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. Although the rear half of the Jeep JK Wrangler Freedom Top is still heavy enough to require the help of a strong friend to remove, the front panels are surprisingly light and very easy to remove. Below are the six easy steps you will need to performin order to remove them. |
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92 Comments so far
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Excellent write up - thanks for all the detailed information.
I’ve heard that you can store the front panels in the cargo area - any idea how much space they take up? Is there any room left?
Thanks Jim,
Yes, I’m sure there is more than enough room to store them in the rear cargo area of either the 2-door or 4-door. If I get a chance, I will try to take specific measurements and/or photos to show how it works.
Eddie
Do you know how much the large back piece of the top weighs?
Hi Mark,
From what I understand, the large back piece of a 4-door hard top weighs about 95 lbs. and the two front panels weigh about 15 lbs. a piece.
Eddie
Any idea if the new Freedom Top for the 2 doors will be compatible with a 2005 Wrangler Sport? Thanks.
Unfortunately, no. The 2007 JK Wranglers are phyiscally 5″ wider than the current 97-06 TJ Wranglers and top would be too wide and actually too long as well.
Eddie
Thanks for all of the good info on the new Jeep. I have ordered one through jeep (Unlimited Rubicon) and can’t wait to start the project. This is a really great how-to on the freedom top.
I think that an aftemarket rack (to be place behind the back seat)will be one of the first things produced for the front two panels once removed
Thanks again,
Mike
Hey I just bought a new 07 Wrangler X…I want the new freedom top but cant seem to find where or how to buy it…my dealership only has the hard top one piece…any info on how or where to buy it or if or when its available? Thanks Ron
Hi Ron,
So far as I know, the Freedom top is the only hard top that is offered on the new 2007 Jeep JK Wranglers. Are you certain that you have an 07?
Eddie
I just got my 07 unlimeted rubicon, it’s awesome. I’m thinking to paint the Freedom top the same color of the body…What u guys think…joe
I have a 4-Door Sahara with the Freedom Top. I’ve noticed that the plastic fixtures on the two front panels where it screws down will flip up. It’s almost like it is designed to raise these panels up an inch in the rear like in a convential sunroof. In order to do this though, I would guess that all latches except the front ones would need to be undone. What’s your understanding on this design?
Are there any products available for storing the front panels like the old T-Top bags?
Hey Scott, so far as I’m aware of, the front panels do not flip up like a conventional sun roof. But, that doesn’t mean that they don’t. If you find out otherwise, please let us know. As far as storage bags go, I’m pretty sure that both Mopar and Bestop will have some available.
Just ordered a 2-dr Wrangler Sahara in Bright Silver Metallic. Like “Joe October 14th, 2006 8:18 pm” above, I too am thinking of painting the freedom top (but only the rear large hardtop portion) the same color as the body. Any expert cautions/advice about this?
Just bought a 2007 2-door Rubicon (black), Freedom top kicks ass!
I just removed the two front panels on my 2007 4-dr wrangler sahara today, and got some scratches on the top. Do you have any idea on how to get the scratches out, or at least cover them up? I was surprised they scratched so easily.
Scott & Wayoflife, the flip down tabs on the front panels are to be flipped down when using only the front panels without the back portion of the roof. Like a hardtop bikini top. The tabs act as spacers in the absence of the rear portion of the roof.
Hi Michael,
I have used black colored polish to remove scratches off off my TJ hard top and with very good results.
Hi Ron,
I think you misunderstood what we were talking about. Scott was asking is the two front panels themselves could be titled up like a lot moon roofs can on many vehicles to let in a little air.
Eddie
Just curious if anyone has ran into any problems with the roof leaking? It looks as if it would be prone to leakage?
johnny
Hi Johnny,
Yes, there have been some leaking problems with some of the first JK’s but from what I understand, this has been fixed.
Eddie
According to Jeep, the freedom top is not supposed to be used to mount a roof rack. Is this lawyer-speak, or is it really too weak to support even a small roof rack for a couple of bags?
Hey Brian, I’m going to have to say it’s lawyer-speak. I have already seen guys mount Yakima gutter racks on them and so far, without any problems.
Eddie
Hey thanks for that Eddie…now another question. On the 4-door, can you actually REMOVE the folding rear seats, to create a decent size cargo area, and if so, what are the approximate measurements on the cargo floor when the back seat is removed. I’m wanting to know if there would be enough room to lay in a small mattress and use the Unlimited as a sleeper/camper. Thanks!
