Cali Raised LED Premium Roof Rack

[rocktheroad]

Hi guys,
Has anyone put this rack on a 2025 model? After a long wait, I finally got mine, but there’s no installation manual. They only sent me links for the Tacoma 2024 and the 5th Gen 4Runner. I found another install video for the 5th Gen, but there are some differences that are a bit frustrating.

1. In the 4Runner videos, the rear rack mounts go on the last crossbar. If I do that, there’s no way to position the front roof rack right.
2. The rear and front rack mounts are different from what’s shown in the videos, so I'm not sure which way is correct.
3. One side of the dual amber/white LED bar just won’t fit on the provided mount. The other side barely works, but it’s tough to screw in and doesn’t line up right. I’m stuck deciding whether to force it or just give up.
4. The front side lights have been moved to a more forward spot.
5. The worst part is that I received 5th and 6th 360-degree lights, although those are from Tacoma 2024. Instead, I was supposed to receive a set of inside LED lights. However, those I got are for the 2019 4Runner.

I am really scared if I got real parts that are for the 2025 4Runner.

After unboxing everything and measuring a ton, I figured out that the rear rack mount should go on the second crossbar from the back, facing the rear (which is different from the 5th Gen 4Runner setup). There's also a different spot where a front rack mount can fit between the crossbars.

It looks to me like this is the only way to line up the back end with the shark fin and the roof’s edge. The official picture doesn’t even show a back plate, and I can’t figure out how they attached or aligned the back of the roof rack.

The other pictures are from the 2024 4Runner, and honestly, they’re not any better than the videos I was checking out.

This roof rack is big and solid, but I’d really dislike putting it on the roof only to discover it needs to be put together again. Has anyone set this up and can share some tips?


Thanks!

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[odins_beer'd]

PM Me, I just installed mine yesterday

 

[ttominator]

PM Me, I just installed mine yesterday

Now that you have lived with the cali raised roof rack for a while, what are your thoughts? I am about to get one and wanted to see what you think of yours.

 

[odins_beer'd]

Now that you have lived with the cali raised roof rack for a while, what are your thoughts? I am about to get one and wanted to see what you think of yours.

It’s great, looks fantastic and the deflector for the light bar is a nice touch. My only gripe was the hardware used to connect the rack to the extrusions. There’s 12 connection points and 4 backed out after a hard weekend off-roading.

I replaced those 12 connection points with stainless steel carriage bolts, washers, and lock nuts with anti-seize. Has been perfect since then with virtually no sound. I haven’t really heard wind noise up to 70-75 mph. I would fully recommend as long as you replace the connection hardware. Much easier to tighten/loosen this way as well.

See this reference thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/improving-the-cali-raised-roof-rack.704714/

 

[ttominator]

It’s great, looks fantastic and the deflector for the light bar is a nice touch. My only gripe was the hardware used to connect the rack to the extrusions. There’s 12 connection points and 4 backed out after a hard weekend off-roading.

I replaced those 12 connection points with stainless steel carriage bolts, washers, and lock nuts with anti-seize. Has been perfect since then with virtually no sound. I haven’t really heard wind noise up to 70-75 mph. I would fully recommend as long as you replace the connection hardware. Much easier to tighten/loosen this way as well.

See this reference thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/improving-the-cali-raised-roof-rack.704714/

Any chance I could get some photos of the rack on the runner? Really want to see what it looks like without a RTT and any additional equipment.

Thanks a ton!

 

[rocktheroad]

I replaced those 12 connection points with stainless steel carriage bolts, washers, and lock nuts with anti-seize. Has been perfect since then with virtually no sound. I haven’t really heard wind noise up to 70-75 mph. I would fully recommend as long as you replace the connection hardware. Much easier to tighten/loosen this way as well.

See this reference thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/improving-the-cali-raised-roof-rack.704714/

New fear unlocked... I'll have to check mine... I didn't go anywhere off-road, but Florida roads could count as off-road on some parts

 

[rocktheroad]

Any chance I could get some photos of the rack on the runner? Really want to see what it looks like without a RTT and any additional equipment.

I have led bar and 360 light on mine...

 

[ttominator]

I have led bar and 360 light on mine...

That's the set up I am looking at as well. Really want to see what it looks like in the real world if you could put up some pictures. I am also thinking about getting a couple Molle panals for the top as well.

 

[odins_beer'd]

Any chance I could get some photos of the rack on the runner? Really want to see what it looks like without a RTT and any additional equipment.

Thanks a ton!

The only picture I have is this but they originally sent the wrong front bracket so it doesn't sit fully flush in the front. Hopefully this helps. If not, I'm moving at the end of February and will be able to take my RTT off and can send a picture then.

 

[rocktheroad]

That's the set up I am looking at as well. Really want to see what it looks like in the real world if you could put up some pictures. I am also thinking about getting a couple Molle panals for the top as well.

I keep forgetting to take some pics when it is daylight... here are two that I had on my phone. This is with the front valance in the closed position... Hopefully, I will remember to take better pictures, and the one with the visible led bar.

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