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Roof Rail Installation

3K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  hur1ey02 
#1 ·
Today I installed new roof rails from Rocky Road Outfitters. Final pics are below but I didn't take any during the process. The jeep is a bit dirty but I think that's ok here ;-) I wanted the rails because there's nothing on the root that protects it from a load and the only thing Mopar offers are various crossbar kits. I have to admit I also wanted them for the look - the tubes match up with the rock rails and I think it looks great.

The rails arrived in very secure and protective packaging but when I took them out and inspected them I did find a few small nicks in the powder coat. They were far too small to justify sending them back so I shot some paint on them before installation. The rails are VERY sturdy - far stronger than the attachment points. So while the rails are probably strong enough to lift the jeep the roof isn't!!

After I took the stock bolts out I slipped the tracks off the roof and found a lot of dirt and some debris under the plastic. I washed the roof to take it off but I know it will build back up over time. Anyway, the installation went very smoothly. The holes lined up, the stainless bolts provided by RRO were the right size and length, and while the tracks needed a tiny bit of flexing for the feet to slip in they were the right size and had the proper rocker to match the roofline.

I will share something I did that may or may not be of interest. I wanted to provide some sealant between the rail and the mounting points. The stock screws cap the nuts and somewhat protect them but there was still rust/corrosion under them. I also wanted to make sure I didn't get any vibration/rattle if the fit wasn't perfect. I'm a boater so I had some butyl tape. I got mine here but there's other places on the net. This is an extremely good sealer and bedding compound but the best part it isn't 'goopy' like caulk from a tube. You lay it down, it stays there, you bolt it up. Highly recommended.

Anyway, I'm happy with the install. I'll see if I continue to like the new look. The great part is that if I decide I don't like them they are four screws each to take off - no permanent changes to the vehicle.
 

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#3 ·
Yeah, that's on my list as well. Not sure I'll get to it this year but who knows...

By the way, I see you're in Illinois - where at? I'm in Evanston (just north of Chicago along the lake).

There are some people on the forum who will trash-talk RRO but my experiences have been really positive. In fact, I had returned some wheel spacers 6 months ago and asked for store credit to avoid the restocking fee. I wanted to use that for this buy but the credit wasn't posted right. Instead of *****ing and telling me it was my fault they took the information, straightened out the problem, and called me back with the information.

I don't like all their designs but I've had good experiences with them all around.
 
#5 ·
They are Terra Grapplers but they are 275/55/20. I wanted to go bigger than stock and they fit with the stock wheels, etc. I tried to fit the 285/55/20's but they were just too close to the front fender opening. They are also load range E tires so the ride would have been rough. But they looked so good!
 
#7 ·
I've got pics in other posts so try searching my other threads. I know other folks have posted about them so you could try more general searches also. I've added a couple of pictures from when I was installing my rock rails. One of my other threads has specific before/after pictures also.

I've seen a lot of people mention TG's here although there's not a lot of clear reviews. When I researched the tires I found some people on other sites who thought they wore quickly (most seemed to be heavier trucks) and some who thought they were slippery but I've been really happy and haven't noticed those issues (other than what I mention below). I do have a v6 and I don't punch it off the line so maybe others have different experiences.

To wrap it up, I love these tires. They are much stiffer than the stock ones. I did the mounting and balancing myself and when you feel the difference in weight and construction to the stock tires it's embarrassing. They have great traction and handle well. Very little sway in the corners but I do get some very subtle drift when it's wet and I'm pushing hard on a highway on/off ramp. Other than that I have no complaints and that hardly qualifies since I'm not driving a porsche ;-)

Good luck!
 

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