—Brian
Nope, you cannot remove the rear seats in the Unlimited. However, it does collapse and folds down onto the floor creating a relatively flat bed as seen here:
http://www.project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=362
Anyway, I’m sure you could easily fit a mattress inside and without any problems
I need cargo space for my four medium-sized dogs, so the rear seats will likely be in the folded position 90% of the time. Since the JK Unlimited is to be the ‘dog mobile’ to be used for longer trips, I also need a useable cargo rack. I’ve only been able to locate one model in my internet search, the Warrior Safari Sport Rack. Any thoughts on this particular device? Any idea if it would be problematic with the Freedom Top? I don’t particularly like the idea of drilling into the body panels either, so any other suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks.
Have you checked Mopar or Bestop?
Not enough room for a mattress even with the seats down. Sorry.
Hi Brian O, I hate to say it but Warrior Products aren’t exactly known for their quality and I would not recommend their rack. I currently have a Kargo Master Congo Cage on my TJ and have to say that it is by far one of the best racks available. Other great rack manufacturers would include Top5 (no drill application) or maybe even Garvin.
Eddie
Any thoughts on having the white inside of the freedom top painted grey to match the interior better?
Maybe not painted but rather bedlined with Herculiner. This way, it will be black or grey and it will help to reduce noise as well
Hello, I noticed you mentioned the leaking top was corrected. What’s the production date of the fixed tops. i want to purchase an unlimited sahara but I want to make sure this issue has been dealt with. Thanks
Hi Joe,
From what I understand, a lot of the leaking was caused by the Freedom Top panels being improperly installed after removal. Many people have been able to fix their leaks simply by removing them again and then making sure they are seated properly on the seals when being reinstalled.
Eddie
Okay, for those of you who have been waiting for the Freedom Top TSB to come out, click on the link below:
TSB 23-001-07 - Modular Hard Top Freedom Panel Waterleaks
Maybe because the manual describing how to remove and replace the Freedom Top is worthless.
Brian O - The Top 5 rack is fantastic. I had one on my ‘99 TJ. I own a 17′ sea kayak, and the rack was perfect. The best part was I could remvoe the soft top without having to remove the kayak.
Does ANYONE know of a roof rack that will fit the four-door Wrangler Unlimited? Have kayak, need rack. Preferably one that will allow the top to come off while the rack is on, and without having to drill a lot of holes in the bank’s vehicle ;o)
Can the soft top assembly that the manufacturer installs inside the dual top wrangler be removed without the removal of the freedom top first?
Hi Frank, I seriously doubt it. I just got done removing my soft top and the hard top is the only way I could do it.
Eddie
I purchased mine in November. No leaks. Just for info: mine came with the soft top as well. It was mounted in the back for shipping under the hardtop. Owners manual stated to remove it or it would void the soft top warranty. At first I wanted to leave it, but found it really did obstruct my hauling abilities. I was always having to toss cargo over or under it. I took it to the dealer and the gave me a loaner while they removed the hardtop, took the soft top off, and replaced the hardtop(no charge). Hubby is having a 3 inch lift installed tomorrow, big tires the day after. Only problem is… now we both wnat to drive it!
I just purchased a Wrangler Unlimited X (4dr) with the dual top group. Do you have to remove the Freedom top completely in order to get out the soft top canopy/hardware that Jeep stresses could be damaged while driving if not removed?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thx
Gary
P.S. Does this leakage problem involve the Unlimited X (4dr) Freedom Top as well?
For all of you looking for a roof rack for the hardtop just for luggage I have a suggestion. Get a trailer hitch and a hitch hauler. For anyone who does not know this is the cargo tray that slides into the hitch mount. We just got back from a trip to Florida and with the two dogs, kids and assorted luggage we traveled just fine. We even had room to bring back a cage with finches in it my nephew gave to us. I feel it is a lot easier than having to remove a roof rack everytime you want to pull the front panels or even rear off.
Watch when you take the door’s off, make sure you don’t undo the strap that keeps it from flying open, i undid the strap and when taking the pins out, removed the pins went to put them down and the door swang into the hood….Big Bad Dent….FYI
Gary, or anyone else with the Dual Top group…if you haven’t done it by now the easiest and quickest way to remove the soft top from under the hard top is to take the hard top off. A buddy and I removed the hard top in a matter of 15 min. and had everything put back together in no time. Another reason for doing it this way is the practice. It will give you an idea of what it takes to go topless, especially for you first time Jeep owners ou there.
