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So, you bought a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator. Congrats! If you’re not out banging it around in the mud already, you’re missing out. But even if you are far more comfortable with mall-crawling than you are out in the woods, your Jeep can give you a special driving experience not found in many other vehicles. Depending on the year and configuration, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator are both designed to have their tops and doors removed for a true open-air experience. Most of the tops are able to be popped right off with the flip of a few anchors in the cabin, but removing the doors takes a bit more elbow grease. Luckily for you, The Drive’s editors have removed a few Jeep doors in their time. Whether that’s when they’re able to test one, or just helping some friends. And we think you should know how to, too. So follow along as we walk you through the basic process, step-by-step, and will have you cruising like a pro in no time. Let’s get rolling. Both the Gladiator and Wrangler have removable doors., StellantisJeep Door Removal BasicsEstimated Time Needed: Half an hour to an hour, depending on skill level and Jeep model. Skill Level: Beginner Vehicle System: Body Why is Removing Jeep Doors a Thing?Because the convertible-esque driving, just on the side instead of the top, is a thing the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are designed to do and that's awesome. Most models have removable tops, too. This process is literally as simple as unbolting the door from the body and unplugging any existing electrical connections. Staying Safe When Removing Your Jeep DoorsBefore you bust off the doors, be sure to check your local laws before taking off with no doors. One of the big things to consider is whether you still have rearview mirrors, as you may need to find an aftermarket solution to reattach the mirrors to the Jeep’s body to stay in compliance. It’s also easy to get carried away and smash a finger when removing your Jeep’s doors. Be careful not to stick your fingers in the door hinges while you’re moving them around. And lastly, don’t just drop your doors anywhere. You can scratch the paint or break a window if you’re not careful. Everything You’ll Need To Remove Jeep DoorsYou won’t need much to remove your Jeep’s doors, and may already have everything you need in your vehicle’s maintenance kit. Tool List
Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.) You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink. The Jeeps' doors are designed for easy removal., StellantisHere’s How To Remove Your Jeep's DoorsRemoving your Jeep’s doors is quite easy, but you’ll want to find a safe place to store them when you’re out driving in the open air. Let’s do this! Fold in Side Mirrors
Roll Down the Window
Remove the Black Safety Strap on the Jeep’s Doors
Unplug the WiringIf you bought a “luxury” Jeep, with power windows and door locks, you’ll need to unplug the wiring harness that connects the door’s electrical components to the vehicle. Remove the Nuts and Bolts on the Jeep Wrangler’s Doors
Pull the Jeep’s Door Up and Off the Car
Store Your Jeep’s Doors Somewhere Safe
Repeat the Process with the Other Jeep Doors
Disable the Door Alarm and Light
Reconnect the Battery
Sometimes You Need a Certified MechanicAs much as The Drive loves to put the "you" in do-it-yourself, we know that not everyone has the proper tools, a safe workspace, the spare time, or the confidence to tackle major automotive repairs. Sometimes, you just need quality repair work performed by professionals you can trust like our partners, the certified mechanics at Goodyear Tire & Service. Pro Tips to Remove Your Jeep’s DoorsHere a few pro-tips we’ve learned along the way.
FAQs About Removing Jeep DoorsYou’ve got questions, The Drive has answers! Q. Is It Legal To Remove My Jeep’s Doors?A. Absolutely, but you might need to reinstall the side mirrors first. Depending on your Jeep model, this may require an aftermarket solution. Check your local laws to be sure you’re not getting the wrong kinds of attention. Q. So Which Jeep Models Offer Removable Doors?A. At the moment, only the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator offer removable doors. That’s not to say that you can’t find a way to remove the doors on another Jeep model. We’re just here to tell you that you might not be able to get them back on if you do. Q. My Door Seems Stuck. How Can I Remove It?A. If the door is a bit tough to lift up off the vehicle, you can use a rubber mallet to gently tap the bottom of the door to break it free. If this doesn’t work, don’t start yanking or banging on the doors, as you can damage them quite easily. It’s best to rely on a dealership or a mechanic’s help. Q. Is My Jeep Still Safe Without The Doors?A. It won’t be as safe as it was with the doors on, but many of the onboard safety features will still function, such as front airbags and any advanced features that are equipped. Let’s Talk, Comment Below To Talk With The Drive’s Editors!We’re here to be expert guides in everything How-To related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below and let’s talk! You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram, here are our profiles. VideoFeatured ProductsDoes the Jeep Sahara doors come off?The Willys Wheeler, Sahara, Wrangler Sport, Sport S, Altitude, Rubicon, Rubicon Recon, and Freedom Edition all come with soft or hard-top removable roofs and a removable door option.
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