Sherpa Matterhorn Roof Rack for 1996-2002 3rd Gen 4Runner
Sherpa Matterhorn Roof Rack for 1996-2002 3rd Gen 4Runner
Check Your Roof Track Anchor Plates First
The Matterhorn mounts to your factory roof tracks and needs 8 anchor plates in those tracks. Anchor plates are not included. On a truck this age, some or all may be missing. Look inside your tracks before ordering, and call us at 844-200-3979 if you need to source replacements.
An all-new design for the rack that started it all. The Matterhorn is the 3rd Gen 4Runner roof rack Sherpa built its reputation on, rebuilt from the ground up and proven to get gear to some of the most remote places in the country.
It spans 92 inches with 9 extrusion crossbars and mounts to the factory roof tracks, so installation is drill-free with zero modification. Side panels are 1/4 inch aircraft-grade aluminum with stainless steel hardware, and two adjustable leveling mounts let you dial the rack flat. It weighs roughly 50 lbs. Secure gear by bolting into the crossbars or strapping directly to the side plates. Black textured powder coat, black anodized crossbars, black oxide stainless hardware. Choose a Full Height wind fairing or a Half Height fairing sized for a single-row light bar. It also fits the 1990-1995 2nd Gen 4Runner if roof tracks are installed. Manufactured in Colorado. Lifetime Warranty.
3rd Gen, and 2nd Gen With Tracks
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner
The 3rd Gen, which is what the Matterhorn was designed around. Mounts to the factory roof tracks with no drilling, across the full 1996 to 2002 run.
1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner
Also a 2nd Gen 4Runner roof rack, provided your truck has roof tracks installed. Without tracks there is nothing for the rack to mount to.
How the Roof Track Mount Works
As a 3rd Gen 4Runner roof rack, the Matterhorn uses the factory roof tracks already on the truck, so there is no drilling and nothing permanent happens to the roof. Four mounting brackets connect to the tracks through anchor plates that slide inside them.
That is also where the one catch lives. The rack needs eight anchor plates seated in the tracks, and they are not included. On a truck that is 20-plus years old, previous owners have often removed factory crossbars and lost plates along the way. Check before you order. It takes thirty seconds and saves a stalled install.
About the Load Rating
The Matterhorn is rated 200 lbs dynamic and 600 lbs static. That is lower than Sherpa's newer racks, and it is worth understanding why rather than just reading the number.
Load rating is set by the mounting point, not the rack. The 3rd Gen's factory roof tracks are the limiting factor. Newer vehicles with dedicated factory hardpoints allow 300 to 400 lbs dynamic; tracks from the late 1990s simply are not built for that. The rack itself, with 1/4 inch aluminum side plates, is not the weak link.
In practice, 600 lbs static comfortably covers a rooftop tent plus occupants once parked. The number to plan around is the 200 lbs dynamic while driving: that suits a lighter rooftop tent, or a mix of recovery gear, cans, and a light bar. If you are planning a heavier tent, call us and we will check the weight against the rating before you order.
The PEAK Series
Industry leading premium roof rack systems. The PEAK series is the go-to for a premium aluminum roof rack. It is the line that Sherpa built its name on, and the Matterhorn is where it started. Sherpa believes in the constant evolution of their products, building the toughest systems on the market. From industry-leading alloys to uncompromising mounts, you will always Adventure with Confidence.
Crafted
Manufactured in Colorado with precision laser-cut 1/4" aluminum sideplates formed with CNC accuracy by Sherpa's team of professionals. They have created a very stout mounting structure, secured with stainless steel hardware, that will keep your gear where you need it. The 1/4 inch aircraft-grade aluminum is thicker than most competing racks, which is where the strength comes from without the weight penalty of steel.
Adaptable
Sherpa knows the importance of mounting all of your goodies on your rig. With the PEAK Series, you have the ability to mount just about anything, anywhere. With slots and holes all over the rack, plus Sherpa's line of accessories, you will never find yourself wishing you could mount something. It is also compatible with Sherpa's 3rd Gen 4Runner window panel, one of the more popular 3rd Gen 4Runner accessories to pair with it.
Durable
Strength is built into Sherpa's brand and the PEAK System is what they built their name on. Using the best in materials and hardware, you can beat on this system every weekend and trust it to show up to work on Monday. The Matterhorn is the battle-tested original, now redesigned, and backed by Sherpa's Lifetime Warranty.
Two Adjustable Leveling Mounts
The Matterhorn includes two adjustable leveling mounts. Vehicle rooflines are rarely perfectly flat, and on a 20-plus-year-old truck they are even less likely to be. These let you dial the rack level rather than accepting whatever angle the tracks give you, which keeps a rooftop tent sitting square and spreads load evenly across the brackets.
