LJ hardtop additional height?

[basic]

2006 LJ.

I have been looking at getting a body lift+motor mount lift, mostly to add a bit more clearance and prep for a tummy tuck later.

My possible problem is garage door clearance. I forgot to measure clearance before removing my hardtop and installing the soft-top.

As my hardtop is currently hanging from the ceiling in my garage - does anyone have a factory hardtop installed on an LJ that can measure the max height of the hardtop from the top of the tub?

 

[KMG]

My 04 TJ measures 29" from tub to the top of the hardtop.

 

[Mr. Bills]

I laid a 5' level across my LJ hardtop at the highest point. The top measures 30 1/2" tall from the "seam" that runs along the full door and aligns with the bottom of the top when the top is mounted on the tub. My LJ, with 35" tires at 26 psi and 5.5" total lift measures 77 1/2" tall with hard top installed and clears a standard 7' garage door.

 

[basic]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. Help like this is why I really like this forum.

@Mr.Bills - to be clear, the measurement you took is the full height from the seam across the speaker bar area to the bottom lowest point of the hardtop (being the lower seam that overlaps the body)?

 

[Mr. Bills]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. Help like this is why I really like this forum.

@Mr.Bills - to be clear, the measurement you took is the full height from the seam across the speaker bar area to the bottom lowest point of the hardtop (being the lower seam that overlaps the body)?

No. I placed a 5' level crossways on top of the hardtop at its highest point, which is just behind the trailing edge of the full hard door. I then measured from bottom edge of the level to the horizontal "seam" or line in the full hard door just under the door handle where that seam/line intersects with the trailing edge of the door. The horizontal seam/line in the door is very close to the same height as the bottom of the hardtop when it is secured to the tub.

The overall height I posted was measured from the floor to the bottom edge of the level that I had placed crossways on top of the hardtop.

I did not measure anything inside the jeep, at the speaker bar or anywhere else, nor did I look to see if there was any type of seam visible on the inside of the hardtop. I could not measure "from the top of the tub" because the hardtop obscures the top of the tub when it is secured in place.

Note also that my measurements are for an LJ rather than a TJ

Now its clear as mud I'm sure.

 

[basic]

Yep. But I like mud (to an extent). Basically the highest point on the hardtop, which happens to be over the drivers head area, down to the line in the full door that matches up to the lower outer seam of the hardtop. I think I've got it. Unfortunately my garage door (older house) is only 6.5 feet. Looks like it will be really tight, but should fit. Thanks!!

 

[Mr. Bills]

. . . my garage door (older house) is only 6.5 feet. Looks like it will be really tight, but should fit. . . .

Those are dangerous words. Remember the adage, "measure twice, cut once?" In your case a 1/2" miscalculation could be a real problem.

I don't think I could get any lifted jeep I have ever owned under a 6.5' header. At least not with air in the tires.

 

[basic]

Those are dangerous words. Remember the adage, "measure twice, cut once?" In your case a 1/2" miscalculation could be a real problem.

I don't think I could get any lifted jeep I have ever owned under a 6.5' header. At least not with air in the tires.

Luckily I only currently have a 3.5 inch lift and 33inch tires. The 1.25” body lift will still put me under your height.

The air out of the tires has definitely already been considered. Last ditch effort.
Most of the time my wife's car lives in the garage...the Jeep only is allowed in for "special circumstances" like hardtop removal or oil changes, etc.

If you don't mind another measurement, how tall is your LJ to the same line mentioned above? Mine is currently 45.5” measured right behind the driver door.

 

[Mr. Bills]

Can't measure right now. However, if you subtract the height of the hardtop (30 1/2) from the overall height (77 1/2) the result (47 1/2) should be the dimension you seek.

 

[basic]

Ah, good point! Seems close too; as I currently have 3.5 and 33" tires compared to your 5.5 and 35"; It yours is that tall, mine will be shorter. BL and motor mount kit ordered (darned ebay and 15% off).

 

[Mike_H]

Those are dangerous words. Remember the adage, "measure twice, cut once?" In your case a 1/2" miscalculation could be a real problem.

I don't think I could get any lifted jeep I have ever owned under a 6.5' header. At least not with air in the tires.

This makes me think of my father in law, who, in his younger years, built a boat in his basement. When he was finished, he figured out that it was too wide to fit through the door! He had to knock out a couple courses of stone and rebuild the door frame...