I just purchased but have not received a hard top for my 2007 - 4 door . It originally came with the soft top. Other than removing the soft top itself. What else do you have to remove to install the hard top and how hard is it to install the wirring harness for the hard top?
I have 2007 4dr Wrangler and I bought some storage bags for the two front pieces at the link below. I like it alot and they only take up as much room as the width of the two tops standing on their side.
http://www.autotrucktoys.com/jeep/Mopar-Jeep-Wrangler-Freedom-Top-Storage-Bag-07-UP-P14480C3039.aspx
Hi Robert V, if you have the soft top on now, you will need to remove the door surrounds as well as the back window clips. But, this is all very easy to do. As far as wiring the hard top goes, it should be as simple as plugging it in
Eddie
Hello,
I just bought a 2007 unlimited with the soft top. I noticed online that the hardtops (2 piece) are very expensive (2k and up). It seems that the Freedom top (3 piece) is a completely different top. Does anyone know how much the 3 piece goes for, and where I can find an inexpensive one? Thanks!
I just bought the freedon 3 piece top on the Mopar super Center site it is sold for $1839 and the wirring Harness for $116.
Has anybody seen a Pilar Gauge Pod for the 2007 Umlimited?
Hi, Robert–
Is that price for the freedom top for a two door or four door?
I have the four door.
Thanks!
I just bought the new four door dual top Sahara yesterday. The Jeep has the hard top on it with the soft top bolted inside the back of the vehicle. My husband and I were considering having the service department the dealership remove this instead of us doing it. (in case of damage). My husband is a mechanic and is very knowledgable about vehicles of course but aren’t sure about removing this soft top ourselves.
Any advise would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
hey Jim, that price it for a four door. Let me give you a heads up the wirring harness is not a piece of cake . It will take about four hours to install. I wish i would have let the dealership install it .
Hi Sandra, removing the hard top isn’t hard at all but you will need at least 2 able bodies that can carry a large top off that weighs about 100 lbs. You will also need a torx bit set as that’s the kind of bolts that are holding your top onto your Jeep.
Eddie
After reading through a few message boards, it seems that many people have indicated that the hardtop is 1) often leaky, 2) easily scratched, 3) cumbersome, and 4) easy to damage (tightening screws?) Is it worth it to for me to get a hardtop? I live in New England, and I am only considering the hardtop because the harsh weather.
I would love to see pictures of people removing the back hard top piece. The two front pieces are a cinch to remove, but I have yet to try to remove the back piece.
Hey,
I just got the new 07 KJ with the Freedon Top. Its a great feature but it does not come without flaws. The biggest downfall is removing the back. There are 6 screws you have to remove and 2 of them are just about impossible to reach. I’ve been back and forth to the hardward store trying to find the exact tool to remove these impossibly dug-in bolts. Its very frustrating. Anyway, when I finally get it off I’ll let you know what I used. Later
Hi Guys,
I am planning on buying a 07 4 door Wrangler very soon. How are they for winter driving? Would it get to cold since its not insulated like a regular car or SUV? I live in Canada, it will be mostly for City driving…would you guys recommend it for City driving or no?
I have just purchased a 2 dr JK Sahara in April 2007 with a soft top only. I am having trouble with the plastic left retainer(the little black plastic that holds down the rear window to the rear bottom of the jeep window) when placing back the soft top. It keeps coming off, therefore my left rear window bottom panel would always be open after a days run. The clip of the rear left soft panel is very tight and is the cause of disconnecting the retainer. Is there a way of adjusting this problem or can it be a recall from the manufacturer? Is there anyone having this problem?any suggestion is greatly appreciated.
Hey Manny,
Jeep Wranglers are always great for the winter no matter what the condition of the weather. Just crank up the heat and you’ll be fine. You have to be a Jeep Wrangler enthusiast to expect the unexpected. All I can say is that the new Jeep Wrangler is more FUN!! as always. It’s not really economical on gas, but if you really want it? go for it!! Good Luck!!
Lyndon
Just to share with you all that I finally figured out how to properly place the soft top retainer of the Jeep. If you are having the same problem as I did, it’s simple to adjust. Let me know if I could be any help.
Love my 4 door Wrangler Sahara with a hardtop. I was a little concerned about hearing about hardtop leaks but have had no issues.
Front pieces remove and install easily. Suprisingly quite vehicle with the hardtop on. Plan on removing the preinstalled softtop after I move back to Florida since I have no place to store it. I also own a 98 4.0 Wrangler with Sunrider top and a 2006 Commander that my husband drives. Stuck on Jeeps.
