Help with factory cross bars

[Trax95008]

I was wondering if anyone has modified their roof rails to allow the front cross bar to move more forward beyond the first notch. it seems like it should be easy to cut a new notch with a dremel. can anyone think of a reason not to? any possible down side? i want to get the most spread between bars as possible for stability of long items up there. especially because i cant move my back bar all the way back because it messes with the SAT reception

[Matt]

I dont see any reasons you couldn't add a notch. ... give it a shot

[lekmedm]

I wonder how structural support runs under the roof.

[Matt]

The rail mounting goes beyond where the crossbar could go even with another notch.

I have my custom rails at the front & rear limits and they're solid. Ive stood up there while tying down two tires, so well over 200lb. I think he's good from a structural perspective

[Trax95008]

im really not too worried about it structurally either, it just seems strange that it wasnt made to go further from the factory. ill give it a go this weekend and report back. hey Matt, what are you using for your custom bars? any pics?

[Matt]

Unistrut and custom mounts.

http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showt...ll=1#post13121

[Trax95008]

Matt, i had the idea to use unistrut also. i gave up after i couldn't find a decent mounting system to the rail because of the angle built in to it. i just looked through your thread which reminded me that i had seen it before. you did a really good lob. i think i may change my strategy a little, and try to find a wider basket and mount it right to the rail, skipping the crossbars all together. i noticed your basket extends back pretty far. doesn't that kill your SAT reception?

[Matt]

I don't use satellite radio. Had it on my previous truck and didnt like it enough to pay for it.

[Matt]

Check out the roof rack thread - the defender racks mount directly to the rail

[Ross]

When I made some DIY crossbars, the mounting system consisted of a long grade 8 bolt with a threaded coupler to act as spacer between crossrail and roof mount rail. Under the coupler, I placed a large, thick spacer on top and inside the mount rails, and just put a locking nut on the end of the bolt in the mount rail. There are many options for the rails themselves if you just go to Home depot. In fact I got all my supplies in the same isle.