Hard Top

[4Runfun]

Found a used factory hard top on FB Marketplace for my 2022 Rubicon JLU (soft top) for a good price.

Some Questions:

1. How easy is the full swap? I've watched a few youtube videos and still not convinced it's as easy as they make it seem. I want to make sure I have all the parts
2. Is my Rubicon equipped or do I need any extra parts or mounting hardware since I only bought the soft top.
3. Is there Anything extra beyond the top itself? Does it include all mounting hardware/bolts/gaskets?

EDIT - Removing my last question about wiper / wiper kit - Not interested at this time Mostly just want to know about installing the hard top and whether or not I need any additional parts

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[Rhinebeck01]

Found a used factory hard top on FB Marketplace for my 2022 Rubicon JLU (soft top) for a good price.

Some Questions:

1. How easy is the full swap? I've watched a few youtube videos and still not convinced it's as easy as they make it seem. I want to make sure I have all the parts
2. Is my Rubicon equipped or do I need any extra parts or mounting hardware since I only bought the soft top.
3. Is there Anything extra beyond the top itself? Does it include all mounting hardware/bolts/gaskets?
4. Is there a way to connect the wiper/wiper fluid if so desired? down the road?

YES, you would buy an OEM wiring kit that gives you or the Tech at the dealership all they need to do the install. The kit retails for $400+ . Dealer will charge you at least/approx, 2 hours labor to install the kit.
https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/hardtop-wiring-harness-conversion-kit-wrangler-jl

To operate the rear defrost and wiper system you need these parts in place of the original parts. New wiring with washer hose to route through the body. Hardtop drain hoses are included. This kit will give you full use of the factory hardtop.

 

[Pape]

You may need to get a programmer to enable hard top support.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Make sure it includes the front freedom tops unless you are planning to run a sunrider top with it.

 

[jaymz]

The swap is easy if you have a helper. A bit more difficult solo.

IIRC, when I swapped my soft top I had to buy a couple of brackets that mount on the windshield frame to secure the Freedom panels. Overall, I had to remove more things than I had to install.

I also didn't bother with the wiring/hose kit for the wiper and defroster. Not a big deal living in So. Cal.

 

[4Runfun]

Make sure it includes the front freedom tops unless you are planning to run a sunrider top with it.

It does

 

[4Runfun]

The swap is easy if you have a helper. A bit more difficult solo.

IIRC, when I swapped my soft top I had to buy a couple of brackets that mount on the windshield frame to secure the Freedom panels. Overall, I had to remove more things than I had to install.

I also didn't bother with the wiring/hose kit for the wiper and defroster. Not a big deal living in So. Cal.

That's what I'm thinking as well - which is why I said , down the road.. My main goal is something for the winter

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@4Runfun

For all the info you need .......Read here: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ardtop-and-rear-wiper-to-a-soft-top-jl.26433/

 

[Tank the Jeep]

My JLURD is a factory soft top. I bought hardtop later. You will need the latch parts on the Jeep for the freedom tops. Sorry, cant remember the exact name. The Mopar parts are expensive. DV8 has the aftermarket as well. I did not add the wiring, which is really pointless. The 37s take up most of the back window. The corners that you can see out of doesn’t get touched by the wiper. I’m ok without the wiring.

I will say that swapping tops is a royal pain. It’s less about the hardtop than the soft top. I can only describe it as trying to throw an octopus out of a tree. I’m leaving the soft top on this winter.

I’ll post a link to those freedom panel catches below.

 

[4Runfun]

My JLURD is a factory soft top. I bought hardtop later. You will need the latch parts on the Jeep for the freedom tops. Sorry, cant remember the exact name. The Mopar parts are expensive. DV8 has the aftermarket as well. I did not add the wiring, which is really pointless. The 37s take up most of the back window. The corners that you can see out of doesn’t get touched by the wiper. I’m ok without the wiring.

I will say that swapping tops is a royal pain. It’s less about the hardtop than the soft top. I can only describe it as trying to throw an octopus out of a tree. I’m leaving the soft top on this winter.

I’ll post a link to those freedom panel catches below.

Yeah am having second thoughts about the whole thing after watching the process and really loving the ease of the soft top. Price is right but not sure it’s worth the hassle

 

[GRXKen]

Found a used factory hard top on FB Marketplace for my 2022 Rubicon JLU (soft top) for a good price.

Some Questions:

1. How easy is the full swap? I've watched a few youtube videos and still not convinced it's as easy as they make it seem. I want to make sure I have all the parts
2. Is my Rubicon equipped or do I need any extra parts or mounting hardware since I only bought the soft top.
3. Is there Anything extra beyond the top itself? Does it include all mounting hardware/bolts/gaskets?

EDIT - Removing my last question about wiper / wiper kit - Not interested at this time Mostly just want to know about installing the hard top and whether or not I need any additional parts

I do the swap every spring and fall by myself. Bought an inexpensive pully kit and hoist the hardtop or soft top up to the garage ceiling for storage. The hardest part is getting the jeep properly lined up under the top. I painted the floor to mark the tire positions

 

[DNAer]

It’s easy. I wouldn’t want to do it weekly but twice a year for winter weather is very doable. Takes me about 45 minutes to swap them out. I have a hardtop hoist which makes it much simpler and a DIY job. The octopus in a tree comment is a funny analogy and also accurate…another set of hands for that part is nice but not required.

 

[au176]

I will say that swapping tops is a royal pain. It’s less about the hardtop than the soft top. I can only describe it as trying to throw an octopus out of a tree. I’m leaving the soft top on this winter.

OMG- that is a PERFECT description of wrangling a soft top!

 

[GRXKen]

OMG- that is a PERFECT description of wrangling a soft top!

Not at all, put bungie cords around the top to hold it together and one on each side for all the framing to keep them together. Again I do this by myself every year, its not that difficult

 

[au176]

Not at all, put bungie cords around the top to hold it together and one on each side for all the framing to keep them together. Again I do this by myself every year, its not that difficult

I do the same thing, but with large Velcro straps. Like you said, not super difficult, but for something so "small" relative to a hard top, it is deceptively awkward to deal with, for me at least...

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