Highly recommend getting the full package with MyGig. Nav system is impressive and touch screen is familiar to Garmin fans.
Hey Steve,
Let me know what you used to get those two extra bolts off. They are impossible to even get to. Who in their right mind would have put them in there upside down like that?! I think I might just run to the dealership and get them to take them off for me.
I got all the bolts off of the hard top oanels that required the torque wrench. I think I found the screws to remove the top of the hard top. They look like small bolts. The manual says that there are torque screws that need to be removed. All I could find are the small bolts. These are next to the big round thing used to secure the freedom top pieces onto, I think. What kind of tool is needed to get this off???
Thanks for a reply in advance.
Patty
Lyndon, I am also having the same problem… What did you do to fix it??? =/
Thanks so much!
I purchased my 4 Door Wrangler back in November 2006 and love it, except that I’ve had continual problems with my hard top leaking. The dealer re-installed it and tried to fix it several times, but it continues to leak even now. Back on January 20th Joe asked Eddie if the hard tops being produced now may have remedied this problem. Any updates on that?
Thanks so much!
Hi Julie, to the best of my knowledge, most people with hard tops being made after Jan of this year is not having a leak problem. For those who are, it’s typically a problem with the panels not being seated properly. Have you tried taking your Jeep into the dealer and have the TSB done on it?
Eddie
Hi Eddie,
Thanks for getting back to me and for the info on the newer tops. I just called the other day to find out if I am part of the recall….yup….so I’ll be scheduling that asap.
Julie
Hello Lupita
I was able to solve the retainer problem by hooking the two front clamps first(unlock)of the soft top and then the two back flaps for the rear window ( leave 1/2 or 3/4″ layway from the rear door opener when you are placing the retainer thats giving you a problem and adjust accordingly). I hope you understand what I am talking about. Let me know.
Lyndon
Hey Eddie,
I have a 2005 Wrangler with the medium grey hardtop. I had some small fiberglass repairs done and I need to find touch-up paint. Jeep Chrysler has nothing in the parts catalog any idea where to find a paint code so I can get some mixed.
Thanks for your help.
Jim
Hi Jim,
Man, I really wish I could help you out but in all honesty, I wouldn’t know what to suggest for the medium grey. Sorry.
Eddie
The leaking hard top on the four door is not fixed. Mine was produced in june of 07 and it leaks even after the TSB was applied.Jeep has a real problem on their hands.
what kind of paint could i use to touch up a couple of small blemishes/scratches on my 05 jeep wrangler unlimited fiberglass hardtop?
My husband and I purchased a 2007 Jeep wrangler Unlimited X, with Freedom Tops. We love the Jeep except for the leaky top it has been to the dealer ship 4 times, and it still leaks. Very disappointed!!!!!
Re: Andrew October 31st, 2006 3:18 pm Post
“Just ordered a 2-dr Wrangler Sahara in Bright Silver Metallic. Like “Joe October 14th, 2006 8:18 pm” above, I too am thinking of painting the freedom top (but only the rear large hardtop portion) the same color as the body. Any expert cautions/advice about this?”
I had my hard top painted to match my Bright Silver Apex. It looked amazing and I got countless compliments. Some even asked it was a permanent “fixed” hard top.
The only thing you should know is this: The hard tops are textured and you must use a High Build Primer to flatten the texture so that it’s smooth. Otherwise even with professional painting it will look like it’s spray painted at home. Build the primer,sand, and repeat. I did 7 coats of primer, 4 coats of paint, and 5 clear. In the end though…it looked and felt like glass. I plan to do the same with my 07 Unlimited soon.
Heres a pic:
http://stagepros.com/Bobby/Jeep_At_Dawn_At_Home.jpg
Is anyone producing clear panels to replace the two forward panels on the freedom top?
Sparky
I just got my 2008 4door wrangler on Tuesday, and the soft top is just sitting in the trunk taking up trunk space. Now that I know how to remove the soft top, and how to remove all the roof panels, how is the large back part (with the rear windshield) removed?
Hey All.. I have an 2dr 08JK and I have a softtop.. Im thinking about ordering a Freedom top from Jeep, I have a friend in the parts Dpt at my local Jeep and she can order one for me but hasnt heard much of the leak problems.. So I am concerned about buying one.. It being Jan of 08 is it safe to order one (leakfree) ??? I live in Canada and we get a lot of rain..lol So yaa Im concerned.. Any insight is appreciated…
I’ve had my 2door 2008 JK for about 2 months now, and it hasn’t leaked yet. If its raining or there is water on the roof water can drip in when the door is open, but thats about it.
