We shouldn’t have to do that to a $2000 soft top! Made by a company who “makes the same thing as OEM”. Every “MOPAR” soft top I’ve ever had for like a drum and never had a single imperfection! They are perfect. I’ve bought used, new old stock and of course what came from the factory.@BradyW
You are both absolutely right. The key with that cross member is that is needs to be in constant contact with the soft top. As it is....it only is in constant contact while parked but flaps while driving causing the crossmember to continuously contact and bang against its bracket slots. To keep it more closely touching the soft top while driving you'll have to add something to the top of it. I use dense foam (1 side is sticky to the crossmember)...1 layer at a time and add more if needed after driving.
Here is what I have used before and will use again on this top
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07LB21S31?tag=wranglerorg-20
I am thinking of buying a LJ soft top on Craigslist and use the factory hardware, refresh the nylon straps and put my black twill fabric on it.
Looking at the mismatched bends and brackets in slightly different locations left to right. I am guessing for cost reasons they opened up their tolerances and sometimes the “stack effect” makes for a reduction in function while 80% will never know the difference …
Being a “NEW” product, I would think that Bestop would take a keen interest in our experiences as early adopters … but then again, one month of LJ sales probably equal a year of TJ/LJ sales.