Hey guys, I've recently been looking around trying to get a roof rack for the top of my 94 Cherokee, but my problem is that there is NOTHING but roof. No crossbars, no anything. So I was wondering what were the steps that I needed to take to get it up there? Do I need to get crossbars first? How do I get them onto my roof?

I've seen them on some Cherokees around town and I love the way it looks. I need to get one for mine.

 

depending on what roof rack you are planning to get. some roof racks bolt onto the gutters

 

like jack said before me, lots of roof racks come ready to bolt on to the rain gutters along the side of your jeep. if you look close to the pics on 4wd or quadretec you can see how they attach.

 

JCR also sells the gutter mounts if you decide to make your own rack or buy one that attaches differently.

 

You will need the 'rails' and 'crossbars'. The stock rails are attached with threaded plugs. You will need 'nutserts', available at hardware or automotive stores. Will need to drill holes in your roof.
Visit a junkyard to score a full set. Bring a Torx driver, #2 i think.

 

I came across this post while searching about roof racks. Is it true?

"XJs with factory racks have a different roof panel. I don't know if it's reinforced or just has the holes for the rack stamped in it but when you buy a new panel they specify with or without rack. I would not recomend installing a factory rack on a rig that didn't come with one anyway."

 

When replacing headliner I have not noticed any bracing to the roof panel. Only the interior crossbars that are glued to the roof panel and welded to body.
The choice when buying must have to do with the threaded inserts. This is just my observation and opinion.

I dislike gutter mount racks even though I have one. They chew on the drip rails and eventually break them.

 

I'm wondering if the XJ's that came w/o racks have the raised ribs that run front to back on the roof. Been trying to find a pic of the roof of one that came from the factory w/o the rack.

 

I would think they all came with the ribs. The option would be rubber strips on the ribs.
If the panel did not have ribs it would be even more flimsy.
I see only one option for roof panels.

http://www.moparpartsoverstock.com/s...category=23845

 

That makes more sense. Only diff would be the threaded inserts for the factory rack.

Ever seen this?
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7380&page=2

 

Definitely go with a gutter mount. They're much stronger. Factory roof racks are only good for 150lbs between the two of them according to the owners manual.

Here's the expensive option that I wanted to look at while finding the link..
http://www.jcroffroad.com/category/RCK.html

 

I didn't even think to look for rack mounts. Dude that's awesome. Thank you so much for helping out, everyone! I really appreciate it

 

Nates4x4.com also has gutter mounts and full size roof racks with the best price.

 

I bought this rail mount to mount a custom Roof Rack on but they can be purchased with a rack included if desired. It will fit with factory rack attached or without.

 

My 90 xj didn't come with factory rack and I installed a junk yard OEM rack. Pick and pull charged me 28 bucks the rails and 9 cross bars. Instal was easy too, attached two cross bars to help spacing and sorta square it. Once in place mark holes, remove rack, drill out holes and bolt on your rack. Instead of threaded inserts I used fender washers and nylocks. She has been racked for three years with no problem, even with loads way way over 150lbs. I've put camping gear, fire wood, scrap metal, and even 5 adults up there with no structural issues. Well up until I rolled her on her side and wrinkled the roof a bit... But the rack is there!