I bought a brand new 2014 JKU top for my 2008 from a private owner. The forward panels dropped right in and twisted the lock down mechanism just fine with one exception. The lockdown mechanism above the rear view mirror does not snug the two panels. It's useless actually. The panels feel like they are locked in just fine when I press up, but seeing that gap between the roof panel and the lockdown mechanism concerns me. I did a search on this topic and the last post was 2012. My question is, has anyone else done this and is there cause for concern regarding this one lockdown point? I did take it on a highway to speed test the panels and held just fine @ 80mph. further Some photos... Thanks!

 

Does it sit flush all around when viewed from the outside?

Are the header latches secure?

I'd try reseating everything to be sure. As long as the latches are snug I doubt you'd "lose" the top but leaking might be an issue.

 

Thanks for your reply. We had a rain storm the other day producing 4" of rain and nothing penetrated the inside. Here are 2 more photos. If I turn the lockdown mechanism so that the smaller tip is correctly in position, I've got 1" of space. It looks like if I try and force it, I can have the thicker portion slide over the windshield loop which may help as well. Not sure how the 2014 JK header lockdown looks so hopefully someone can post a photo so I can compare. Thanks again for your reply!

 

As you probably guessed by now the only difference is the the header panel. The hoop for the hood to windshield strap is different. And the back window is larger, but that's cosmetic. If it doesn't leak, then roll with it! The main thing is that the big latches in front are secure. The front center latch mostly locks the panels together. You might get some leaks and wind noise. I'd guess that's the worst case. You could relocate the hoop and have it pretty much 100%.

 

Are the freedom panels different on a RHD? Does the "passengers side" remove first? It seems as though, if the panels are oppositely designed on a RHD, that the RHD panels would line up with the hoop.

 

Passenger panel first then driver side. Here's another view of the gap between lockdown and passenger panel. I don't want to lockdown on loop, as I don't want to stress the clip or damage it. Guess I can make a shim until I figure out a better solution.

 

The footman loop did move. I'm not sure what year because I have read 2011, 2012, and 2013. So I'm guessing one of those is accurate. The footman loop can be unbolted on my 2014 and therefore you could probably use nutserts to move it over and then trim the plastic. However, the loop may have been welded back in 08 and therefore require more work to move.

 

You need the new hard top to old jeep adapter. (Hard Top - 82212462 | Mopar)
I just did mine after insurance company repairs failed to do the research and left me scratching my head. It works beautifully.

 

Thanks for this information. Placing my order now.