Jeep JL Wrangler HARD TOP HOIST - DIY Homemade Ceiling Hanger on a BUDGET

More than its weight, and it does weigh quite a bit, the biggest reason why most people never remove the hard top on their Jeep JL Wrangler is because of its big bulky size. Even if you could manage to remove it on your own, it'd be crazy awkward to handle and then there’s the question of, where do you put it once it’s off? If you’re lucky enough to live in a home that has a garage and one that’s big enough for you to park your Jeep in, hanging your hard top from the ceiling is gonna be your best bet. Unfortunately, most of the aftermarket hoist systems available today are pretty pricey. So, what do you do when you want to open up your Jeep but don't want to spend a ton of money? Well, for about $25 at your local Lowe's Home Improvement hardware store, you can make your own hard top hoist and this episode of the JL JOURNAL will show you how.
SCREW EYES USED: #0x2-7/8"
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[@curtehalt4533]

Your video was very helpful. I followed it to a "T" It took 3 years, and I finally got the courage to take the hardtop off this morning. Thank you!

[@wayalife]

That is so awesome! 👍

[@mkotch]

Installed my DIY hard top lift yesterday & it survived a 7.1 Earthquake just hours after. Thanks for the great video!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear we could be of help with this video and that the quakes you've been having hasn't been a problem for it.

[@quetzal1]

Wow, thanks for the confidence booster there!

[@stevel.4461]

Can’t believe the criticism. Just appreciate what Eddie shared and roll on.

[@chrisbevill4126]

Great Video. Just a heads up reminder to those who are watching. Remember to put the 2x4 on the back outside of the spare tire before you pull forward!!!

[@AnthonyHarris-cb9zg]

This guy really has talent. Some people have been blessed to see things through to the end. I have watched some of his other videos and he is pretty darn good with building that jeep. Keep up the good work.

[@marksernes139]

Top notch ... love all your DIY and other vids. Great editing and flow. I never feel I am burning time watching a amateur at work or play. You Sir are a Pro that values your viewers time and it shows on everything you do. Thanks for that Eddie

[@wayalife]

Thank you Mark, we're truly flattered you would say as much.

[@emtguy1]

When I had mine I used 4 eyes, and 2 straps and routed the straps from “c-post” spot thru the back with window open. Was actually pretty easy to do solo too when going topless.

[@johnk3337]

I just installed this today. Works great. Its summer here in the mountains of Colorado now, so perfect time to take the top off....although it did just snow last weekend. Thanks for the video!

[@josephsepulveda8819]

I had to laugh when I saw the 2x4 price. If only. 😂

[@wayalife]

LOL - I know, it's nuts!

[@MrMrsregor]

how much are they now ? $10-$15.?..

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Getting wood went up now!

[@EricCKeys]

@@MrMrsregor no, bit of an over reaction on peoples part like usual. The price didnt increase that drasticially.

[@01btg]

This video is just what I needed! I had spent all my money on my lift and tires. Built this in about an hour today and it works great! Thanks. I love your channel.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it :)

[@mattmaitret1826]

Thank you so much for this diy video! I’m not the best at doing diy projects but, this was very simple to do and not time consuming at all! Plus I actually cleaned out my garage to make room.

[@wayalife]

That is awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@joespotswoode4012]

Fantastic video! Just installed my hard top lift using your instructions and it worked like a charm - all for under $25.

[@wayalife]

So awesome, glad to hear we could be of help!

[@allaboutwhatever7931]

Great video. I use two kayak pulleys and it works awesome for a one man operation. Only takes me about 10-15 minutes.

[@WTFSoCal]

pretty pleased with the fact that you had the same thought of parking under the top, thanks for sharing, great idea man !

[@wayalife]

Thanks. We've been doing this since our TJ back in 1999.

[@jkk393]

Found this video while surfing for DIY hoist ideas. Best video out there! Really nice job! I like how I was able to buy the same hooks you showed. I bought heavy duty 6 foot cam buckle tie downs (rated 800lbs) from HF for 20bucks. They were great! and don't slip. Your video made it very easy (and entertaining) to install.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Always great to know that our video was able to help someone like you out :)

[@mikej5403]

Great video. I've been thinking of something like this in my garage as my son stores his hardtop at our house. Now I see a really cheap easy solution.

