Jeep JK Write-Ups
Recent Write-Ups
Rough Country Jeep JK Wrangler
Dual Steering Stabilizer Installation Write-Up
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After lifting your Jeep JK Wrangler and installing much bigger tires, you may experience a noticeable increase in the amount of bump steer you have when playing out on the trail. This is of course completely normal as the size of your tires will exaggerate bump steer and a good way to help dampen it is to install a heavy duty steering stabilizer. Or, if you really want maximum dampening, I would recommend picking up a heavy duty dual Steering Stabilizer setup like the kind that Rough Country makes. |
TeraFlex Jeep JK Wrangler Heavy Duty
Steering Stabilizer Installation Write-Up
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Due to it's location and proximity to the ground, smashing a factory steering stabilizer on the trail isn't something that's uncommon to JK's. In fact, most of the people I know have trashed theirs at least once including me. Fortunately for us, a steering stabilizer is easy to replace and not too costly. And, rather than just replacing your factory steering stabilizer with another, I decided to upgrade mine to a heavy duty one made by TeraFlex. |
Jeep JK Wrangler NSG-370
Manual Transmission Service
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As a part of good routine maintenance, it is highly recommended that you service your NSG 370 manual transmission once every 30,000 miles. Changing your Jeep JK Wrangler's transmission fluid will give you an opportunity to inspect the magnetic drain bolt for any signs of abnormal wear going on inside (i.e. large chunks of metal attached to it) and new fluid will help keep things operating smoothly. |
Jeep JK Wrangler NV-241 / NV-241OR
Transfer Case Service
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As a good part of routine maintenance on your Jeep JK Wrangler, it is highly recommended that you service your NV241 or NV241OR transfer case once every 30,000 miles. Changing out the ATF+4 transfer case fluid will give you an opportunity to inspect it for any signs of abnormal wear going on inside (i.e. bits of metal coming out) and new fluid will help keep things operating smoothly. This is a very simple task and can be done in minutes with the right tools. Also, any ATF+4 fluid can be used. |
Fab Fours Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited
Body Mounted Rock Sliders
LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Signature Series
Shorty Front Winch Bumper Installation Write-Up
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While a true 'stubby' or 'shorty' front winch bumper is something that many people would love to have on their Jeep JK Wrangler, the drawbacks of what to do with the factory fog lights has been enough of a deterrent to get most looking at other alternatives. Specifically, mounting a winch down between the frame rails on most aftermarket stubby front bumpers would require you to remove the factory fog lights or force you to buy a wider 'mid-width' style bumper so that you could relocate the lights to the outside of the frame rails.
However, with the introduction of the new and stylishly designed LoD Signature Series JK Shorty Front Winch Bumper, you can now have the bumper you really want and keep your fog lights too. |
Jeep JK Wrangler Stainless Steel
Extended Brake Line Installation
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If you've just lifted your Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more (or are planning to do so), you will need to do one of the following: A) Install a set of rear brake line extension brackets or B) Install a set of extended brake lines like the kind that Currie Enterprises or Crown offers through Northridge4x4. Without them, you will run the risk of damaging your factory brake lines and/or compromise it's connection to your brake calipers when flexing on the trail. Upgrading your brake lines to a set of extended ones is simple to do and the instructions below should make it even easier for you. |
LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Signature Series
Rear Bumper Tire Carrier Installation Write-up
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The all new LoD Signature Series JK Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier is a beautifully designed full width rear bumper that will compliment your Jeep JK Wrangler while providing heavy duty protection from the rocks. Constructed out of 3/16″laser cut steel plate, this bumper comes complete with D-Ring mounts, tapered ends for maximum departure angles and is available in texture or a matte black powder coat finish. However, in addition to all these standard features, this, the LoD Signature Series JK Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier is also available with a standard adjustable toggle latch, huge 1-1/2″ solid hinge pin with cap and locking pin that holds the tire carrier open. And, if that weren’t enough, you can also get this rear bumper with an optional, trail rack, jerry can mounts, 4″ recessed halogen reverse lights and an LED 3rd brake light. |
Off Road Evolution Jeep JK Wrangler
EVO Front Lower Control Arm Skids
