Jeep Wrangler (2018 year). Manual — part 6

4. Pull the release lever on top of the rail rearward to

release the side link from the track.

5. Repeat on the opposite side.
6. Remove the soft top from the vehicle and store in a

clean, dry location (another person may be needed to

help with this operation).

NOTE:

If you are doing this alone, use one arm to hold the

bundle up, the other to remove the brackets.
7. Using the provided #50 Torx head driver and ratchet,

unscrew the Torx screw on both rear corners of the

vehicle, removing the retainers.

Release Lever Location

Pull To Release Top From Track

86

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Installing The Soft Top — Four Door Models

NOTE:

The following procedures are for first time set up

only. For future soft top procedures, refer to “Soft Top” in

this section.
1. Locate and remove the following items prior to hard top

removal:

• Right and left side door frames
• Eight door frame attachment Torx head screws
• Right and left side quarter windows
• Rear window

• Swing gate bar

2. Remove the hard top. Refer to “Rear Hard Top Re-

moval” in this section.

3. Install the door frames. Refer to “Door Frame Installa-

tion — Four Door Models” in this section.

4. Install the rear retainers on each side of the rear of the

vehicle using the provided #50 Torx head driver and

ratchet. Refer to the table below for recommended

torque specifications.

Remove Rear Retainers

Installing Rear Retainers

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

87

Torque Specifi-
cation For Torx
Screw

Maximum

Minimum

119.5 In-lbs

150.5 In-lbs

106.2 In-lbs

13.5 N·m

17.0 N·m

12.0 N·m

5. Making sure the lift assist mechanism is in the “lock”

position, lift the soft top into the rear of the vehicle with

the side links pointing toward the front. Lower the lift

assist mechanisms onto its retainers on both sides (on

the inside of the sport bar).

NOTE:

If you are doing this alone, use one arm to hold the

soft top up, the other to align the brackets.
6. Using the provided #40 Torx head driver and ratchet,

tighten the Torx screws by turning them clockwise.

Secure them until they are snug (refer to the table below

for recommended torque specifications), being careful

not to cross-thread the screws or overtighten. Repeat on

the opposite side.

Soft Top In Place

Lift Assist Mechanism In Place

1 — Lock Position
2 — Torx Head Screw
3 — Torx Head Screw

88

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Torque Specifi-
cation For Torx
Screws

Maximum

Minimum

119.5 In-lbs

150.5 In-lbs

106.2 In-lbs

13.5 N·m

17.0 N·m

12.0 N·m

CAUTION!

Do not overtighten the screws. You can strip the screws
if they are overtightened.

7. While pulling the release lever on the top of the rail

rearward, place the side link into the guide track on the

top of the rail then release the lever.

8. Unsnap and remove the black boot cover. This cover

should be discarded. It was intended as a protective

cover for shipping only.

NOTE:

A visual instruction sheet is enclosed in the dual

top wrap.
9. Raise the soft top. Refer to “Raising The Soft Top” in this

section.

NOTE:

Be sure the wire harness in the left rear corner is not

tangled in the soft top bows before you lift the top.

Step Seven

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

89

FREEDOM TOP THREE-PIECE MODULAR HARD
TOP — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

• The hard top is not designed to carry any additional

loads such as roof racks, spare tires, building, hunt-
ing, or camping supplies, and/or luggage, etc. Also, it
was not designed as a structural member of the
vehicle, and thus cannot properly carry any addi-
tional loads other than environmental (rain, snow,
etc.).

• Do not move your vehicle until the top has been

either fully attached to the front header, sport bar,
and body side or fully removed.

Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior
water damage, stains or mildew:
• It is recommended that the top be free of water prior

to panel removal. Removing the top, opening a door
or lowering a window while the top is wet may allow
water to drip into the vehicle’s interior.

• The hard top assembly must be positioned properly

to ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause
water to leak into the vehicle’s interior.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Careless handling and storage of the removable roof

panels may damage the seals, causing water to leak
into the vehicle’s interior.

• The front panel(s) must be positioned properly to

ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water
to leak into the vehicle’s interior.

Front Panel(s) Removal

NOTE: The driver’s side panel must be removed before
removing the passenger’s side panel.

1. Fold down the sun visor against the windshield.
2. Turn the three L-shaped locks on the driver’s side panel

(one at the front, the rear, and outside), unlocking them

from the roof.

90

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

3. Unlatch the driver’s side header panel latch located at

the top of the windshield.

4. Remove the driver’s side panel.
5. Repeat the steps above to remove the passenger’s side

panel.

Roof Panel Lock Locations

Header Panel Latch Locations

1 — Header Panel Latches
2 — Unlatched Position

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

91

Freedom Top Storage Bag

Vehicles equipped with a Freedom Top Modular Hard Top,

come with a Freedom Top storage bag that allows you to

store your Freedom Top panels. The storage bag contains

two compartments and fits behind the rear seat.
Lay the Freedom bag down so the loops and hooks are

facing upward. Unzip the bag and fold back the outer flap.

NOTE:

Ensure the front Freedom Top panel latch is closed

prior to inserting the panel into the Freedom bag.
1. Insert the left side Freedom panel into the bag with the

latches facing upward.

