Hardtop question

[Pjd832]

Hello all…. So I have what may be a stupid question regarding a factory hardtop I just purchased used. I have a 2012 2 door … I found a good deal on a 2010 hardtop it fits well and is water tight… however the rear glass doesn’t go as high as it should …probably 30* below horizon…. the struts are strong and when open it is not able to be lifted higher. I disconnected the struts and the glass lifts easily well beyond 45* past horizon..eliminating the strut being “bad”……

my 2019 hardtop is totally different so I can’t compare side by side…. The struts have Chrysler/Mopar printing/logo on them…My speculation is the struts at some point have been replaced with wrong length ones ….tried local auto parts no one has the struts for a 2010 to compare next to the ones on it.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[BLACKJKU]

According to what I found the 07 to 10 is one size and 2011 and up is another size. It gives the measurements of them in the description.

Amazon.com: Set of 2 Rear Window Glass Lift Support Struts Gas Spring Shock for Jeep Wrangler 2007-2010: Automotive

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016X2CD4O/?tag=jkforum-20

 

[Pjd832]

Thank you sir! I didn’t try Amazon I asked the guys at the counter the info wasn’t in their computer. Will measure when I get home …. My speculation is they bought the ‘11+ Thinking it was the same and just lived with having to bend over to get to the cargo… or they were 4’ 6” lol

 

[Anybodyhome]

If you look at the 2 different glass panels, they have completely different mounting locations. The 2007-2010 struts are mounted much lower on the glass and the later models are mounted higher.

2007-2010:

2011-2017:

2007: See where the black tabs are located on the exterior of the glass a good 2-3 inches below the bottom edge of the hinge:

2011: Relative to the hinges, where the struts are mounted, almost in line with the botoom edge of the hinge:

 

[Pjd832]

thanks again for the replies! once I got home and measured the existing struts they turned out in fact to be the 2011+ length and the top I have is a 2010…. I ordered the correct year set from Amazon which are 4” +/- longer than what I have …I’ll circle back once installed to confirm they resolved the low lift have a great evening!

 

[Pjd832]

So I found some locally 1 at 2 different auto zones and installed and all is good it lifts high like my other jeeps.

now I have a new question, I just noticed last night while thoroughly cleaning the inside of the top and freedom panels, there is a rectangular piece on each of the freedom panels on the mating edge towards the rear that has a piece that flips up … I have never had a hardtop and can’t figure out what it’s for…. Attached is a couple pics in the “open” and “closed position.

 

[Anybodyhome]

This is used when installing your front panels with the rear panel removed. See page 183 of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler owners manual:

 

[Pjd832]

thank you.. you guys are the best!!