If you love to drive with the wind in your hair, taking off your Jeep's doors will let you soak up the sunshine and get closer to nature. This guide from our team at Huffines Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CJDR) Lewisville will walk you through the process of safely removing your Jeep's doors and share what you need to know before hitting the road.
Why You Might Want To Remove Your Jeep's Doors
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Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling a new trail, taking off a Jeep's doors will transform the experience. With Jeep's open design, you can connect with the outdoors and feel the breeze in a way no other ride can match.
Off-Roading
If you're an off-roading enthusiast, doorless driving has several practical benefits. The open configuration gives you better visibility, helping you notice obstacles and navigate tight spots. You can also see exactly where your tires connect with the road.
Communication is easier, too. When you need a spotter to help navigate rough terrain, an open-air configuration lets you and your passenger coordinate precise maneuvers with confidence. Also, the extra airflow is sure to keep everyone cool during hot Texas summers, making even the longest trails more comfortable and enjoyable.
City Living
Parking in tight city spaces is a breeze since you won't have to worry about hitting anything with your doors. Plus, with no doors blocking your view, you can keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians.
Taking the doors off a Jeep is also a great choice if you're a wildlife watcher or photographer, letting you get the perfect shot from the comfort of your ride.
What To Do Before Removing Your Doors
First, you'll need a set of tools to take a Jeep's door off. If you don't already have one on hand, Mopar's Jeep Wrangler hardtop and door removal tool kit is a great option. It has everything you need in one package, including a 5- to 5/16-inch Jeep Logo ratchet, a T40 Torx bit, a T50 Torx bit, a 15 mm socket, an instruction card, and a black nylon carrying case.
Making Your Own Kit
If you'd rather make your own kit, start with these basics:
- Torx bit set (T40 and T50, specifically)
- Socket wrench set
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Plastic trim tools
- Allen wrench set
- Door straps or support
- Microfiber cloths
- Plastic bags or small containers for bolts and hardware
- Marker and tape for labeling
- Safety gear such as gloves and glasses
Preparing Your Jeep
Proper preparation and organization will help you avoid problems later:
- Clean your Jeep, especially the hinges and surrounding areas.
- Roll the windows down to protect the glass.
- Disconnect the electrical components between the doors and the body. These are usually in the doorjamb, but check your manual for specifics.
- Remove any items or accessories that might be in the way.
- Decide where you're going to store your doors, whether it's a mat on the floor or a rack for longer-term storage.
Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Doors
The basics are similar across all Jeeps, but there are some slight differences between models. The doors on early models (CJ, YJ, TJ: 1945-2006) only weigh around 50 pounds and are easy to remove, while it's slightly more complicated to remove the doors on Jeep Wrangler JL models after 2018, as they have extra electronics that take more time to disconnect.
Below is the basic process, but always check your manual first:
- Remove the interior panels covering the hinge bolts.
- Unplug the wiring harness by gently pulling on the rubber boots.
- Take out the door check strap.
- Unscrew the hinge bolts (There are usually two to three per hinge).
- Get help to lift the door straight up.
- Store the door on a soft surface.
The heavier the door is, the more help you'll need. Also, if the bolts are stuck, don't force them. Instead, spray some penetrating oil on them and wait. A little patience will save your bolts and hinges from damage.
Storing and Maintaining Your Jeep Doors
Keep your doors somewhere dry, clean, and temperature-stable to prevent rust. Laying the doors flat on moving blankets with wooden blocks underneath will keep them slightly raised and protected from moisture and damage to the edges.
The Rugged Ridge wall-mounted door holder kit is a great storage solution that'll save floor space. It's made of stainless steel and comes with a five-year warranty. If you need something mobile, check out the EZ4x4 EZFolding rolling door cart. This portable aluminum rack holds up to four doors, rolls, and folds up, and comes with a one-year warranty.
Addressing Common Questions
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to take off your Jeep's doors. Below is an overview of some of the most common questions.
Will Removing My Jeep's Doors Affect My Insurance?
Removing factory-designed doors usually won't void your coverage, but your insurance may not cover damage from a bad removal or accident afterward. Ask your dealer if you're unsure.
Are There Any Safety Concerns With Removing Doors?
Jeeps have shorter wheelbases that are prone to tipping, and removing your doors can slightly increase this risk due to the lowered weight. For the same open-air feeling with extra protection, tube doors and netting can help shield you from debris and keep you safe during rollovers.
How Does Removing the Doors Affect My Fuel Economy?
Removing the doors does make your Jeep a little less efficient, but the open-air experience is sure to outweigh the slight dip in gas mileage.
Can You Drive Without Doors in Every State?
Rules vary by state, so check your local laws before removing your doors. Right now, you can't drive without doors in Pennsylvania. However, most states do permit doorless driving under certain conditions, including requiring side mirrors. If your side mirrors are attached to your doors, you may need to invest in aftermarket mirror mounts. Some states also have rules about turn signals and door-mounted safety features. Call your Department of Motor Vehicles or Jeep dealer to learn about the current rules in your area.
When Should I Remove and Reinstall My Jeep's Doors?
When you remove and reinstall the doors depends on your preference, weather, and usage. A common practice is to follow the seasons: doors off in summer and on in fall and winter.
If you frequently take your doors off, keep an eye on your hinges and hardware since they can wear down over time. Keep the parts clean and apply a thin layer of grease to the pins and bolts to prevent rust. Also, be gentle with the electrical connections since repeated plugging/unplugging can damage them.
Embrace the Open-Air Jeep Experience Today
If you're looking to get the most out of your Jeep, swing by Huffines CJDR Lewisville. Our team of Jeep enthusiasts is here to offer advice, genuine Jeep parts, and professional help with removing your doors, as well as many more Jeep modifications. Build your perfect Jeep with Huffines CJDR Lewisville today.
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How-To