Jeep introduced the three-piece Freedom Top with the then-new 2007 Wrangler JK. It proved to be an instant hit thanks to its combination of security and weatherproof coverage with removable panels over the front seats. Now with the introduction of the all-new 2018 Wrangler JL, Jeep has reworked the Freedom Top to make it even easier and quicker to remove the panels.

First, jeep made the panels lighter. They weren’t overly heavy to begin with, but every ounce counts when lifting car parts overhead, espeaiclly in the rain as we’ve personally discovered. What’s more, the hand screws that secured the Freedom panels to the B-pillar horizontal bar are gone. Now the top just uses six L-brackets and the two main latches at the windshield header. No tools are required and forearms remain unsure. From there, the panels are easily lifted off and can be stored in the cargo area. Mopar and several aftermarket companies offer storage bags and even bracketry that secure the panels when stored.

And for those wanting the full open-air experience, the entire Freedom Top is still removable just like before. Its removal is still best done with at least two people since it’s rather bulky.

References

2018 Jeep Wrangler

Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

2017 Jeep Wrangler

Read our full review on the JK-gen 2017 Jeep Wrangler