The installation of a soft top on a Jeep Wrangler, specifically the JK and JLU models, requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the installation process, required tools, and essential safety precautions, based on available documentation. The documentation covers soft top installation for 2-door JK models, 4-door JK models, and JLU models from 2007-2015 and 2018-current.
Preparing for Installation
Prior to commencing the installation, several preparatory steps are necessary. The documentation emphasizes the importance of performing the initial installation in warmer temperatures (70+ degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the fabric of a new soft top is at its tightest and becomes more pliable with warmth, facilitating easier installation. The fabric will relax over time, making future installations simpler.
Removing the existing hard top is a crucial first step. For Wranglers equipped with a Freedom Top or similar hard top, this involves detaching the front panels, raising the rear window, and removing all eight bolts securing the hard top to the vehicle – four on each side, two above the door pillars, and six holding the rear of the hard top to the rear rails. A Torx T40 driver or socket wrench is required for this process. It is also necessary to disconnect the rear wiper motor plug and windshield washer fluid hose, which are secured by a rippled, black, plastic square plug with a red clip. All removed hardware should be retained for potential future reinstallation of the hard top.
Careful handling of the soft top components is essential, as the windows are susceptible to scratches. The documentation advises carefully removing all contents from the packaging to prevent damage and keeping a protective layer between the windows during installation.
Required Tools and Parts
Successful installation necessitates a specific set of tools. The documentation lists the following:
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- #3 Phillips Screwdriver
- 1/2 inch wrench or socket wrench
- 7/16 inch wrench or socket wrench
- Torx T40 Driver or Socket (for hard top removal)
- Vice Grips or Locking Pliers
- Razor or Scissors
- Step stool or small ladder
The parts included in a typical MasterTop Complete Soft Top kit include:
- Top Deck/Header and Rear Bows assembly (QTY 1)
- Driver side quarter Window (QTY 1)
- Passenger side quarter window (QTY 1)
- Rear window (QTY 1)
- Center bow assembly (QTY 2)
- Driver side door surround (Qty 1)
- Passenger side door surround (QTY 1)
- Door surround Rubber (Qty 2)
- Door Surround Screws (Qty 4)
- Door surround knobs (QTY 8)
- Tailgate Bar (QTY 1)
- Tailgate Bar Corner Mounts (QTY 2)
- Corner Mounts short knobs (QTY 2)
- Rear bow screws & nuts (Qty 4)
- Rear bracket screws & nuts (Qty 2)
- Rear Main bracket screws and nuts (Qty 2)
- 4mm Allen Wrench (QTY 1)
- Rear Main Bracket Screws M6 (Qty 4)
- 5mm Allen Wrench (Qty 1)
Installation Procedure: Frame and Header
The installation process begins with the frame. The upper front door surrounds are attached first. The documentation details fastening the upper bolt and lower screw tightly while ensuring the door surround remains flush with the weather stripping along the rear door. Caution is advised to avoid over-tightening, as fabric will be present between the door surround and the door when the soft top is installed, potentially inhibiting closure. This process is repeated on the passenger side.
Next, the Header Bar assembly is prepared. Pivot bars are attached to the Header Bar using eight 8-32 x 3/8 Panhead Screws, secured from outside to inside with a #2 Phillips screwdriver. The pivot bars must be oriented with the center gap facing up and the pivot brackets pointing outward.
The completed header bar assembly is then positioned atop the vehicle, with the snaps on the bottom facing down onto the windshield and the Plastic Bow Supports facing the inside of the vehicle. The assembly is centered over the windshield and vehicle. The pivot brackets are lightly fastened to the vehicle using two Hex Bolts and washers from Bag C, utilizing a 1/2 socket wrench.
Installing the Canopy and Securing the Top
With the header assembly in place, the Roof Canopy is positioned atop the vehicle, with the front portion folded back to expose the snaps on the underside. The fabric of the canopy is then stretched over the lip of the windshield header bar and secured to the header by snapping each of the canopy’s snaps into place.
The tensioning straps located in the middle of the canopy are then attached to the front door surround brackets. The windshield header bar is then brought forward, and the rear straps are wrapped around the roll bar below the seat belt attachment. The straps are threaded through ladder locks, ensuring they are flush against the roll bar and free of twists.
Final Adjustments and Safety Considerations
The documentation emphasizes the importance of fully securing or stowing the soft top before driving. Operating the vehicle with the Windshield Header Assembly in the forward position is permitted, with or without the Soft Top Canopy attached, provided it is secured down properly with both Turn Knob Latches.
Several critical safety warnings are included. The documentation stresses the risk of injury from loss of vehicle control, emphasizing that the soft top is intended for weather protection only and should not be relied upon for occupant restraint in the event of an accident or to protect against falling objects. All occupants should always wear seatbelts, and body parts should be kept within the vehicle at all times.
The documentation also cautions against using a damaged or worn soft top and advises reading and following all instructions and warnings accompanying the product, the vehicle owner's manual, and any Off Road Driving Supplement. Safety glasses should be worn at all times during installation and maintenance to protect against eye injury.
Conclusion
Installing a soft top on a Jeep Wrangler requires a methodical approach, the correct tools, and strict adherence to safety guidelines. The process involves removing the hard top, assembling the frame, attaching the canopy, and securing all components properly. The documentation highlights the importance of performing the installation in warmer temperatures and handling the soft top components with care to prevent scratches. Prioritizing safety and following all instructions are paramount to ensuring a secure and enjoyable driving experience.