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One of the most common things most people hit on their Jeep JK Wrangler's when playing on the rocks is the lower control arm mounts at the axle. They are after all located next to your tires and positioned low to the ground and a simple slip off of a rock can have you coming down on them and hard. For the most part, this really is not that big of a deal as the factory control arms can take quite a bit of abuse especially at the joint but like many other JK owners I know, I have found that the axle mount flanges have a tenancy to bend and significantly even from mild impacts. And, over time and repeated abuse, these flanges can and will break. By the time I got my Jeep JK Wrangler into Off Road Evolution, the inner flange of my control arm axle mount was already showing signs of cracking. Needless to say, I decided to have these flanges reinforced with a weld but also decided to beef them up with a set of Off Road Evolution EVO Front Lower Control Arm Skids. |
Off Road Evolution Jeep JK Wrangler
C2 Front Axle Reinforcement Gussets
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With the Jeep JK Wrangler practically built to fit 35" tires or bigger right out of the box, it really is no wonder that this is exactly what many JK owners have already done with their Jeep or are planning to do in the near future. Unfortunately, there is a minor drawback in going bigger that a few of us are starting to see and that is the front axle C's will start to bend. As it would seem, the front axle C's on both the Dana 30 and Dana 44 front axles are somewhat weak and the strain from running bigger tires will be enough to bend the C's to the point where a measureable and visible amount of camber to one or both front wheels can be seen. And, while some adjustment can be made to correct this with offset ball joints, this adjustment is limited and will not prevent bending of the C's in the future. So what can one do to prevent this from happening? Install a set of Off Road Evolution C2 Front Axle Reinforcement Gussets on your Jeep today! |
M.O.R.E. 1" Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited Body Lift
Installation Write-Up
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Even though
I have a Full Traction 4" Ultimate suspension lift on my Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited, I found that my 37x13.50 Toyo M/T's were still causing some minor rubbing of the fenders at a full stuff. Of course, having a heavy PUREJEEP bumper with WARN PowerPlant winch up front and an extremely heavy PUREJEEP rear bumper tire carrier on the rear didn't do a whole lot to keep my Jeep sitting at 4" of lift. Needless to say, all I really needed to eliminate the rubbing I had was about an inch of clearance between my tires and fenders and that's why I decided to install a 1" body lift from Mountain Off-Road Enterprises or M.O.R.E. for short. |
Rough Country Jeep JK Wrangler
4" Suspension Lift Installation Write-Up
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One of the nicest features of the Jeep JK Wrangler is that it was essentially designed to sit on 35" tires. At least, if you've ever seen a JK on 35's, you almost have to wonder why they didn't just come like that from the factory. However, in order to get your Jeep JK Wrangler to clear 35" tires on the trail without any rubbing or other issues, you will need to get it sitting on at least 3"-4" of lift. While there are multiple ways to get you to this height, a true suspension lift (i.e. new taller coils and components to match) is what I would recommend and thanks to Rough Country Suspension Systems, you can do this upgrade for about $575 and a few hours out of your day. |
Hypertech Max Energy Jeep JK Wrangler
Engine Tuner & Calibrator
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Looking for a way to optimize your Jeep JK Wrangler's 3.8L V6 engine performance? How about calibrate its speedometer/odometer to match a set of new gears and/or bigger tires that you've just installed? If so, the Hypertech Max Energy Power Programmer is exactly what you're going to need. |
Rancho RS 9000X Pro Series Remote Reservoir Shocks
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When it comes to off-road performance shocks, few companies have the history and outstanding reputation that Rancho has been able to create for itself over the last 50 years. Needless to say, when it came time for me to start looking for a new set of extended shocks to go with the 4.5" of lift that I now have on my Jeep JK Wrangler, Rancho was the first company I turned to for help. |
AEV Jeep JK Wrangler Jack Base
Project-JK Decal Application Write-Up
Jeep JK Wrangler AEM Brute Force
Cold Air Intake System Installation Write-Up
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Without a doubt, one of the easiest mods that just about anyone can do to their Jeep JK Wrangler, even those without ANY mechanical experience, is upgrade their factory air cleaner box with a cold air intake system. And, by far, one of the best cold air intake systems available on the market today is the AEM Brute Force. |
Jeep JK Wrangler Maintenance
Differential Fluid Change Write-Up
Jeep JK Wrangler SOLID Differential Cover Installation
