LJ roof rack fit for CJ8?

[Lonestar]

I recently found a used 2004 LJ safari roof rack and was considering installing onto my 1981 CJ8. I am sure there would be some modification, but the wheelbases are the same length and it appears that it should fit. I haven't seen any photos or discussions about this online, however I am sure there are some discussions about this...

I would be using this safari rack to haul kayaks and paddle boards. And yes, I am aware not everyone likes racks on the Cj8's

What are your thoughts?

 

[barrys]

I recently found a used 2004 LJ safari roof rack and was considering installing onto my 1981 CJ8. I am sure there would be some modification, but the wheelbases are the same length and it appears that it should fit. I haven't seen any photos or discussions about this online, however I am sure there are some discussions about this...

I would be using this safari rack to haul kayaks and paddle boards. And yes, I am aware not everyone likes racks on the Cj8's

What are your thoughts?

Go for it then post pictures here!

 

[bigwalton]

Worth getting to see if it can work. Always can resell if not.

 

[spankrjs]

Wheelbase is the same, BUT the CJ8 body is longer then the LJ body.

 

[Lonestar]

Wheelbase is the same, BUT the CJ8 body is longer then the LJ body.

I tried to find this, how much longer is the CJ8 body than the LJ body? It just needs to be close enough from windshield to the rear bumper.

 

[FLCJ8]

This is a pic from Matt Donaghy's (founder of cj-8.com) frame swap.
He may have some input on how much farther the bumper is off between the two.

 

[Lonestar]

The measurements are off by about 10 inches in length... from the windshield to the rear bumper of the Scambler is 94" length and the roof rack measured to 86" length...

 

[Kim Dawson]

A picture of the LJ rack would get more input. I think they mount on the windshield hinges and the back bumper. You could probably extend the rack in the center somewhere. Some racks are made to be assembled and would be easier to take apart and extend. You just need to take a good look at the rack and use your imagination.

 

[Lonestar]

A picture of the LJ rack would get more input. I think they mount on the windshield hinges and the back bumper. You could probably extend the rack in the center somewhere. Some racks are made to be assembled and would be easier to take apart and extend. You just need to take a good look at the rack and use your imagination.

It's a Garvin Expedition Rack for the LJ.

The rack that I'm looking at is a used Garvin Expedition Rack for the LJ and has 4 PIAA lights mounted on the front of the basket and 1 PIAA light on either windshield hinge, asking $1,000 OBO and its missing some hardware... Looks like it may be off by only 5 or 6 inches which is better than I originally thought

 

[barrys]

I don't know what those racks cost new but FWIW a place near me is selling a used one with all hardware but no lights for $600 obo. That price sound high to me for a used rack.

 

[Kim Dawson]

Looks like a nice rack that you could pile a lot of stuff on. If you aren't using a full top the back legs probably could be made to mount at the base of the roll bar. Barrys is right, it is priced for the person with the rare LJ that wants that style rack. Looking on Ebay, new roof racks for newer Jeeps are priced at 250 to 600 delivered. You have to do modifications anyway, might find one for a TJ that is tubing that can be extended easy or one for a JK that has a large upper rack similar to the LJ one if that is the type you want.

 

[Interceptor]

Triangulate all supports for max support

 

[FLCJ8]

A few points...
The Garvin is an US made rack that is well known/respected in the expedition arena.
The original cost difference new between models is not much different. The PIAA lights add value if they are of use to you.

The JLU rack length is closer to the CJ8, however any of them will require modifications as the front windshield mount is different on the CJ's.

I think if the rack is only 5-6 inches different in length it wouldn't be too noticeable to place it how you wanted it and simply adjust the mounting locations to the supports as needed, the front supports will definitely have to be modified anyway because of the windshield mount differences

 

[bigwalton]

Ohhhh, I didn't get that you were trying for one supported off the windshield hinges, I thought it was hardtop-mounted.

I wouldn't personally touch trying to make that work. I figure you'll end up with completely custom mounts front and rear and will have overpaid where you could have just gotten a bare roofrack.

Totally different windshield hinges between CJ & TJ/LJ. At a bare minimum you'll be fabricating your own mounts to get over to those tubes and would have to add mounts for the lights (not a huge fan of cowl mounted lights after putting them on my LJ and them coming on our JKU, they just light up the hood and make too much glare unless you angle them outward so far as to be pretty much useless.

Only did them on the LJ because PIAA was throwing free lights at me.