Soft top cab corners and window all or nothing?

[Junker21]

My JTW came the hardtop and I installed a soft top within a week and never did install the cab corners or window . Love it this way. Now we're taking a 5 hour freeway drive and I thought maybe put the corners on and window can come or go as I feel like but the manual says both or neither.
My question, has anybody ran the window out with corners installed ? At freeway speed ?
Is this really a problem?

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[KW80]

I’ve ridden this way at freeway speeds many times with no issues. The corner closeouts feel solid to me with or without the rear window panel. Given that they aren’t mechanically fastened I suppose there is some risk, but IMO it is minimal considering the way they are connected to other secure top components with tension tabs, interlocking frame pieces, and velcro.

If I have the soft top on, I have the rear window out and stowed in the bed just in case I encounter a torrential downpour. Leaving the back corners in allows me to replace the rear window in 30-45 seconds, top and sides secure. Also, from the front seats there isn’t much benefit to removing them anyway.

 

[Junker21]

I’ve ridden this way at freeway speeds many times with no issues. The corner closeouts feel solid to me with or without the rear window panel. Given that they aren’t mechanically fastened I suppose there is some risk, but IMO it is minimal considering the way they are connected to other secure top components with tension tabs, interlocking frame pieces, and velcro.

If I have the soft top on, I have the rear window out and stowed in the bed just in case I encounter a torrential downpour. Leaving the back corners in allows me to replace the rear window in 30-45 seconds, top and sides secure. Also, from the front seats there isn’t much benefit to removing them anyway.

This was my exact thinking once I thought I may need to install the window as needed .

 

[jsalbre]

There were a few stories of people doing this and having the corners blow out on the highway. You may get lucky and not have a problem, but I wouldn’t risk it given the cost of a replacement, and the risk of that corner hitting someone else’s vehicle. If it was safe to drive with the corners in and the Window out Jeep wouldn’t tell you not to.

 

[BigRed97]

I've done it around town, I would not do it on the highway... especially as the soft top relaxes from normal use. The corners fit much tighter when new(at least mine did)

 

[hivol13]

I run with them in, no issues so far. I also slide the rear window out when I can. I leave the corners in case of a downpour.

 

[FloridaJT6MT]

I would think it’s ok, especially since Jeep provides the straps for rolling the rear window up while still secured at the top. Maybe you’re supposed to take the side pieces out if you do that? I’ve never attempted that so I’m not sure. I always take all three pieces out when I go Safari mode. It literally adds an extra 10 seconds total to install those two pieces if you have to close back up. It’s not like that’s saving you all this time in case of a downpour.

 

[sharpsicle]

I always take all three pieces out when I go Safari mode. It literally adds an extra 10 seconds total to install those two pieces if you have to close back up. It’s not like that’s saving you all this time in case of a downpour.

I can echo this statement. The desire to leave them in I completely get, and yes I've ran with the top open, rear window out, and corners still attached multiple times. You can do it if you want. But for 'ease of reassembly' reasons it's truly a function of perceived effort rather than actual effort. Once you realize the corners snap in and out in only a few seconds it seems silly to leave them on. You aren't saving yourself much time by keeping them on.

 

[Hipbilly]

I bet you could cobble some kind of strap/cord that would hold them tight across the back up high under the back edge of the roof. if the two plastic horns that stick inward at top were pulled together, the corners would be in tension against their green plastic tabs....

 

[Junker21]

I bet you could cobble some kind of strap/cord that would hold them tight across the back up high under the back edge of the roof. if the two plastic horns that stick inward at top were pulled together, the corners would be in tension against their green plastic tabs....

I was thinking just a retaining strap in case they blew out. The first install the corners were very stiff and are rock solid. About rolling the window up , I don't think it's even possible with the corners in. Maybe it was a later requirement because, you know , liability. Just in case.

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