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If you're looking for a way to armor up your Jeep JK Wrangler's front and/or rear differentials, look no further than SOLID Axle Industries. Designed as a heavy duty replacement, the SOLID differential cover is extremely well built, super beefy, affordable, has a machined mating surface for a flat fit, comes complete with new bolts and RTV and best of all, it looks awesome! Installing a set of SOLID heavy duty replacement differential covers is extremely easy to do and can be done in about 15-30 minutes an axle. All you need to do is make sure that you have everything listed in the column to the left and follow the instructions below. |
JKS Sway Bar Link Quick Disconnects Installation
Old Man Emu Jeep JK Wrangler
2" Lift Installation Write-Up
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If you're looking to give your Jeep JK Wrangler a 2" lift and have no plans of ever going taller in the future, there's only one true suspension lift kit you should consider and that is the one made by Old Man Emu. Being that the tallest lift that they make is a 2" lift, you can be sure that they do all that they can to make it the very best and have actually made a reputation for themselves for doing just that. |
Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler
Mid-Width Front Bumper Installation Write-Up
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Just like the very popular Shrockworks Stubby Front Bumper, the new Mid-Width Front Bumper is laser cut and CNC formed out of 3/16" steel plate, comes complete with a winch plate that can accept most 9500 lbs. winches including the new WARN PowerPlant, a skid plate which will effectively protect the Rubicon electronic disconnect, (2) D-Ring mounts, (2) off-road light mounts, a winch hoop and it will allow you to keep your factory fog lights. The installation of the Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler Mid-Width Front Bumper is just as simple to install as the Stubby and can be done by yourself. If you can employ the help of a friend, you should be able to complete the installation in about an hour or two at most by following the write-up below. |
Jeep JK Wrangler Steer Stop Adjustment
TeraFlex Sway Bar Link Quick Disconnects Installation
Currie Enterprises Jeep JK Wrangler
Rock Jock Suspension Lift Installation Write-Up
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Utilizing dual rated coils, the Currie Enterprises Jeep JK Wrangler Rock Jock Suspension System comes complete with everything you need to clear 37" tires (with only minor trimming required), provides up to 11" of front and rear wheel travel (with specified shocks) and allows you to dial in your ride with their beefy weld in track bar relocation brackets and adjustable control arms featuring their ever famous Johnny Joints. And, if you're looking for more off-road stability without having to sacrifice your outstanding flex, all you need to do is add on the optional front and rear Rock Jock Anti-Rock Sway Bar Systems to your JK and call it a day. |
Jeep JK Wrangler Maintenance
Bleeding Your Brakes
Basic Do-it-Yourself Jeep JK Wrangler
Front End Alignment
Jeep JK Wrangler Diagnostic Trouble Codes - DTC How to Check Them & What They Mean
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Thanks to the advent of technology, just about every single part on your new Jeep JK Wrangler is wired up to a computer. And, if anything goes wrong with any one of these parts, your Jeep's computer will make a note of it and/or even let you know about it by illuminating a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL for short or 'check engine' light) or icons on your dash. Unfortunately, the MIL or other icons won't tell you a whole lot other than the fact that your Jeep is having some kind of a problem and unless you take your Jeep into the dealership or have a OBDII reader handy, you're pretty much out of luck, right? Wrong. As luck would have it, the JK Wrangler's come with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) reader built right into the dash and you can access them by following the 3 simple steps below. Once you have the DTC code(s) in hand, check it/them against the list below and you will be able to find out exactly what problems your Jeep is having. |
Pro Comp ACCU PRO Jeep JK Wrangler
Speedometer & Odometer Calibrator
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Unlike previous Jeep Wranglers that had a simple gear in the transfer case that you could change out with ease, the all new JK Wrangler is completely computer controlled now and calibrating it's speedometer and odometer to match any tire taller than 32" or a gear ratio any higher than 4.10 was virtually impossible. That is, at least until now anyway. Thanks to the guys over at 4 Wheel Drive Hardware who just sent me the Pro Comp ACCU PRO, I was able to accurately calibrate both the speedometer and odometer on my Jeep JK Wrangler that is currently running 315/70R17's (approximately a 35x12.50) Pro Comp Xtreme M/T's and Superior 5.13 gears. And, if I had an automatic, the ACCU PRO would have also instantly corrected the computer controlled shift points as well. |
