Jeep is one of the most versatile vehicles for off-roading and overcoming extreme terrain. The Wrangler is the most common model when it comes to detachable doors and roofs. If you own a Jeep with a removable roof, or you plan on getting one, here are the top five tips when replacing and installing a Jeep Wrangler hard top.
Know Which Hard Top You Need For Your Jeep
There are a lot of options for a Jeep hard top, and each of these hard tops offers many features.
Before ordering a hard top for Jeep, it’s important to know exactly the model you need a hard top for. There are a couple of generations of the Jeep Wrangler which include CJ, YJ, TJ, JK, and JL.
There are three versions of hard tops for Jeep Wrangler to take into consideration. The one-piece version, a two-piece version, and lastly, the three-piece version.
The one-piece Jeep hard top is the one to choose for cold weather because it provides the best insulation, however, it’s the most difficult one to install. For the one-piece hard top, you’ll need assistance from at least one more person.
The two-piece hard top for Jeep Wrangler is the best of both worlds. It’s easier to attach to the vehicle, and provides relatively good insulation against weather conditions. The only reason why a single-piece hard top is a better solution is that it doesn’t have any seams and there’s a much lower possibility for leaks.
Lastly, the three-piece hard top is the easiest one to remove and store, however, because it has more seams, it’s more susceptible to leaks and wind noise. The insulation is also worse than in a one-piece hard top for example.
Aside from selecting the hard top that fits your vehicle’s generation, it’s up to you to take your personal preferences and needs into consideration to choose the best choice for your car.
Have The Right Equipment
Although there are some accessories you can detach and attach with no tools or equipment, you should always have the right set of tools for each job. To attach a hard top and make the best seal possible, you should use the required tools and equipment to tighten up the screws and bolts holding the entire piece together. Only by using proper equipment will you be able to use the hard top’s full potential.
The tools required for most Jeep Wrangler hard top applications include a ⅜” ratchet, a 15mm socket, T25, T30, T40, T50, and T55 Torx bits.
Follow a Step By Step Guide
Installing a hard top for Jeep isn’t usually very difficult, however, if you’ve never installed a hard top before, it’s advised to follow the step-by-step guide that came with the hard top. Although it might not sound complicated, it’s essential to do everything properly to have tight seals and proper fitment. And, it’s easy to damage the top if you drop it or apply too much torque to the fasteners.
Each Jeep hard top has a similar install process, but depending on whether it’s a one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece hard top, the steps may be different. Even the order in which you bolt the hard top to your Jeep’s frame is a factor you need to take into consideration so it would fit perfectly.
Troubleshoot Any Issues
Even after getting a new hard top for Jeep Wrangler, there might be installation issues. If they do, it’s of the utmost importance not to force installation, but to troubleshoot these issues and remove the obstacles blocking the installation process. This can be anything from dirt and grime to poorly lubricated parts or even a bent or twisted chassis, although that’s less likely.
If you have trouble attaching or detaching your Jeep’s hard top, start by checking every part of your Jeep where the hard top should fit. You may find either dirt or other debris that’s preventing you from attaching the hard top, but make sure to check everything before trying to move the hard top. Your instruction manual will also likely have tips on troubleshooting, so check that as well.
Have Help If Possible
Both attaching and removing a Jeep hard top requires at least two sets of hands. For a two-piece and three-piece hard top, it’s possible to remove the smaller pieces alone that cover the front-row seats, but removing the back end on the hard top is much larger, and even if you could pick it up alone, there’s a chance it will fall, so to stay on the safe side and have someone help you move the hard top safely.
Find a high-quality hard top for Jeep at Morris 4X4 Center along with thousands of other Jeep Wrangler accessories and parts from the most renowned manufacturers such as Mopar, DV8 Offroad, Kentrol, Warrior, and more.