[@wayalife]

Glad that we could give you some ideas :)

[@jeepkj06]

With a little modification, my husband and I made this idea for Hardtop Hoist, work for my LJ Hardtop. Thank you for uploading this video. We enjoy watching your videos (especially our 2 1/2 year old son).

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad to hear we were able to inspire you :)

[@frandrew1]

I know this video was a while ago, but my wife and I finally did this for our 2015 JKU ... Thanks!!

[@wayalife]

That's awesome and glad to hear our video was helpful to you 👍

[@coachmckean6503]

Hell yeah. Just got a Jeep about a monthly ago. Followed your plan and it worked like a champ.

[@justadailylearner]

This is the best video on how to do this from start to finish. Thank you!

[@wayalife]

LOL!! Glad to hear our video is of help to you :)

[@mikemacpherson7135]

Yes! A quick but very informative video. Thanks Eddie! I’m ready to receive and install my hardtop soon.

[@wayalife]

Glad you found the video to be informative :)

[@OrangeBlood485]

Great Video, I am actually getting ready to remove my hard top and hang it up, I just took some time to find and mark the studs in my garage ceiling and tomorrow going to take it off in preparation for a soft top!!! Thanks so much

[@1uptospeed]

you can"t beat that , and on the cheep to boot ! love them low budget projects, keep up the good work.

[@wayalife]

Glad you liked the video :)

[@karenschroedertutko617]

We just installed our DIY hoist. It worked beautifully! Less than $30, about an hour to install. Thank you!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it :)

[@shawnjoe9187]

Just an FYI, If you get your straps at Harbor Freight you could do it for under $27 especially if you use their 20% coupon.

[@Nickmandarocka96]

Just completed this DIY for my 18 Jl Unlimited. Thank you for the video

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad that we could be of help to you :)

[@scottmote2176]

Thanks for this video. This was exactly what I was looking for. My wife is not tall enough and her arms aren't long enough to help lift the top off. So we've been researching lift options but didn't want to spend $200 plus on a lift system since we won't be talking if off for more than a couple days at a time. I enjoy your videos as you don't spend a lot of time with a lot of extra hype and screaming at the beginning or during your video. You get the job done. Have a blessed day.

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MartinGundel]

Excellent vid, thank you. The only significant difference I made was to use a hammock strap instead of the 2x4.

[@philsfan075]

This worked like a charm for my 2018 Rubicon. Great video and a much cheaper option than all the hoists out there. Thanks a lot!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, so glad to hear it :)

[@williamnewman2959]

Tried this my self and it works! Thank you for the detailed instructions!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad that we could be of help :)

[@johnwesley2254]

Thanks for the video! I just installed this in my garage today and it's fantastic and cheap! I bought a 2x4x12 and had Home Depot cut it into 2 6ft sections in the store and then used the same idea from the rear of the hardtop to hold the front in place without worry of the hooks rubbing on the outside! Works awesome!

[@johnwesley2254]

By the way, I did the whole thing for under $24...8 screw eyes @ $1.18/ea, 1 2x4x12 @ $4.00, 1 set of Husky 500lb workload ratchet straps @ $10!

[@wayalife]

Awesome!

[@mikehernandez1654]

I ran with your idea for a 2 door top. Worked out well. Thanks for the inspiration

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it :)

[@TC-jc4hk]

Was just telling my wife about doing this and was impressed by your video good job 👍

[@wayalife]

Thank you, we're so glad you enjoyed our video :)

[@rodneyn.7015]

Thanks for the Awesome Video! I just picked up a Wrangler JLU with the hardtop and installed your DIY Hoist...Worked like a charm!

[@wayalife]

So glad to hear we were able to help you out with our video :)

[@warrenjewer7233]

Thanks for all your tips and step by step instructions. I did this in under 1 hr following your video.

[@wayalife]

So awesome, glad to hear our video was helpful to you! :)

[@robfrasier9412]

New to the Jeep world and ran across your video. Wanted to take the top off but didn’t want to spend the money for a hoist. Simple install...BAM! Thanks for sharing. Excellent video...and only one trip to Home Depot👍

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad we could be of help to you :)

[@oceantherapy101]

This video was so good, it was easy to follow and clear. Thank you!!! Got ours up in no time.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad we were able to help you out :)

[@cannoncarpetcleaning]

Thank you just saved me $600 bucks! I was minutes away from ordering a hoist, I was actually looking on YT to see how easy the hoist was to use and found you!