I bought a 2008 unlimited Rubicon, and about to embark on my 5th tour with the dealership because of leaking. Is this common have you seen this or do I have manufacturing issue?? Thank you for your advice.
I’ve had my X about 10 months and no leaks. I’ve even drove through a hurricane and no problems. My son, stevie ray, on the forum, had a leak with his X and took it back to the dealer one time and they corrected the problem on the spot.
Woohoo my Mom just got a Wrangler 2 door postal and I am now in love with jeeps
I’ve had a ton of jeeps and could not wait to convert a new 4dr into a practical dry camper. My son and I lived out of our converted 07 Jeep Sahara 4dr for two and one half weeks in New Mexico, Az and Utah.
The back seats were completely removed, the spare tire mount was removed and the spare tire assy went under an interior sleeping plaform. I added a cargo carrier to the 2′ reciver and tied that into a 4X8 roof rack that extends foward to the two removable top sections. The platfor carries gear during the day and provides a second sleep platform at night. Two of the uprights that support the roof platform portion that extends from the end of the jeep roof to the end of the cargo carrier also hold two 14 Gal gas tanks. Up forward the rack is secured by two modified gutter mounts on each side. The rig gives us plenty of room for two motorized mountain bikes, a ton of prospecting gear, fuel, food and water. We call it the Clampet mobile. Just need a rocking chair for the roof. We have over 9000 miles on thing and so far… it works great.
Just a little note! If you plan on using your freedom top pannels
for a SUNBONNET(BIKINI TOP)! MAKE SURE YOU DON’T OVERTIGHTEN THE ROUND KNOB… CAUSE THEY WILL KEEP GOING RIGHT THROUGH THE FIBERGLASS(I’M SPEAKING FROM MY PERSONEL EXPERIENCE). It’s a design flaw,when just using the two pannels there’s nothing stopping them(the ridge of the top that sit’s underneth the pannels when the whole top is on)so the round knob’s don’t get tight.
There is no design flaw in the Freedom panels and IF you lowered the flip tabs on the edge of them as is instructed in the owners manual, you would not have broken them.
Love my freedom top on my 08 Sahara! Has anyone come up with a one person way to remove the rear section? I was thinking about rigging something up in my garage with rope and pulleys. My wife is a weakling and is afraid she’ll drop it.
I’m in the market to buy a JK and was debating on soft or hard top. How hard is it to remove/install the rear section of a hard top on a 2dr version? Is it a one or two person job? Any info would be appreciated.
I would like to trade my hard top for a soft top. Please email me if you’re interested at blueandgoldsurfer@yahoo.com. The hard top’s brand new.
I just got my 2008 Rubicon. Love it. I am a single girl. I removed the Freedom Front panels no problem. I am scared to begin looking at the back, the dealer I bought it from is 3 hours away because he gave me the best deal.
Can someone tell me exactly what I need to do. I know the bolts must be unscrewed..I didn’t get any tools though, am I supposed to do it with my own tools?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can’t wait to crank up the music and let the wind blow thru my long hair.
Hi Mary-Beth, to remove your hard top, you will need to get a Torx Bit set. Essentially, they are bits that fit on a ratchet that have the shape of a star like what you see on top of the bolts that you see. With that in hand, you will need to unplug your wiring harness from the back that goes to your rear wiper and then remove all the bolts along side the top on the inside as well as the 2 that are at the front corners of the top - these are normally hidden by the freedom top panels. From there, you will need someone to help you take it off.
Eddie
Hello everyone, looks like the hardtop/softop feature is popular with all Jeep owners. I have an 08 Sahara with a hardtop and I am having serious radiant heat problems through the hardtop into the cabin as the black plastic heats up in the sun. Does anyone have any solutions to this and or specifications/measurements for making some sort of liner to reduce heat transfer. Unfortunately where I am in the UAE the summer temperatures get to nearly 50 degrees Celcius (not susre what that is in Farenheit) but its pretty hot I can tell you like getting into an oven until the a/c kicks in..
any advice or info would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Surfer
Hi Eddie
Any idea on where I could order touch up paint for my khaki hard top? Can I just use the paint code and order it through a body shop or paint store?
you should be able to pick up a bottle from your dealership.