Which Fairing Is Right for You?
Sherpa's full height fairing is built for people who do not want to put a light bar on their rack. The half height fairing is made so you can fit a single row light bar while keeping everything flush. Both cost the same, so this is purely a build decision.
Specifications
| Vehicle | 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner (3rd Gen). Also fits 1990-1995 2nd Gen with roof tracks installed |
| Weight | ~50 lbs |
| Crossbars | 9 x 43" |
| Rack Dimensions | 92" x 43-1/2" x 2.5" |
| Dynamic Load Rating | 200 lbs |
| Static Load Rating | 600 lbs |
| Sideplate Material | 1/4" aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Mounting | Factory roof tracks, 4 brackets. Requires 8 anchor plates (not included) |
| Leveling | 2 adjustable leveling mounts included |
| Finish | Black textured powder coat |
| Crossbar Finish | Black anodized |
| Hardware | Black oxide stainless steel |
| Installation | Drill-free. Zero vehicle modification |
| Fairing Options | Full Height (no light bar) or Half Height (single row light bar) |
| Accessory Compatibility | Sherpa 3rd Gen 4Runner Window Panel |
| Manufactured | Colorado, USA |
| SKU | 111744 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
What's Included
Not included: the 8 roof track anchor plates, and the 3rd Gen 4Runner window panel, both sold separately.
📄 Installation Instructions
Download the full Matterhorn MkII install guide. No drilling required.
Pros
- A 3rd Gen 4Runner roof rack built for the platform, the rack Sherpa started with, now redesigned
- Uses the factory roof tracks, so installation is completely drill-free
- Also fits 1990-1995 2nd Gen 4Runners with roof tracks installed
- Two adjustable leveling mounts to dial the rack flat on an older roofline
- 1/4" aircraft-grade aluminum sideplates at about 50 lbs
- Full 92 inch length with 9 crossbars
- Compatible with Sherpa's 3rd Gen 4Runner window panel
- Choice of Full or Half Height fairing at the same price
- Made in Colorado with a Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- 200 lbs dynamic is lower than Sherpa's newer racks. The limit comes from the factory roof tracks, not the rack
- 8 roof track anchor plates are required and not included. Check yours before ordering
- 2nd Gen fitment depends on roof tracks already being installed
- Fairing choice is made at purchase, so switching later means buying the other fairing separately
Frequently Asked Questions
What are anchor plates and do I have them?
Anchor plates are small plates that slide inside the factory roof tracks and give the mounting brackets something to bolt into. The Matterhorn needs eight, and they are not included. Many 3rd Gen 4Runners still have them, but on trucks where factory crossbars were removed, plates often went missing. Look inside your tracks before ordering, and call us at 844-200-3979 if you need replacements.
Why is the load rating lower than other Sherpa racks?
Because load rating is set by the mounting point, not the rack. The Matterhorn attaches to the 3rd Gen's factory roof tracks, and those tracks were not engineered for the loads that newer vehicles' dedicated hardpoints handle. The rack itself is built from the same 1/4 inch aluminum as every PEAK rack. 600 lbs static covers a rooftop tent plus occupants once parked. The 200 lbs dynamic figure is the one to plan around while driving.
Will it fit my 2nd Gen 4Runner?
Yes, if roof tracks are installed. The Matterhorn fits 1990 through 1995 2nd Gen 4Runners that have tracks, since that is what the rack mounts to. Without tracks there is nothing to attach to. If you are not sure whether your 2nd Gen has them or which style they are, send us a photo and we will confirm.
Can I mount a rooftop tent on it?
Yes, with attention to weight. 600 lbs static comfortably covers a tent plus occupants once parked, but the 200 lb dynamic rating means you should choose a lighter tent and keep other roof gear modest. A 100 to 130 lb tent leaves reasonable room for a few accessories. Call us at 844-200-3979 with the tent you are considering and we will check it against the rating. Browse our rooftop tent collection here.
Does it fit newer 4Runners?
No. The Matterhorn is for the 1996-2002 3rd Gen, with 2nd Gen fitment when tracks are installed. For a 2010-2024 5th Gen, we carry the Sherpa Crestone. For a 2025 or newer 6th Gen, we carry the Sherpa Capitol. If you have a 1999 4Runner roof rack question or any other year, call us and we will confirm.
Which fairing should I choose?
Choose Full Height if you are not running a light bar, since it deflects the most air for the quietest ride. Choose Half Height if you want a single-row light bar to sit flush with the fairing line. Both cost the same. If a light bar is anywhere in your future plans, Half Height saves you buying a second fairing later.
Complete Your Build
Check Your Tracks, Then Call Us
Tell us your year and whether your anchor plates are all there. We will confirm fitment and sort out anything missing.
844-200-3979
