Are there any differences btwn 2007/08 and 2009 oem soft-tops?

I've got a 09 hardtop with no hardware, and looking to buy a used soft-top. Any concerns or factors to consider?

Also, does anyone know where I can find a list (and possibly pix) of all the necessary pieces of the hardware (surrounds etc)?

thanks,

Kurt (jk noob)

 

I have an '08 Sahara and bought the soft top back in June so I would assume it's an '09. Everything went together well. Just make sure that if you buy a top it has all the hardware. There wasn't anything special to get it on mine, just the standard stuff.

 

You might want to be sure you are getting the Sunrider. I have an 08 2 door X and had the regular top. Finally got the Sunrider. Here in New England it can rain any time and the Sunrider is so much easier to open (and close) without taking down the entire top. See jeep.com/en/owners/soft_top_guide/wrangler_soft_top_guide/[/url]
I do believe for 2009 and beyond, the Sunrider top was the only top offered. Be sure b4 u buy.

 

GO to thre Bestop web site. They have all the parts and a drawing to show you the whole thing. This will help you order the correct parts from their list. Proices are there also... Good Luck. Make sure you have a second pair of hands to help you install the top. Check out YouTube. They have a Chrysler guy installing one and it really helps. also check out the two P-Oed Russian guys trying to install one

 

followup:
So I went up to 4WD Hardware in Ohio - best price was $900 - for a 4dr. not bad. I don't think it was a Sunrider, though. But I ended up grabbing a used Sunrider for $500 (sweet). The grommets tore on the one strap almost instantly on install but no biggie - seems like it's not an issue. If I do find it to be a problem, I'll do the self-tapping screws/washers that folks have recommended.

Also need to find some velcro straps - none at Home Depot, so heading out to a fabric store to check there.

Lastly - install was a snap. I looked for vids to no avail, but used the instructions in our owners manual which were perfect.

I'm *assuming* it's a Sunrider, since there's the latches above the front doors that allows for just the front part to fold back (??).

 

yeah that's the sunrider part... and check Walmart for those V-cro straps they should have them for real cheap.

 

Yes, the 2009 soft top header is different. So, for your 2009, you should only look for 2009 soft tops. The difference is very slight, but the cut out for the footman loop is different. If you found an awesome deal on a 2007/2008 top you could pretty easily make it work by shaving a little plastic off or removing your footman loop.

 

Negative on removing the footman loop on the '09.........it's used as a latch point for the front freedom top panels.

 

I ended up going to the fabric store and making a pair - $6 for 2.

As far as the footman loop removal goes, can I remove it for the summer and reinstall when I put the hardtop on?

 

Right, unless you only have a soft top or something.

I think it might be rived on in the JK (there were Torx bolts on the TJ). Instead, I would shave a small amount of plastic from the 07/08 soft top windshield header (you will see exactly where to shave it when you install the top). I don't think much at all would need to come off.