Z71 Tahoe ROOF RACK: Can it be swapped...

KMeloney · January 6, 2004

Hey all,

After raising the front of my Z71 Tahoe, I've tagged the "Low Clearance" pipes in a few parking garages. Whereas most of those pipes are PVC, I guess I've hit a couple steel ones, 'cause I just noticed that I've actually cracked and broken a piece out of my stout (looking) Z71 rack front cap. Anyway, this roof rack makes the truck just a tad too high in some instances -- so I've been wondering what my options are.

I'm not going to drop the front of the truck down to factory specs, so that's out. And yes, I need to be more careful in judging which garages I can and can't park in.

But do I have different roof rack options? Like, would the "standard" Tahoe rack bolt right up in place of mine? Would an Escalade rack bolt right up? (That's probably too flashy -- but while we're on the subject, I'd just like to know IF it would work.) Would either of these bolt up and NOT leave gaping holes (or something to that effect) somewhere? Anyone here remove a Z71 rack already, and if so, what was under the flashy end caps?

Thanks, folks. Just weighing my options here.

-Kirk

Taaaaaaahoe? · January 7, 2004

dont think there is much under there...Didnt they used to put lights in them? I would think a standared tahoe rack would work. cant see GM making a different mount..But could be wrong

Mike

KMeloney · January 7, 2004

dont think there is much under there...Didnt they used to put lights in them? I would think a standared tahoe rack would work. cant see GM making a different mount..But could be wrong

Mike

I hear you, Mike -- I can't imagine that they'd go drilling additional holes and whatnot in the rood just for a different rack. Hmm... If the weather weren't so cold here right now, I'd go ahead and pull that cracked front cap to see what I'm dealing with under there...

Thanks for the reply. Anyone else?

-Kirk

PS -- Mike, your Tahoe looks GREAT now that you've swapped the wheels and removed the molding. Now, could you get "plain" hub centers for those Denali wheels you have on there? (Do they exist?)

seadoons · January 7, 2004

I don't have a tahoe nor am I educated on the topic...but, it would not make sense that chevrolet would drill additional holes for the Z71 rack...standardization is key on the assembly line...think about this...people on this board have purchased tahoes without the rear seat, but when they decide they want to install one, they pull up the carpet and the holes/brackets/whatever it is they need is already there. I would say they are the same holes.

sgiangregorio · January 7, 2004

I've had my Z71 Tahoe rack off. About a year ago I backed into my garage door (it didn't open all the way). I had to replace both rear caps on the back. Where the roller connects. The rear end of the rack just connects to the roof top with 4 torx screws, nothing big. The Z71 racks are much larger than the footprint area of the screw holes. My guess is they are interchangable.

corbin · January 7, 2004

Ive seen a Z71 tahoe with an Escalade rack...apparently the Tahoe has a few extra bolt locations which you can seal when puttin on the Escalade rack...besides that its bolt on and go.....quick change.

KMeloney · January 7, 2004

Thanks for the replies, folks! I'm convinced that it can be swapped for another rack if I decide to go with something lower-profile.

sg -- Sounds like it from your response, but CAN you buy just replacement pieces of the Z71 rack (ie -- only end caps), or does GM make you buy a whole new stankin' rack?

Corbin -- How'd the 'Hoe look with an Escalade rack? Did you like it?

Thanks!

-Kirk

sgiangregorio · January 7, 2004

Kirk, you can buy just the end caps. They ain't cheap though! I believe they were about $90 each for the rears. It came with the outer cap, the inner mount (which I needed since I broke those too) and the rubber mat that they sits between the external cap and the roof.

KMeloney · January 7, 2004

Ouch! That's what I was afraid of! $90 for each?! Geez... The Escalade rear vent corners were cheaper apiece than the stupid rack end caps! Dang... Well, maybe the FRONT one will be cheaper. ;)

Thanks for the info!

-Kirk

corbin · January 8, 2004

Check out the site below...its a pic of a Z71 with the Escalade rack...hope this helps .

CG

http://www.cardomain.com/id/blwright

KMeloney · January 9, 2004

Thanks for that link, Corbin! Now I can see that that Escalade rack (on my pewter-metallic 'Hoe) is not really the look I'm after. If the Esc. rack were all BLACK, then that would be pretty cool...

Thanks again!

-Kirk

January 9, 2004

I saw a pewter Z71 tahoe yesterday with the standard, low profile rack. Same one that's on my Yukon. It looked fine. I didn't jump up to check the roof for holes but its a good sign.

KMeloney · January 10, 2004

I saw a pewter Z71 tahoe yesterday with the standard, low profile rack. Same one that's on my Yukon. It looked fine. I didn't jump up to check the roof for holes but its a good sign.

If you saw a low-profile rack on a Z71, and after seeing an Escalade rack on one as well, then I guess I have my answer! Thanks!

-Kirk