[@wayalife]

Mill Stacka Awesome - glad to hear we were able to save you some money. 😎

[@cannon29]

Great video. Entertaining and most important, really helpful. thank you!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! It'd be our only hope to help others to help themselves with our videos :)

[@philv930]

Just did this and took my roof off for the first time! Thanks for the step by step!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, so glad to hear our video helped you out :)

[@pulledofftheroad]

This is perfect...and cheap. Thanks for the idea!

[@CYoung-fv4vu]

This was PERFECT My weekend project has arrived. Thanks for the Great step by step vid!!!!!!!

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped!

[@djparks15]

Thanks for the idea! Built it last night and worked like a charm, I have a garage again!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad we could be of help to you :)

[@g-wolfoutdoors8150]

Nice work! Simple and effective. I would flip the pull straps to make them easier to use.

[@scottrobinson2580]

It wouldn't be a trip to home depot if you didn't have to do it twice.

[@wayalife]

LOL - too true :)

[@TheRoadTaken]

Doesn't matter if you buy too little or too much, either way, you are going back to purchase more or returning something extra. Never fails.

[@jschmadeke4life]

Story of my life!

[@newclothes8165]

I thought that was just me

[@elgamazacatecas6670]

@@TheRoadTaken 00⁰0 .pl073 nejek00p

[@TikkerLoS]

that was pretty well done, nice clear instructions

[@Binkygetsby]

Brilliant! Thanks for walking us through such a great project.

[@wayalife]

You bet, hope it helps you out :)

[@mattc.7001]

Thanks for this DIY video. Added a front 2x4 and it works great! Not to mention, very easy to install.

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped!

[@aaronw639]

Thanks for the Idea! I'm going to do this setup for my NEW JL!!!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad we could be of help to you :)

[@jasonmiles9904]

Installed mine today and it works great. Only thing that took the longest was finding the studs to drill the holes for the eyelets. Once that was figured out I had it hung in less than an hour!! Thanks for such a great video. And all for less than $50!!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear you were able to do this, so easily and that we were able to help out.

[@JARoot-ic8wy]

Thanks for the idea. I just spent under $30 & made a hardtop hoist for my TJ top. Using this method except I pit a 2x4 under the front & rear. Works great. I can finally remove & install the top by myself & it stores perfectly! Very happy with the results ✌️

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Happy to hear we were able to help you out with this video. I should note, I first came up with it back when we first got our TJ many many moons ago LOL

[@aria51]

Thanks for this! This will be my weekend project. Also, learned from this... I purchased 6 eye screws!

[@wayalife]

LOL - glad that we could be of help :)

[@brianb6611]

Thanks so much for this video. I was able to drive around today topless after only an hour as I had everything on hand

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear our video was able to help you out 👍

[@yuxing2301]

Thank you again for your great vedio. Had a wrangler but never took the top off because I was scared of the job. Now I see how easy I can get it done and I will definately try it this summer.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad that our video was helpful to you.

[@timroger7993]

This is really practical and simple! I'll install it soon in my garage. Thanks man

[@wayalife]

Glad we could help you out with our video :)

[@tjbeagan3276]

I love you man. Your videos are concise, complete and soooo useful.

[@wayalife]

LOL - I'm glad to know that our videos are able to help you out :)

[@bongtiamson4368]

WoW this how-to video is spot on... I recently got my very first Jeep (it's a 4xe and lovin' the jeep vibes). Honestly saying I'm not a handy man but with your awesome video tutorial, It gives me confidence & believe that I can do this by myself. Planning to visit Lowe's this weekend... keep making videos, you are helping a lot of people like me.

[@wayalife]

So happy to hear you enjoyed our video and that it has helped you out. 👍

[@keithhall1811]

I love this idea and will absolutely be using it, thank you.

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad we could be of help to you :)

[@MichaelCook1981]

Mine is sitting on the floor of my garage. Heading to the store to build one of these. I'll try to get everything in one trip!

[@adamclancy8706]

Always good content. Smart, like most we’ve all had this issue. Great video!

[@wayalife]

Thank you! We're so glad to hear you found the video to be useful :)

[@retiredmanager1098]

Great Video- Thank You, I’m seriously considering a new Jeep and was wondering about taking the top off.

