Best Bolt-On Cage?

[Unlimited04]

Originally Posted by Maxxram

I just picked up a slightly used Toys by Troy cage and noticed that it does not reconnect to the upper corners of the windshield. Does this affect the structural integrity of the windshield?

the windshield is held in its upright position by two things - there are two little bolts on the base of the hinge, and the windshield bars. You want to keep the windshield bolted to your new roll bar. While it doesn't provide structural integrity, it will keep it from flapping around in a roll. keeping it attached your new roll bar keeps the spacing necessary for the soft top and hard top intact, and if you do roll, it won't go bouncing between the hood and the roll bar like a 75lb pinball.

As you can see in this pic, the windshield hinge is not a strong point:

[GOLENJEEPTJ]

True,I have the ORF cage and it also is supported on both sides, by 2 bolts on the top of the windshield.

[never monday]

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

As you can see in this pic, the windshield hinge is not a strong point:

not trying to be an *** here. but that pic is deceptive. The pivot bolt is intact. the hinge failed. With a cage in place the windshield couldn't fail in that direction. It would end up against the cage.

[Unlimited04]

Originally Posted by never monday

not trying to be an *** here. but that pic is deceptive. The pivot bolt is intact. the hinge failed. With a cage in place the windshield couldn't fail in that direction. It would end up against the cage.

I know you've folded your windshield down and even taken it off. With my windshield, there is enough movement at the top of the windshield to throw off hard top and door surround alignment. The hinge and those two little bolts will fail in a roll, and when they do...why create a flying projectile? The windshield will likely end up against the cage, I agree, but if that bolt does break, or the hinge breaks, its going to be bouncing around. The hinge nor the bolt was designed to support the windshield while going down the highway (force of air over large area), let alone support itself in a roll.

Those bolts are only designed to hold the windshield in place while you remove or reinstall the windshield support bars when lowering/raising the windshield - Jeep even states this on their instructional VHS that comes with the Jeep (at least it did in 2004). I think they even say "Windshield Support Bars", or something along those lines, alluding to the windshield roll bars being the main support for the windshield.

thats why I kept mine:

[WillysEdition04]

Can't you use the footman loop and a good strap to keep the windshield in it's upright position? (tie the windshield to the forward spreader bar via the footman loop) It's the same way you keep it on the windshield when folded down

[never monday]

I've had my windshield on unsupported up to about 60mph. There didn't appear to be any movement. I was topless at the time so i can't comment about the fit. the windshields is what 2" wide at the bottom. I think it sits on a nice shelf. The upper tie ins help it stay snug.

[LGriffith]

I just started to look at some cages, and think am eventually going to go with the OR FAB sport cage. I don't wheel hard too often but that extra cage I think would be a good investment. It doesn't look like it, but OR Fab doesn't do a rear spreader(?) bar. Would that be a good thing to add or is it just not real necessary?

[Unlimited04]

Originally Posted by LGriffith

I just started to look at some cages, and think am eventually going to go with the OR FAB sport cage. I don't wheel hard too often but that extra cage I think would be a good investment. It doesn't look like it, but OR Fab doesn't do a rear spreader(?) bar. Would that be a good thing to add or is it just not real necessary?

I feel the rear spreader is necessary on an LJ.

[never monday]

I flopped the TJ with the stock rear bars and bent one over.

[Unlimited04]

Originally Posted by never monday

I flopped the TJ with the stock rear bars and bent one over.

yea, and LJ's are quite long. I was able to flex mine by hand by around 3/16". I stood on the tire and yanked with all my weight while my friend slide the PSC spreader in for welding.

[LGriffith]

Okay, i see. I guess when it comes time for the cage I can have a rear spreader bent for me.

[never monday]

if you want a bot in rear spreader, by the rockhard.

[LGriffith]

Would that seem like a decent path for some moderate wheeling? OR Fab sport cage with the Rock Hard rear spreader?

[wrangler2007]

That'd be a great setup, but then again the whole rockhard cage would be great too lol, but for the budget I'd say that setup would be fine

[LGriffith]

Sounds like a plan for this summer. . Thanks guys