Hard top vs. soft top height

[Huntin Fool]

Is there a height difference between the soft top and the hard top. I'm going to build external vertical bars to mount roof rack to. I have a hard top now but hope to install soft top and bows this summer, just want to be sure I have enough clearance.

 

[bomb69tech]

I have run both but have not measured. I am pretty sure the soft top has a slightly lower profile as the soft top touches my cage and the hardtop has a couple inces clearance. So if it clears the hardtop you should have no issues with the softtop.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

The correct dimension from the rear floor to the top of the soft top bows is 1,200 mm or 47.24". If your bows are higher than this, they should be trimmed so you can achieve the correct height.

 

[Biscuit]

Remember the hard top has a different shape. The back hatch /amby doors slant forward above the tub line while the soft top continues straight up. An external hoop that clears the back of the hard top may not clear the soft top. Same concept on the front due o the "visor" on the hard top.

Look forward to what you come up with as this is on the someday list for my truck.

 

[Eshu Elegua]

soft top,but... after mark or OEM...? 2 pics same 40 with roof rack and 2 types of soft top. I guess my rack will fit over a hard top easy

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/437037-roof-rack-over-paki-oem-soft-top.html

 

[Jerry D.]

Factory FJ40 soft top overall height was 1,930mm/76.0ins
Factory FJ40 hard top overall height was 1,950mm/76.8ins

Jerry D.

 

[Huntin Fool]

Thanks for the help, I'll build it off of the hard top dimensions. I'll post some pics when I build it.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Factory FJ40 soft top overall height was 1,930mm/76.0ins
Factory FJ40 hard top overall height was 1,950mm/76.8ins

Jerry D.

That's assuming a stock suspension and stock tires which were what size? He needs to measure from the bed of his truck up to the hard top.

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD

 

[StaleAle]

Eshu -

It looks like the vertical supports for your rack have a different rake in the two photos. Did you modify the rear supports or is that an illusion?

 

[Biscuit]

Factory FJ40 soft top overall height was 1,930mm/76.0ins
Factory FJ40 hard top overall height was 1,950mm/76.8ins

Overall height won't help as there are many variables. From my experience the soft top has a greater overall height because the rear springs extend due to lack of mass in the back. I had to ballast the bed of my 40 to fit in the garage at my old place with the soft top on, the hard top fit.

That and for this, it's all relative height to the tub.

 

[Eshu Elegua]

Eshu -

It looks like the vertical supports for your rack have a different rake in the two photos. Did you modify the rear supports or is that an illusion?

Have to made new tubes(rack) to fit OEM soft top,also have to change the wires that going from rack to front bumper(limbs raisers) cos OEM soft top was taller than the other one.