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad to hear our video was able to help give you some ideas :)

[@Maxdady01]

Baller! Eddie, you're the best. Thanks!

[@wayalife]

LOL!! Thanks

[@Joekatie2005]

Built my hoist today from this video. Thank you for the tutorial. Enjoy your videos

[@wayalife]

Glad I could help!

[@thomascarpenter5536]

My father did something very similar for his truck topper. You could also drill holes in the 2x4 and use bolts to hold the hard top to the board versus zipties to make it even more secure.

[@bubbshalub]

thats a really good idea

[@inshadows1]

I don't follow. Can you explain it a little more? I have kids and don't really trust the zip ties

[@DelanoJ]

@@inshadows1 I think he means use bolt holes already on top, where u remove the 6 that hold top to jeep

[@joeslowy]

4yrs later, but you could also use dowels so you don't have to re-use the bolts

[@DaveB44213]

I was way too distracted by the Jeep itself that I had to watch the how-to part all over again. Beautiful looking Jeep and thank you for the video. I almost ordered the $300 + tax (CDN) hoist system. You've got another subscriber.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad it was helpful!

[@BC-kl7np]

Hell yeah! Great video. Had ratchet straps, stud finder and power tools. Total cost was around $15 for 2X4 and eye bolts-plus my sweat in this Texas heat. Easily done in two hours taking my time. Almost bought one online for $300 and found this video. I’m a semi-advanced DIY’er, but someone with minimal handy skills could complete this project. For me, it wasn’t about cost of the numerous online kits, It was about overpaying for things I can get myself at HD/Lowe’s. Easy as pie. Will recommend!

[@TexasT1996]

I did the same thing a week ago in Texas. Super easy. But what he failed to mention is how the 40" gap between the rear and front doesn't land on a stud for the front straps installation. I had to use one of those drywall hangers with the anchor in back, to keep it stable. I was wondering if you had to do the same thing.

[@chrislaroche8866]

Hey man been watching for a few months now, just used this vid to do the same hang job for my hard top. Thanks for the great content!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So happy to hear our videos have been helpful to you.

[@blmaday]

Installed our DIY hoist yesterday. Ran us about $7. Had the straps and a 2x4 on hand. Thanks for the guide!

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped!

[@veejphotos]

Awesome Idea, very simple and love the parking your jeep back part ! THanks !

[@wayalife]

Glad you liked it!

[@marcmuller5585]

Very well made video, thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@wayalife]

Glad you liked it :)

[@games828]

always special.. As well as wonderful video filming.

[@wayalife]

Thanks, we're so glad you liked it :)

[@sahmofangels]

Awesome video. We are taking our top off for the first time today!!

[@wayalife]

Too cool! I hope our video was able to help you out :)

[@davidkeeton6716]

You win a cookie for talking about the 8 bolts and the harness and hose. Most don't. Just get some Topsy brand brackets that bolt on between the window hinges and the top. Hook your ratchet straps to those at the back. Really lessens the chance of scratches on the body and no chance of slipping out from under like the board. I saw the zip ties. Good idea.

[@winning1products]

Hey thanks. I built this last season and it worked great.

[@wayalife]

Great to hear!

[@donwinder7812]

Thanks for posting. Best set up a saw and I redid mine and used cam lock straps with your 2x6 back support beam. Worked out perfectly. I used the holes from the two front roof bolts for the front hooks. I assume that will be fine. Thanks again!

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped

[@biddzman]

Omg this is brilliant 👏..First time jeep owner here and this will work perfectly! 💪 Thanks!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So happy to hear our video was helpful to you 👍

[@GruntHarley]

Great idea. I would just use a second set of 2x4 for the fwd part of the top.

[@candy1land]

I did this tonight - took about 30 minutes because I was by myself and I started with the hardtop on the floor of my garage. I had put it on a dolly instead of hanging it but it’s heavier than I can handle with a friend so in the process of removing it I scratched the hardtop and my Jeep! UGH! So I saw this video and after being angry I didn’t start here first I went to work getting it done. Spent $10 bucks at harbor freight on tie downs and another $5 at Lowes on eyelets and a 2x4. It took me awhile to hoist it up off the floor high enough to drive my Jeep under it in the garage but wow am I so happy I did this. You don’t need an electric hoist - I’m sure it’s nice to have but realistically you only need to raise it a few inches off the Jeep and you are good to go. Thank you so much for sharing. The only thing I don’t Iove is how the hooks hold the inside front of the top - I want to pad it with something better than foam padding so next time I will use cloth or rubber to protect the inside of the fiberglass. Otherwise this method is awesome! Thank you for sharing. Oh I did this to my JKU by the way. Save your money for other Jeep toys!

