How To Remove Doors Jeep Wrangler: Step-by-Step

How To Remove Doors Jeep Wrangler
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How To Remove Doors Jeep Wrangler: Step-by-Step

Can you remove the doors on a Jeep Wrangler? Yes, absolutely! Removing the doors on a Jeep Wrangler is a signature feature that many owners love. This guide will walk you through the process, whether you have a JK or a newer JL model.

Why Take Off Your Jeep Wrangler Doors?

The freedom of the open air is a major draw for Jeep Wrangler owners. Driving with the doors off is an iconic experience, connecting you more directly with the road and the environment. It’s perfect for scenic drives, warm weather adventures, or simply enjoying a sunny day. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to customize your Jeep’s look.

Getting Ready: Tools and Supplies for Jeep Wrangler Door Removal

Before you start, having the right tools makes the job much easier. For Jeep Wrangler door removal, you’ll typically need a few basic items.

Socket Set: This is essential. You’ll need various socket sizes, commonly 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm, depending on your Wrangler’s year and model. A ratchet wrench will be your best friend here.
Torque Wrench (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for removal, using a torque wrench when reinstalling is crucial to ensure the hinges are properly tightened.
Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and sharp edges.
A Helper: Doors can be surprisingly heavy, especially the older JK models. Having an extra pair of hands is highly recommended for safe and easy Jeep doors off operation.
Something to Store Doors: You’ll need a safe place to put your doors once they’re off. Laying them flat in a garage or shed is ideal. Consider door-off storage solutions if you plan to do this often.
Door Hinge Storage Method: Think about how you’ll store the doors. Some people use specialized racks or simply lean them against a wall.

Tool Checklist for Jeep Wrangler Door Removal

Tool	Purpose	Notes
Socket Set	To loosen and remove hinge bolts.	Metric sizes (10mm, 13mm, 15mm are common).
Ratchet Wrench	For turning the sockets.
Gloves	Hand protection.
Helper	To safely lift and carry doors.	Especially important for front doors.
Door Storage Solution	To safely store removed doors.	Racks, stands, or a flat, protected area.
Torque Wrench	For proper reinstallation torque settings.	Recommended for optimal safety.

Removing Doors on a JK Wrangler (2007-2018)

The remove JK Wrangler doors process is quite straightforward. The key is to identify the hinge bolts.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prepare the Jeep

Ensure your Jeep is parked on a level surface.
Open the door you want to remove.
Have your socket set and gloves ready.
If you have a helper, make sure they are nearby.

Step 2: Locate the Door Hinges

Jeep Wrangler doors attach via hinges bolted to the Jeep’s body and the door itself. You’ll see two or three hinges per door.

Step 3: Disconnect Electrical Connectors (If Applicable)

Most JK Wranglers have power windows, locks, and mirrors. Before you remove the door, you need to disconnect these.

Open the door as far as it will go.
Look for a wiring harness connector where the door meets the body.
There’s usually a clip or tab you need to press to release the connector. Gently pull them apart.
Important: If you’re unsure about disconnecting, check your owner’s manual or search online for specific instructions for your model year. Forcing these connectors can damage them.

Step 4: Remove the Hinge Bolts

This is the core of the Jeep Wrangler door removal process. Each hinge has several bolts.

Upper Hinge: You’ll typically find bolts connecting the hinge arm to the door.
Lower Hinge: Bolts connect the hinge arm to the Jeep body.
Identifying the Key Bolts: The critical bolts to remove are usually those holding the hinge bracket to the Jeep body. These are often exposed and accessible with a socket wrench.
Front Doors: Front doors on a JK usually have three hinges. The bolts are typically on the outside of the hinge assembly. You might need a 13mm or 15mm socket for these.
Rear Doors: Rear doors often have two hinges.
How to Remove: Use your socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. It’s best to have your helper ready to support the door as the last bolt is removed. Sometimes, you can leave one bolt loosely attached on each hinge to help manage the door’s weight before fully removing them.

Step 5: Detach the Door

Once all the necessary hinge bolts are out, carefully lift the door off its hinges. Your helper is crucial here. Lift the door straight up and away from the Jeep.