AIR LIFT 1000 Air Springs Installation Write-Up
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As much as I love doing short day trips up hard core trails, I have to say that my real love for Jeeps comes from the fact that they allow me to see and explore all the wonderful places this great country has to offer. And, when you load up your Jeep as much as I do to go on multi-day wheeling/camping trip with the entire family, the rear end of your Jeep JK Wrangler will sag considerably and in some cases, measurably enough to be an issue on and off the trail. Certainly, on the trail, sagging will cause a loss of ground clearance and on pavement, sagging will cause your head light beams to shine high and into the eyes of on coming traffic. So how does one go about solving a problem like this? Install a set of Air Lift 1000 air springs. |
Affordable Jeep JK Wrangler CB Radio Solution
Midland Model-1001Z
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While a decent FRS walkie-talkie style hand held radio will get you by on the trail, there really is nothing that compares to a good old fashion CB radio when it comes to range, audio clarity, reliability and ease of use. And, it's for those reasons that's so many Jeep clubs make having a CB Radio a requirement in order to go on their runs. Now, I know there are a lot of people who try to argue that a CB radio is too expensive or that they wouldn't know where to install one in the Jeep JK Wrangler and it is for them that I have created this easy to follow write-up. With the very affordable Midland 1001Z CB Radio (can be purchased for about $32 shipped), a few simple tools and an hour of your time, you can have a great CB radio installed on your Jeep that's compact, looks great and comes loaded with features including a PA switch. Need I say, you no longer have any excuses for not having a CB radio in your Jeep. |
Full Traction Suspension Jeep JK Wrangler
3″ Ultimate Lift Installation Write-Up
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Truly, there are few 3" lift kits available on the market today for the Jeep JK Wrangler that are as complete and well made as the Full Traction Suspension 3" Ultimate Lift. Made here in the USA, this lift kit comes with 3" taller coils, adjustable lower and upper control arms, adjustable front and rear track bars, bump stop extensions, brake line relocation brackets, new longer sway bar links for the rear and sway bar link disconnects up front for X and Sahara model JK's. In essence, you get EVERYTHING you need to dial in your ride as these components will allow you to reposition and center your axles under your Jeep, set your rear pinion angle (if you have an aftermarket drive shaft) and set your caster angle to where it needs to be after lifting your Jeep and installing bigger tires. |
Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler Stubby Front Bumper Installation Write-Up
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The installation of the Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler Stubby Front Bumper is very straight forward and by far one of the easiest ones that I've installed to date. Although it can be done by yourself, if you can employ the help of a friend, you should be able to complete the install in about an hour or two at most by following the write-up below. |
Seat Glovers Jeep JK Wrangler Custom Neoprene Seat Covers
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Above and beyond the fact that the Jeep JK Wrangler is by far one of the most capable off-road vehicles to ever be made, its ability to be driven both topless and doorless truly makes it one of the coolest vehicles ever made as well. And, if you're anything like me, driving my Jeep topless and doorless is the option of choice and something I try to do as often as possible. Of course, open air entertainment doesn't come without its consequences and left exposed to the elements, your factory seat are in for a real beating. Heck, general wear and tear from continuous use is reason enough for me to recommend some kind of upholstery protection and that's why I would highly recommend that you pick up and install a set of high quality seat covers much like the kind Seatglovers make. |
Affordable Jeep JK Wrangler Grab Handles
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With all the improvements and additions that have been designed into the all new Jeep JK Wrangler, I really am surprised that a decent set of overhead grab handles weren't included in the design. For the most part, this is no big deal as there are plenty of good aftermarket solutions for the front passengers like the velcro grab handles that MasterCraft makes but with the sound bar being located where it is, finding a good solution for the rear has been a bit tougher. |
Jeep JK Wrangler Trail Recovery Gear Essentials
The one question that I get asked time and time again from new Jeepers is, "what's the first mod I should do to my Jeep?" Of course, my answer to them is always the same, "recovery gear". The fact of the matter is, whether you're new to the world of off-roading with a right off the show room floor stock Jeep, or a long time veteran with a highly modified built up trail rig, everyone gets into a jam sooner or later.
