i want to make my own roof rack. my 97 passport didn't come with one. i was wondering about the best way to attach and if the passport with factory racks had extra bracing or something. any help would be appreciated.

how about buying a factory OEM rack from a salavage yard?

Personally, after 8yrs of using the factory roof rack that came on my 97 Rodeo - I wouldn't waste time trying to find the factory one.

Go out and get yourself the Yakima set-up, it's worth every penny. It holds a lot more stuff, and a lot more stable at that.