Step 6: Store Your Doors Safely

Lay the doors flat in a secure location. Avoid leaning them against anything that could cause them to fall or scratch. Storing them upright in a door storage system is a good option for protecting them.

Removing Doors on an JL Wrangler (2018-Present)

The remove JL Wrangler doors process is similar to the JK, but there are a few nuances. JL Wranglers have a slightly different hinge design and often feature more advanced electronics.

Step 1: Preparation and Tool Gathering

Park on a level surface.
Open the door.
Gather your socket set, gloves, and ensure your helper is ready.

Step 2: Disconnect Electrical Connectors

JL Wranglers have sophisticated electronics, including power windows, mirrors, and potentially speaker wires.

Locate the wiring harness where the door meets the body.
There’s usually a plastic cover or clip that needs to be released.
Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull it apart.
JL Specifics: Some JL models might have additional electrical connections for speakers or other features. Consult your owner’s manual for precise locations.

Step 3: Address the Door Limiter Strap

JL Wranglers have a steel strap that limits how far the door can open. This strap needs to be disconnected before removing the door.

Locate the strap. It usually connects the door to the Jeep’s body.
There’s typically a clip or bolt holding the strap in place.
Remove the clip or bolt to detach the strap.

Step 4: Remove the Hinge Bolts

The Jeep Wrangler door hinges on the JL are also designed for easy removal.

You’ll find bolts securing the hinges to the Jeep body.
Use your socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts. The size may vary, but 10mm or 13mm sockets are common.
Similar to the JK, it’s often easier to leave one bolt slightly loose on each hinge while removing the others, so your helper can manage the door’s weight.

Step 5: Lift the Door Off

With the electrical connectors and hinge bolts removed, and the limiter strap detached, carefully lift the door straight up and away from the Jeep. Have your helper support the weight.

Step 6: Secure Storage for Your Doors

As with the JK, store your JL doors safely and securely to prevent damage.

Reinstalling Your Jeep Wrangler Doors

Reinstalling the doors is essentially the reverse of removal.

Align Hinges: With your helper, carefully align the hinge knuckles on the door with the hinge mounts on the Jeep body.
Insert Bolts: Hand-thread the hinge bolts back into place.
Tighten Bolts: Use your socket wrench to snug them up.
Torque Specification: If you have a torque wrench, tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended specification. This is crucial for safety and to prevent rattling. Consult your owner’s manual for exact torque values. (A common range for hinge bolts is around 25-35 ft-lbs, but always verify for your specific model).
Reconnect Electricals: Reconnect all electrical connectors securely.
Attach Limiter Strap (JL): Reattach the door limiter strap.
Test: Open and close the door to ensure it operates smoothly. Check that power windows, locks, and mirrors are working correctly.

Jeep Wrangler Door Hinges Removal and Maintenance

Sometimes, you might need to remove the entire hinge assembly, not just the door. This is less common for casual door removal but might be necessary for repair or customization.

Removing the Entire Hinge Assembly

Remove the Door First: Follow the steps above to remove the door.
Locate Hinge Bolts on Body: You’ll see bolts that attach the hinge assembly to the Jeep’s A-pillar (front doors) or B-pillar (rear doors).
Use Correct Socket: You might need a slightly larger socket for these bolts, often 15mm or even 18mm.
Support Hinges: As you remove the bolts holding the hinge assembly, be ready to catch it, as it’s not attached to the door anymore.
Door Hinge Removal: The hinges themselves are now detached from the Jeep body.

Jeep Wrangler Door Hinges Lubrication

Over time, especially if you frequently remove your doors or drive in wet conditions, lubricating your hinges can prevent squeaks and corrosion.

When to Lubricate: Lubricate your hinges periodically, especially after removing the doors, or if you notice any stiffness or squeaking.
What to Use: A good quality white lithium grease or a silicone-based spray lubricant is ideal. Avoid WD-40 for long-term lubrication, as it can dry out.
How to Lubricate:
1. With the doors off, clean the hinge pins and barrels.
2. Apply a liberal amount of lubricant to the hinge pins.
3. Work the lubricant in by swinging the hinge arm a few times if possible.
4. For Jeep Wrangler door hinges lubrication, applying grease to the pivot points where the hinge attaches to the door and the body is beneficial.

