Going topless is easy, but requires some muscle

Irecently tested the 2018 Jeep Sahara 4x4 Unlimited and quickly took to the quick-step directions manual to determine how I might be able to turn my four-door Jeep hardtop into a distinct open-air experience.

In the center console was a graphic illustration of every key step and location of latches, levers and hex nuts that are integral to removing the doors, front roof panels and rear hardtop. Also included was a convenient tool pouch with a ratchet, bits and extension.

My Freedom Top easily dismantles with the flip of several latches up front that loosen the two lightweight panels above the front row. Loosen a few strategically located hex screws along the rear outboard walls and the main rear cap is ready to be removed. This is where the muscle comes in.

It took my teenage son and I one preliminary walk through to determine how exactly to lift the top up and off the rear of the Sahara. This requires some serious lifting and it is not a job I’d recommend any one person try. This explains the huge popularity for power lifts that attach to garage roofs.

Once you have the hard top off, you still need to store it somewhere. Likewise for the four doors, which I found to be just as unique an experience driving as it was without the top. Doors require a simple internal hinge be loosened and the door easily lifted off its external hinges.

Difficult to figure out? No. Better than previous models? Easily. Worth the effort? Absolutely!