Jeep Wrangler YJ - Sport Roll Bar to Family Roll Bar Swap

[@Poweraddicts]

The bolt extractor set I used worked great!! Here are the tools I used in this video. Links (affiliate) below: Bolt extractor set: amzn.to/2vF9B66 Drill bit and extractor: amzn.to/2vF7Qpp Torx bit set: amzn.to/2B3lszQ

[@lawrencelarson988]

What craftsman socket did you use on the bolt extractor?

[@serinehart]

Just another tip, there was factory loc-tite in the bolts, if you hit the head of each bolt with a propane torch for about 10 seconds will make extraction a lot easier. just replaced one myself last week, I like the family roll bar better. Thanks for the video's.

[@Poweraddicts]

Very good point!! I forgot to mention that. Back in the mid-early 80's Ford used a rigid lock tight on brake caliper bolts. I broke 4 bits before I finally smartened up and through the torch at it. They backed right out as easy as can be. The bolts in this old YJ were rusted in place. They weren't the first bolts I've had issues with on that rig:-). Im on the fence about which roll bar I like better. I know the Family style bar gives more soft top options which is my main reason for swapping roll bars. Thanks for leaving a great tip for everyone! Have a great day!!

[@saltields7649]

One of my favorite TV shows growing up was MacGyver, I wouldn’t mind getting a Jeep YJ and make it similar to his. Or do a YJ that’s like MacGyver’s on the left side and the Jurassic Park ones on the right side.

[@_JEBUS]

Never knew the windshield tie in bar was adjustable lol I had to use a ratchet strap to get it to line up again once I installed the soft top.

[@beecee9344]

Gonna redo my 89 yj. It's been dormant for a few years. I want swap to a Family style roll bar basically for more back seat protection. Thank you for showing the way on that. I have marked the tools you posted on amazon. Thank you for that too. I'll also have full doors and half doors and a Bestop split hard top and original soft top. I do need to refurbish the soft top frame and I was wondering if you had any lead the parts I would need for that especially the plastic sleeves that hold the folding bars in place? On another note, I 'm using a tip a friend passed on from a guy that liked to rebuild old trucks and Wheelies from the 1930's and 40's. When he gets a new project, he parks it in his barn, sprays every bolt with liquid wrench and walks away for a few weeks, and repeats every few weeks until he's ready to work on it. In the meantime he does research and gathering of supplies for that project. Pulled the project in the garage yesterday and sprayed the 1st pass on the nuts and bolt with liquid wrench and will do so until i start on it after New Year's. Last Question... MPFI kit or Holley 2bbl carb?

[@ignusa749]

heat those bolt heads with a LP torch first and smack it with a hammer and pin punch, do not direct hit the bolt head as it will collapse the torx opening. use impact rated sockets and extensions! i used an 3/4 dewalt impact after breaking them loose with an long 3/4 breaker bar take your time! and yes if it is a rust bucket the floor pan nuts may twist right off.

[@jimjohnston3188]

So I'm guessing it's fair to say if you have the "family style" bar and want to switch to the sports style bar, that's no problem.

[@Poweraddicts]

Yep, no problem. Thanks for checking out the video! Have a great day!!

[@johncrowder2294]

Tim i have dun that to the point that there no screw left .(all it did was make the steering a little harder to turn still had 1/4 turn in steering .

[@johncrowder4297]

Dident know that could be done ,now I have to find 1 . I have a 89 yj with a steering box problem , to much play in the steering wheel , almost a full 1/4 turn before wheels start to move , have put at least 4 rebuilt 1 in all end up that way . Help would be appreciated . I enjoy ur channel keep it up

[@timbowles6]

john crowder there is an adjustment nut and screw to take the play out of the steering gear. Loosen and hold the nut with a wrench and turn the scurew in 1/8 of a turn at a time. Retighten the nut and test drive. Take your time, as it's easy to overtighten the adjustment and lockup the steering. This is the first thing i did to my yj after i bought it. Tim

[@Poweraddicts]

If you have replaced the steering boxes and you still are getting that much play. Either you are getting bad steering boxes or start checking the steering shaft going up to the steering column for worn out u-joints Good luck and have a great day!

[@brysondubsky336]

I have a 1995 YJ (family bars) with a frameless soft top (love the top). but I am thinking about buying the sport bars from my buddy for 80$ and run that in the summer with a bikini top. I just love the look of the sport bars personally. Then, putting the family bars back in for the winter / rainy season. (i live in Georgia). my question is, how long would it take to swap between the family and sport bars (vice versa), as I would be doing that quite often.

[@Poweraddicts]

Being that you are going to swapping them on a consistent basis, you will not have to deal with rusted up bolts. So the swap is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Just have someone to help you pick the roll bar up so you don't scratch your Jeep. Thanks for dropping in! Have a great day!

[@saltields7649]

Do you know if people would be able to go from the family bar to the non family bar? Do the spreader bars have to stay in, or can they be removed?

