mile road trip right now and am getting pretty good range after removing them (21.6 mpg).

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