2. Unfold the black panel divider (ensure the divider is

laying flat).

Left Panel — Latches Facing Upward

Fold Divider Over Left Panel

92

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

3. Insert the right side Freedom panel into the bag with the

latches facing downward.

NOTE:

Ensure the front Freedom panel latch is closed

prior to inserting the panel into the bag.
4. Unfold the outer flap and zip the Freedom bag closed.

5. Lift the Freedom bag into the vehicle with the hooks and

straps facing the back of the rear seat. Attach the clip at

the bottom of the bag to the child restraint anchorage,

located at the base of the rear seat.

6. Wrap the upper strap around the rear head restraints

and loop the strap through the buckle. Pull on the strap

to tighten the Freedom bag securely against the rear

seat.

Right Panel — Latches Facing Downward

Storage Bag Closed

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

93

Front Panel(s) Installation

1. Set the passenger side panel on the windshield frame

with the locating pin in the front receiver mounting hole

followed by the driver’s side panel, making sure there is

no overhang. Also, make sure that the panels are sitting

flush with the body.

2. Reinstall the panel(s) using the same steps for removal

in reverse order.

Rear Hard Top Removal

1. Remove both front panels. Refer to “Front Panel(s)

Removal” in this section.

2. Open both doors.

3. Using the provided #50 Torx head driver and ratchet,

remove the two Torx head screws that secure the hard

top at the B-pillar (near the top of the front door).

Step Three

94

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

4. Remove the six Torx head screws that secure the hard

top to the vehicle (along the interior bodyside — three

screws on each side) using the #50 Torx head driver.

5. Open the swing gate all the way to ensure clearance of

the rear window glass. Lift the rear window glass.

Step Four

Step Five

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

95

6. Locate the wire harness and washer hose on the left rear

inside corner of the vehicle.

7. Release the locking tab by pushing it downward.

Wire Harness

Push Locking Tab Downward

96

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

8. To remove the wiring harness, push the tab inward

while pulling downward to disconnect.

9. To remove the washer hose, push the release button on

hose connector, and pull downward.

Push Tab Inward

Pull Wiring Harness To Separate

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

97

10. Lower the rear window, and close the swing gate.
11. Remove the hard top from the vehicle. Place the hard

top on a soft surface to prevent damage.

CAUTION!

The removal of the Freedom Top requires four adults
located on each corner. Failure to follow this caution
could damage the Freedom Top.

Rear Hard Top Installation

NOTE:

If the door frames are installed from soft top usage,

they must be removed prior to installation of the hard top.

Refer to “Door Frame” in this section for installation

procedures.
1. Inspect the hard top seals for damage and replace if

necessary.

2. Install the hard top using the same steps for removal in

reverse order.

Make sure that the hard top is sitting flush with the body

at the sides and check to ensure that there is a uniform gap

between the lift glass and hard top.

NOTE:

• The Torx fasteners that attach the hard top to the body

should be torqued to 88 in lb +/- 22 in lb (10 N·m +/-

2.5 N·m) using the provided #50 Torx head driver and

ratchet.

Release Button On Hose

98

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

DOOR FRAME

WARNING!

• Do not drive your vehicle on public roads with the

door frame(s) removed as you will lose the protection
that they can provide. This procedure is furnished
for use during off-road operation only.

• Do not drive your vehicle on public roads with the

doors removed as you will lose the protection that
they can provide. This procedure is furnished for use
during off-road operation only.

CAUTION!

Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior
water damage, stains or mildew:

• Opening a door or lowering a window while the top is

wet may allow water to drip into the vehicle’s interior.

• Careless handling and storage of the removable door

frame(s) may damage the seals, causing water to leak
into the vehicle’s interior.

• The door frame(s) must be positioned properly to

ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water
to leak into the vehicle’s interior.

Door Frame Removal

NOTE:

In four door models, the rear door frames must be

removed first, followed by the front door frames.
1. Using the provided #40 Torx head driver and ratchet,

loosen the Torx screws located on the underside of each

door frame (two per door).

2. Once all the way loosened, remove the screws by

pulling downward.

NOTE:

Screws will not fall out once completely loose, as

they are held in place by an internal mechanism.

Door Frame Screw Locations

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

99

3. Lift the frame upward, removing it from the vehicle.

4. Store screws in a secure location.
5. Repeat procedure on the front door frame (four door

models).

WARNING!

• Do not drive your vehicle on public roads with the

door frame(s) removed as you will lose the protection
that they can provide. This procedure is furnished
for use during off-road operation only.

(Continued)

Remove Screws From Below Frame

Step Three

100

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not drive your vehicle on public roads with the

doors removed as you will lose the protection that
they can provide. This procedure is furnished for use
during off-road operation only.

Door Frame Installation Four Door Models — If
Equipped

1. Install the front door rail first.
2. Carefully place the front door rail in the rubber seal at

the top of the windshield, and line up the holes for the

Torx head screws (two for each door).

3. Swing the frame bracket around the side of the rail, and

insert the screws from underneath. Tighten with #40

Torx head driver until they are snug, being careful not to

cross-thread the screws or overtighten.

CAUTION!

Do not overtighten the screws. You can strip the screws
if they are overtightened.

Step Three

3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

101