Shrockworks Jeep JK Wrangler 4-Door Unlimited Rock Sliders Installation Write-Up
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When it comes to frame mounted rocker guard protection for your Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited, few can compare to the high quality construction, strength, function and clean design of the Shrockworks Rock Sliders. Built with severe punishment in mind, the Shrockworks Rock Sliders are designed with beefy squared tubes that sit just below the body pinch seam of your Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited and features a round tube side bar that extends out and angles up to provide maximum ground clearance and protection for your Jeep. Additional benefits of the tube side bars is its ability to be used as a Hi-Lift Jack point and of course, serve as a viable side step. |
PUREJEEP 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler
2-Door Rocker Guard Installation Write-Up
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What I like most about the PUREJEEP Jeep JK Wrangler 2-Door Rocker Guards is how clean and deliberate they look once they are installed. In fact, because of the way they have been designed to mount directly to the factory pinch seam (much like the factory Rubicon Rocker Guards) and have been shaped to follow the contours of the new JK body lines, the PUREJEEP Rocker Guards provide a look as if they were designed by Jeep itself and offered on the JK right from the factory. |
TeraFlex Jeep JK Wrangler
2.5″ Budget Boost Lift Installation Write-Up
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Phase one of the official Project-JK build up was to to get our Jeep JK Wrangler lifted high enough to sit on top of 35" tires and do it on a very tight budget. And, after doing some extensive research, we concluded that the best way to accomplish this goal was to start with the installation of a TeraFlex Budget Boost coil spacer suspension lift. With an extremely low retail price of about $225 (when purchased with a set of optional shock absorber extensions), this very complete kit will effectively lift your Jeep JK Wrangler 2.5" and do it without the need of purchasing new longer shocks - need I say more? |
LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Front Winch Bumper
Installation Write-Up
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If you're looking for a great heavy duty front bumper that looks great, is made out of 3/16" thick steel, has a narrower width to give you amazing approch angles, allows you to keep your factory fog lights, come with D-Ring mounts, has a winch plate that is recessed between your frame rails and a price tag that won't break the bank, the LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Front Winch Bumper is for you. The new LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Front Winch Bumper is super easy to install and this write-up should be all that you need to make it happen. Please read through the check list on the left to make sure you have everything you need before you start and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. |
Full Traction Suspension Jeep JK Wrangler
Adjustable Front Track Bar Installation Write-Up
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When you lift a Jeep JK Wrangler 3" or more, you really need to do more than just pop in a set of taller coils if you hope to maintain a good ride quality and handling. At the very least, you really need to address the shift in your axles by adjusting your track bars. And, while a track bar relocation bracket is a great solution for the rear, I would highly recommend the installation of a good replacement heavy duty adjustable unit up front like the kind Full Traction Suspension makes. |
PUREJEEP 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler Crawler
Stubby Front Winch Bumper Installation Write-Up
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The PUREJEEP Crawler Stubby Front Bumper was the very first hard core aftermarket front bumper to be released and in my opinion, still one of the very best that is offered in terms of quality and price. It's clean and simple utilitarian design is exceptionally functional, provides extreme approach angles and is proportionately sized to match the JK's new broad look. Essentially, it gives you everything you need and nothing you don't. Unfortunately, I didn't have a PUREJEEP Crawler Stubby Front Bumper to install myself but thanks to Chris Bader ( piginajeep ) and the on-going build-up project that 4Wheel Drive Hardware is helping him to do on his Jeep JK Wrangler, I think you'll find this installation write-up to be complete and contain everything you need to install one on your JK. |
Hutchison Beadlock Wheels
Installation Write-Up
I did an install on the Hutchinson beadlocks and wanted to give you a look at them. The first thing you notice when you pick one of these wheels is the weight–55 pounds each. The quality of the wheel is impeccable. You can tell they are produced by a company that builds for the military because these wheels look like they could stop a 50 caliber round.
Full Traction Suspension 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler
3″ Economy Lift Installation Write-Up
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If you're looking to install a true 3" coil suspension lift on your new Jeep JK wrangler and need to do it on a budget, few kits can come close to matching the quality, completeness and affordable price of the Full Traction Suspension Jeep JK Wrangler 3" Economy Lift Kit. This kit is easy to install and can be done in an afternoon with basic SAE and metric tools. |
Go Topless - Lowering the Sunrider Soft Top
on a 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler 4-Door Unlimited
I've heard a lot of people say that the new 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler 4-Door Unlimited is unique in that it's the only production SUV in the U.S. market today that is also a convertible. As if being able to drive a Jeep Wrangler topless was some kind of new option - LOL!!
Opening Up the Sunrider Soft Top Sun Roof
on a 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited
When Jeep first introduced the TJ Wrangler Unlimited back in 2004, it came with the added feature of a Sunrider Soft Top. And, unlike the soft tops of old, the new Sunrider was designed with the ability to open up the front half with ease effectively making it into a sun roof.
Jeep JK Wrangler & Unlimited
Freedom Top Removal
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By far, one of the best new design features offered on the 2007 Jeep JK Wrangler is the addition of a 3-piece sectional hard top, also known as the Freedom Top.
Unlike hard tops of the past that gave you only two options, on or off, the new Freedom Top gives you no less than seven different ways for you to open up the cab of your Jeep to elements. Remove both front panels or just one at a time to give sun or shade to the driver or front passenger as desired. Or, leave the front panels in place and just remove the rear half to give your Jeep an instant bikini top. |
