Putting LJ Unlimited top down

[keithert]

Is putting the top down on an Unlimited much more difficult than a regular TJ? Does the longer folding mechanism get unwieldy for one person to operate?

[yellj]

No, once you have done it a few times takes a couple of minutes, the bars stick up a bit more, so I take the whole thing off on the trail or the kids would trip over / bend jumping in and out of the back.

[snsmith86]

I find getting it down by myself to be easy, but putting it back up is much easier with two people. Not saying you can't put it back up solo (and I have before), but it gets very unwieldy trying to lift the top by yourself...

[Bishop Creek]

Taking the top down is easy. Little more work, but not much getting it back up. When doing it alone, I have found that if you park on a slight downslope with the front of the vehicle lower then the back, gravity helps when putting the top back up.

[stevensinger]

It is just as easy to take down as any other top. However when putting it up there are times when I wish I had a second person, I can do the top up in 5 to 10 minutes, down only in a few seconds. But i wouldn't say its to hard or anything.

[chiefkp]

I stand on the rear bumper and swing the top up and let it fall forward.

[CB3]

The trick is to zip out the windows, then be happy, and never put the top down. Ahahaha.

All joking aside, that is exactly what I do since I don't like getting a sunburn and in WA State, or OR State, the rain can return in 30 minutes anytime. So I can put the windows back in a hurry, if need be.

P.S. - I assume you have the Sunrider top? So open that, remove window, and you're good. Personally I leave the sunrider top close cause I'm a white, white man who burns easily.

[richs347]

Standing in the interior and pulling it up works well too.... It makes it easy to keep a straight pull.

[Polecat]

Been running with mine down for the last 3 weeks. I took the GF out on Monday and decided to at least put the top up. I about said forget it when I couldn't get the pins in on the side but finally got it after a few minutes of struggling.

I'm thinking that was a sign that I should get a safari,duster/jammer combo.

[LJinDelaware]

Originally Posted by richs347

Standing in the interior and pulling it up works well too.... It makes it easy to keep a straight pull.

X2 thats how I put it back up also seems easier and less chance of bending any of the bows.

[Unlimited04]

i'm waiting for the www.vikingoffroad.com top looks easier than screwing with a frame! stores between the roll bars or in some duffle bags.

[snsmith86]

Originally Posted by Chief Cheddar

Been running with mine down for the last 3 weeks. I took the GF out on Monday and decided to at least put the top up. I about said forget it when I couldn't get the pins in on the side but finally got it after a few minutes of struggling.

When I put the top up, I get the top more or less into position and lock in the pins before I do anything else. After the pins, then I put in the rear sail panels and then lock the front down. Any other way and it seems to get the top into a bind where the pins can't easily be muscled into position...

[Polecat]

snsmith - that's what I was attempting to do but I just couldn't get the pins in for the life of me. Finally one side cooperated. heh

[Dawgboy]

Yup, those two pins are the only big difference between the LJ and TJ tops.
The extra length of the top doesn't slow me down any, but those pins can add a few minutes to the raising time. I could put my old TJ's top up in the dark, but with my LJ I have to see to seat the pins.

And if you fasten the back quarters first you'll never get them in. First the pins, then the rear flaps, then the front clamps. That makes it less difficult, if not exactly easy.

Even with the extra work, I love my Sunrider top.