On my 01, I plan on using the roof rack cross beam for offroad lights. However my roof rack isn't flush with the front of the roof, its about a foot or so back. Can I move it forward inline with the roof??
Thanks for any help yall' can give

Haha Merry Christmas btw!!

 

If it's mounted the same as my '96, the roof has "raised" threaded holes that the rack rails bolt to using T-25 torx screws. They stick up from the roof about an 1/8 of an inch, probably to keep water from seeping in.
There was some sort of plastic tape underneath mine also. I imagine it's so they don't squeak against the roof.
I removed mine, removed all the tape, cleaned them, put a dab of silicone in all the holes, ran a bead of RTV Black silicone the whole length, and reinstalled them on the roof.
I am getting ready to install a roof rack that I found used, and it uses the factory roof rails for mounting.

You could probably drill new holes in your roof rails, and move them forward, or use the existing holes, plus drill a couple new holes in your roof to mount the front down. Just make sure you seal up the holes to prevent water from getting in.

 

A clamp on light rack would be much nicer IMO.
http://www.carr.com/light-bars/low-p...light-bar.html

 

X2

 

Well has anyone ever put the lights that far back?
If so that would be easy as pie

 

It's a good place for lights when a roof rack is there.

 

NO dont do this. the roof has a stamped raise for the rails. it would leak and look hack jobish. spend a couple of bucks and make a light bar using some gutter mounts... mounting them that far back wouldnt be too bad...

 

The Peeps are bolted thru the stock cross bar in foremost stock rail position. Stainless fasteners for longevity. Run seperate and heavy ground wire, the stock rack is insulated from good contact with chassis ground.
Position is fine for my long beam lights. Considering swapping to rear for backups when my new bar is ready (5 of my burnt Sylvania Silverstars, the Hi beams still work). No problems with the stock bar strenght in holding the lites, all conditions, for over 2 years.

 

Well I figure I wont mess with moving the factory rack forward, but what about mounting the lights the couple of feet back, have yall' had any problems?

And how would you make one of these gutter mounts?

 

I have them mounted that far back on my 99
It looks a tad funny from some angles but the lights work just fine and free is so much better than the $200 or whatever for that carr light bar

 

search on the forum here and youll find how people have done it.