Jeep Wrangler Door Panel Removal

While not required for simply taking the doors off, Jeep Wrangler door panel removal is sometimes necessary for accessing internal door mechanisms, speakers, or for cleaning. This is a more involved process.

General Steps for Door Panel Removal:

Remove Screws: Look for visible screws around the edges of the door panel, often hidden behind small plastic caps.
Pry Off Trim Pieces: Many panels have plastic trim pieces that need to be carefully pried off using trim removal tools.
Disconnect Clips: The panel is usually held on by numerous plastic clips around its perimeter. Use a trim removal tool to gently pop these clips loose.
Disconnect Wires and Cables: Once the panel is loose, you’ll need to disconnect wiring harnesses for power windows, locks, mirrors, and the door handle release cable.
Lift Panel Off: Carefully lift the door panel away from the door frame.

Important Note: The exact procedure for Jeep Wrangler door panel removal can vary significantly between JK and JL models, and even between different trim levels. Always consult a specific guide or video for your exact year and model to avoid damaging the panel or its components.

Jeep Wrangler Door Off Winter

Driving with your Jeep Wrangler door off winter is generally not recommended for most climates.

Weather Conditions: Winter weather brings cold temperatures, snow, rain, and ice. Leaving your doors off would expose the interior to these elements, leading to damage and discomfort.
Heating and Comfort: The heating system in a Jeep is designed to work with the doors on. Without them, the cabin would be extremely difficult to heat.
Safety: Openings where the doors once were can be hazardous in winter conditions, potentially allowing snow and ice to enter the cabin or creating points for drafts.
Alternative: If you want a more open-air feel in milder winter conditions, consider a half-door or bikini top configuration that offers some protection while still providing a more open experience than full doors.

Common Issues and Tips

Rattling Doors: If your doors rattle after reinstallation, double-check that all hinge bolts are properly tightened. Sometimes, adding a bit of foam tape to contact points can help.
Stuck Bolts: If bolts are stubborn, a penetrating lubricant (like PB Blaster) can help. Let it soak for a bit before trying to loosen.
Door Sagging: If a door seems to sag after reinstallation, it might indicate a hinge issue or that the bolts weren’t tightened correctly.
Storage Scratches: To prevent scratches during storage, place soft cloths or foam padding between the doors and the storage surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How heavy are Jeep Wrangler doors?
A1: The weight varies by model. JK doors are generally heavier, often around 40-50 pounds each. JL doors are slightly lighter due to design changes, typically in the 35-45 pound range. Always have a helper when removing or installing them.

Q2: Can I drive my Jeep Wrangler without doors in the rain?
A2: It’s not advisable. While technically possible, rain will enter the cabin and can damage electronics or upholstery if not protected. Many owners opt for door off mirrors to maintain side visibility if they remove the doors.

Q3: What tools do I need for Jeep Wrangler door removal?
A3: You’ll primarily need a socket set with common metric sizes (like 10mm, 13mm, 15mm), a ratchet wrench, and gloves. A helper is also highly recommended.

Q4: Where can I buy Jeep Wrangler door off accessories?
A4: Accessories like door storage racks, tube doors, or door-off mirrors can be found at Jeep dealerships, online auto parts retailers (like Quadratec, Extreme Terrain, Mopar), and specialized Jeep accessory stores.

Q5: How do I prevent door hinges from rusting?
A5: Regular cleaning and Jeep Wrangler door hinges lubrication with a suitable grease or protectant will help prevent rust, especially in humid or salty environments.

Q6: Can I remove the doors from my Jeep Wrangler in winter?
A6: While possible, it’s generally not recommended due to exposure to cold, snow, and ice, which can damage the interior and make the vehicle uncomfortable and unsafe.

Q7: What is the difference in door removal between a JK and JL Wrangler?
A7: The process is similar, but the JL has a door limiter strap that needs to be disconnected, and the electrical connector design might differ slightly. Always check your specific model year for precise details.