Hardtop removal LJ

MurphDog · 05-22-2009, 02:09 PM

Whats the easiest way to get the hardtop off...I've seen some weird contraptions like slings and stuff...I tried to pull it off last night with the wife but she couldn't hold her side..managed to scratch the hell outta the Jeep...kinda wishing I'd got the softtop but with N.E. winters I didn't want to freeze my butt off.Once its off its not like I can just throw it back on myself, the thing is heavy in the back and clumsy to lift...

**mikebigh** · 05-22-2009, 02:22 PM

They are an odd size thing to lift, I have never removed the top alone. Always had at least one helper. Some dude posted a vid of him doing it on here somewhere, and looked doable.

Alexia · 05-22-2009, 02:33 PM

The easy way is to have a hoist.

I removed mine last night with the help of my parents. Father and I on each side, mother on the rear for balance.

We had to use a crow bar to release the top from the tub.

timmyt · 05-22-2009, 02:56 PM

this is what i did http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/hoist.html.

zachbh · 05-22-2009, 07:36 PM

If you have the space/availability to do a hardtop hoist, go for that. Otherwise, maybe get a friend to help? I couldn't imagine lifting that thing off by myself, and with the awkward shape I will never try it haha.

Pvt_Joker · 05-22-2009, 09:00 PM

hoist a top
/thread

Bishop Creek · 05-22-2009, 09:49 PM

I have taken my LJ hard top off several times, and I discovered that you really need four people to help you do it right.

MurphDog · 05-25-2009, 11:01 AM

Thanks..I might try the straps..there's no way in hell the wife can help me pick it up....I think the LJ top is quite a bit heavier than th TJ...how much weight will those straps hold?

**DBLJ** · 05-25-2009, 11:14 AM

I'm getting a softop for the warmer months. I have no issues having a helper and taking the hardtop off.

mJUSTINm · 05-25-2009, 12:36 PM

its easiest with at least 2 other people, 3 others works best. its not so much that its really heavy, its just an awkward shape and size.

**grogie** · 05-25-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurphDog

Whats the easiest way to get the hardtop off...I've seen some weird contraptions like slings and stuff...I tried to pull it off last night with the wife but she couldn't hold her side..managed to scratch the hell outta the Jeep...kinda wishing I'd got the softtop but with N.E. winters I didn't want to freeze my butt off.Once its off its not like I can just throw it back on myself, the thing is heavy in the back and clumsy to lift...

Just on my SWB, I tried to get my wife to help me remove the hardtop, and my TJ also suffered some scratches as she's a petit gal. So for Christmas she bought me a hardtop lift. Especially with an LJ hardtop, I'd get the lift which is very easy to use, but it did take a few attempts to get it positioned right (and so that the hardtop hangs more level and can go higher then in this photo... which was my second attempt

).

I bought it from Quadratec, and I wouldn't bother getting the power option as I find it's easier with the manual as I don't always park right under it and I can push it around as I slowly lower it. Works great!

**Hesher420** · 05-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmyt

this is what i did http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/hoist.html.

The same way I hang my LJ top. It makes removal/installation a simple 1 man job. The only difference in mine is that I have two 2X4s spanning under the width of the hardtop. (front and back) This way the top sits on a flat surface and does not warp. Some tops have known to flex outward, especially in the rear, when just hanging from the hooks. The 2X4s extend about 4" past the top on either side and have eye-bolts through them for the straps to hook to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurphDog

...how much weight will those straps hold?

Those straps will hold a lot more than you're top. I would venture to say that you could easily hang that much weight with one strap, without stressing it too much. With 4 straps, they will never fail

Alexia · 05-25-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hesher420

Those straps will hold a lot more than you're top. I would venture to say that you could easily hang that much weight with one strap, without stressing it too much. With 4 straps, they will never fail

They can eventually be worn through like the straps that keep the Wrangler's doors from flying too far open. Make sure to inspect them when hoisting the top every year.

Grt_Ape · 05-25-2009, 11:48 PM

4 straps connected to eye bolts in the rafters. Back in, unbolt, strap on, drive out.

I built a 2x4 frame to support the top during summer storage.

timmyt · 05-26-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hesher420

The same way I hang my LJ top. It makes removal/installation a simple 1 man job. The only difference in mine is that I have two 2X4s spanning under the width of the hardtop. (front and back) This way the top sits on a flat surface and does not warp. Some tops have known to flex outward, especially in the rear, when just hanging from the hooks. The 2X4s extend about 4" past the top on either side and have eye-bolts through them for the straps to hook to.

Those straps will hold a lot more than you're top. I would venture to say that you could easily hang that much weight with one strap, without stressing it too much. With 4 straps, they will never fail

that's on my to-do list before i take the top off again