When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock JK TechBulletin board forum regarding issues with OE (original equipment) components of the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) such as factory suspension parts, engine, transmission, body parts, interior fixtures and the on-board computer.
The back half of it will fit (I think) but IIRC the center footman loop got moved a few inched to the left in 09 (I think) and the pins for the freedom panels are in different places from the earlier JKs to the later ones.
Easy solution is to buy the hardtop and then get a Sunrider from Bestop!
Last edited by MountainWhisky; 09-18-2018 at 10:52 AM.
In 2007 and 2008 models, the footman loop in the center of the windshield frame is in a different location than later models. The Freedom panels for these early models lacked an additional locking lever added in 2009 to prevent wind noise and water leaks in the leading edge.
You could run it as is, or move the footman loop over to the left and utilize the new model front latch.
There is a kit from Mopar to accomplish this that includes a new plastic trim, or you can remove the right fastener on the loop, swing the loop over to the left, and drill and install a new fastener. Here's the kit from Mopar.
In 2007 and 2008 models, the footman loop in the center of the windshield frame is in a different location than later models. The Freedom panels for these early models lacked an additional locking lever added in 2009 to prevent wind noise and water leaks in the leading edge.
You could run it as is, or move the footman loop over to the left and utilize the new model front latch.
There is a kit from Mopar to accomplish this that includes a new plastic trim, or you can remove the right fastener on the loop, swing the loop over to the left, and drill and install a new fastener. Here's the kit from Mopar.
I bought a 2018 JL hardtop and it is not lining up. The bolts at the front of the rear top are lining up but the front is about 2” short. I can’t move it forward any more or the rear doors won’t shut. The back half is about 2” low which would need some sort of shim and the spare is against the rear wiper. Thoughts? Slid forward as far as the doors will allow and still shut. Also have to shim up to be high enough for the top of the door to clear. Short of aligning with the front with it lining up with the bolt holes. Spare is against the wiper.
I bought a 2018 JL hardtop and it is not lining up. The bolts at the front of the rear top are lining up but the front is about 2” short. I can’t move it forward any more or the rear doors won’t shut. The back half is about 2” low which would need some sort of shim and the spare is against the rear wiper. Thoughts? Slid forward as far as the doors will allow and still shut. Also have to shim up to be high enough for the top of the door to clear. Short of aligning with the front with it lining up with the bolt holes. Spare is against the wiper.
Welcome to the forum. JK and JL are two different Jeeps. 2018 was the last year of the JK and the first of the JL. Sell the JL one and find one for a JK which is what you have.
09-18-2018, 10:48 AM
