There is a difference in where the Footman loop(s) are located on earlier model JKs. I had to replace the hardtop on my 07 with a later model and needed to relocate the Footman loop(s) so the Freedom top panels would latch correctly in the center at the window frame.

 

Thanks for the reply. Any idea when that changed? What year model did you buy that required the adjustment? I'm going to post that fitment issues are the purchasers responsibility, but I'd like to help provide some guidance so that someone doesn't get purchase something that won't work for their Jeep.

 

I believe the two different JK tops are 07-12 and 12-18.
And be sure to note it is a JK and not JKU.

 

I believe that the footman loop was moved in '08. It was definitely moved toward the drivers side by '09 (I have one). Also hold your line on the price that you are asking. 2 door hard tops are tough to come by.

 

Someone can correct me, but I believe this is the deal:

All tops can be be made to fit all years. The only difference in fitment is the location of the footman's loop above the rear view mirror. The footman's loop moved in 2009 to accommodate the new freedom panel latching design.

I believe 2009-2018 are all direct swaps. An 07-08 hard top will fit an 09+ if you remove the footman's loop. An 09+ hardtop will fit an 07-08 JK if you move the footmans loop to the left (requires drilling new holes - apparently easy).

-2007-2008 Original design. Freedom panels latch to themselves and not the footman's loop.

2009-2010 - Partial redesign. footman's loop moved 3" to the left and freedom panels latch to the footman's loop.

-2011-2018 Final design. Features larger windows and locating pins that make it easier to install the top.

I'm sure they did some seal updates as well, but that doesn't affect the fitment.

 

Someone can correct me, but I believe this is the deal:

All tops can be be made to fit all years. The only difference in fitment is the location of the footman's loop above the rear view mirror. The footman's loop moved in 2009 to accommodate the new freedom panel latching design.

I believe 2009-2018 are all direct swaps. An 07-08 hard top will fit an 09+ if you remove the footman's loop. An 09+ hardtop will fit an 07-08 JK if you move the footmans loop to the left (requires drilling new holes - apparently easy).

-2007-2008 Original design. Freedom panels latch to themselves and not the footman's loop.

2009-2010 - Partial redesign. footman's loop moved 3" to the left and freedom panels latch to the footman's loop. Panels latch to each other, and windshield frame as well.

-2011-2018 Final design. Features larger windows and locating pins that make it easier to install the top.

I'm sure they did some seal updates as well, but that doesn't affect the fitment.

This ^^^^^^
'07-'08, freedom panels do not use footman loop, panels only latch to each other beside two windshield clamps.

'09, footman loop offset to left(swing it over one loop width and redrill for '09 and up panels, or don't use, Mopar also sells a kit for around 30 bucks including trim panel)

'11 gets larger back windows, and loses one alignment pin?

 

Thank you all for the replies. Appreciate all the insight and advice!

 

07-08 are different The center latch is back on the panels. It does not reach the footman loop. It is also more centered. In 09 thy moved the latch to the footman loop and moved the loop about 4" to the driver's side. I have pics up on here somewhere of the difference.

Bob

 

I have an 07-08 hard top on my 09 2-door JK. The footman loop being moved doesn't interfere with the freedom panels. They don't have the latch to the footman loop like the 2009+ tops would, but it still fits and doesn't hit the footman loop or anything.

 

Just posting this for anyone who finds this page seeking this info: What Are The Differences Between JK Wrangler Hardtops

 

Just posting this for anyone who finds this page seeking this info: What Are The Differences Between JK Wrangler Hardtops