[@wayalife]

So glad that we could be of help to you with this video. For the front hooks, I just put rags between them and the top. This has always worked well for me.

[@candy1land]

Awesome I’ll try that!! Thank you!

[@PlayzLife]

THANK YOU! We were just at a dealer and I was shying away from a hard top because we don’t have anywhere to store it. Not sure if only having a soft top wouod be a drawback, so this was most helpful.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad our video could be helpful to you :)

[@omitthelies]

Love taking off my two door top by myself, it's so much easier than a 4 door.

[@clintonpeters6335]

Brilliant solution. Thank you for sharing this DIY idea 😊👍🏽

[@wayalife]

Glad you found this to be helpful 👍

[@ryanz76]

Thank you ..... I will be putting this together for sure.

[@wayalife]

Glad to know that our video could be of help to you :)

[@Jeepn_with_Mark]

You sir have saved me so much money with your DIY stuff. We have both a two door and four door Jeep between the hoist and the door hangers (another video) and they both work out great, Thanks!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear we've been able to help you with our videos 😎

[@Jeepn_with_Mark]

@@wayalife J

[@Jeepn_with_Mark]

@@wayalife I just installed the JLU Sunshade with the help of your video on that. 25 minutes from start to finish. Thanks so much

[@swexplorer]

Incredible video!! And awesome editing!

[@wayalife]

Thanks, we're so glad you liked it :)

[@MrsS0908]

Doing this weekend!! Thank you for this video!!

[@wayalife]

Awesome!

[@_thefilth_]

I know this is an old video, but this was the best thing I ran into. I was able to do this quick and easy.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear our video was of help to you 👍

[@eddiemorales7066]

great video. just installed mine. Thanks for the tips

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped

[@harisbuza8862]

Love your work! Always professional

[@wayalife]

Thank you, we're flattered that you'd say as much :)

[@TXSagira]

I really appreciate you syncing up sounds to the music. So satisfying 😂

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@eirizarry2568]

Another GREAT instructional video.....THANKS...again.

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear you found it informative :)

[@craigversetti5700]

At 1st I thought we were on the same page but ya went left on me lol. I used 4 EYEBOLTS !! LOL ( screw eyes lmao ) and two ratchet straps , feed the straps threw side window area and out the back window then hook them to the eyebolts and simply ratchet the straps evenly until top is off and high enough. This way you have no steel hooks digging into the top and ya have nice soft strap against it. Either way it beats big money or yelling for help to remove the top. And if your happy then I m happy. ... nice vid

[@michaelking42]

If you use 2 drops of hand soap on the tip of the eye bolts, they will go into the wood much easier. Good video, thanks for posting.

[@gerard0l6569]

Another awesome, well thought out video! Your videos are consistently the BEST videos to watch, no matter what the subject matter

[@wayalife]

Truly humbled that you would say as much and we're so happy to hear you enjoy our videos.

[@gerard0l6569]

@@wayalife please keep doing EXACTLY what you’re doing!

[@graytshirt]

Your Jeep looks great man! Hopefully I'll have a Gladiator in my garage soon.

[@wayalife]

Me too :)

[@sherrymiller8378]

Great imagination: something most people don't have anymore. Good job!

[@wayalife]

Why thank you :)

[@jorgelrod]

Nice to see you're adding drone footage Eddie!!!

[@wayalife]

Thanks. Figured it was probably about time especially for something like this.

[@scoughlin71]

I have been trying to figure out how I wanted to build my hoist. Every time I come up with a plan, it is overly engineered. This was brilliant, easy and inexpensive!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, so glad we could be of help :)

[@BTD53]

Great idea ! I could do this in my garage, if I could get in there...😬

[@wayalife]

LOL!! Gotta get your Jeep inside :)

[@ctellez1548]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing a great idea.

[@wayalife]

You bet! Glad that we could be of help :)

[@RomeroProductions]

Great Video! Love your editing skills!

[@wayalife]

Thank you, we really do appreciate it :)