[@saltields7649]

I’ve decided that when I’d get a YJ like yours, I’m going to remove those spreader bars. Is there any way to add extra seating to a CJ, YJ, or TJ? I have a family size of 5 and want to take the entire family with me, when I get one. When I get one, I might go with the left side as what was used in MacGyver and the right side as the Jurassic Park Jeeps, probably call it the MacPark Jeep.

[@HeavyD33]

Did you have to measure and adjust the spreader bars after you put the family style back in?

[@Poweraddicts]

Nope .. It dropped right in and were set at the correct length. Which was good for me for the install. But, it would have made for more good video if I would have had to adjust them. I can put that on my video to-do list on "How to adjust the spreader bars and windshield rake:. Thanks for checking out the video! Have a great day!

[@paragoncelula2464]

I have a 95, I would like to switch from the family roll bar to the sport roll bar, do I have to make holes or it fits right away?

[@Poweraddicts]

Should be a direct bolt in. I later discovered on this swap there was some trash behind the mount that messed up the alignment a bit.

[@paragoncelula2464]

@@Poweraddictsohh thank you

[@jedhatcher252]

do you still have the family roll bar?

[@ton12loc]

What size bolts to replace the factory bolts on the roll bars to the tub?

[@Smashleytulsa]

Man the most important thing about all of this is do I need to weld a plate or something onto the tub when I swap seat belts?? What's the easiest way to go about mounting the lower seat belt point on the retractor side

[@Rocketyfox]

After you swap the roll bar, most shoulder belt kits just bolt on where the old lap belts were originally. Mine took me about 15 min to swap both belts out

[@michaelconn8182]

I have a 89 wrangler with sports bar can I swap to family bar also

[@kingsoulsurfer41]

What is a good material to soundproof the vibration noise inside the Jeep

[@sscottphillips1973]

Good video. S-10 seat belts will work for the rear seat belts in the rear? Missing mine.

[@Poweraddicts]

Thanks! Glad you like it! Basically you look for any shoulder style seat belt set up that is long enough. Get both shoulder harness and the floor buckle as long as its long enough to reach over the seat where you sit. Get the bolts as well in case you need them. Your good! Or, possible a set out of an XJ Cherokee. I'm gonna shoot the video of how to look for the correct seat belts in a junkyard. Maaaybe within the next couple of weekends I'll go to the junkyard to scout out a set. Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss the video! Thanks for dropping in and leaving a cool comment! Have a great day!

[@OMNashville]

long shot here, just wondering if you still have that sport bar lying around and wanting to get rid of it? this is a 2018 video so VERY much doubt it. Im in Nashville also (think you are) and looking for a sport bar to swap out the family bar on my YJ. If you know of any im an interested buyer

[@Poweraddicts]

Welp, your long shot paid off. I do have a Sport bar that I would trade for a Family bar. I don't live in Nashville but I'm about 35 miles or so North of you. We can meet somewhere if you want. Just drop an email address here and I'll contact ya for us to work out the when's and where's.

[@Poweraddicts]

Hope your wife likes that roll bar! Good meeting you!!

[@DavidBradleyMusic]

@@Poweraddicts likewise! ill let ya know how it goes

[@9graff9]

Never knew this was a family roll bar. I bought a old yj with 53k original miles with this roll cage. I thought it was stock LOL😅😅😅

[@Poweraddicts]

Both versions are stock. The Family style bar came out 1992 and newer YJs. Whereas the Sport bar was 1991 and older.

[@Haze1552]

Will a hard top fit over the family style bar if you swap out the standard bar on a 1990 YJ?

[@Poweraddicts]

Yes a hard top will still fit.

[@geekfreaklord2481]

If you don’t have a frameless soft top, will the factory equipment for a regular soft top still work on the family?

[@Poweraddicts]

I don't know for sure but really doubt it. My framed soft top barely clears the family style bar. The factory style soft top frame is much more complicated in how it works. Thanks for dropping in!

[@jinhaomei]

What is the size bolts you used when you reinstalled?

[@Poweraddicts]

They are 5/16 - 18 if I remember correctly.

[@mr.bluegrass9723]

Very interesting video. Thanks

[@Poweraddicts]

Glad you liked the video! Thanks for taking the time to leave a cool comment! Have a great day!

[@michaelfrench343]

If I put a TJ roll bar in my 89 YJ can I put a frameless top on. I currently have a hard top.

[@Poweraddicts]

TJ bars are not a direct fit. It takes some drilling, possible cutting to make that work.

[@cj7girl280]

How much should I expect to pay for a YJ family style roll bar with windshield bars and front and rear threaded seat belt holes but no seatbelts?

[@Poweraddicts]

The roll bar and spreader bars I have paid as little as $75 for all of it. I've seen them as high as $200 used. It really depends on the region its located or what the seller wants. The seat belt holes are already in the roll bars.

[@cj7girl280]

@@Poweraddicts Hmm. The guy wants $300 for just the family roll bar with spreaders. Then wants another $100 each for seatbelts. I thought it was a bit high. But wanted to get someone else's intake. Thanks for your response. 😊

[@robertomarquez1289]

What is that tool called ?

[@cj7girl280]

Can the YJ family style roll bar fit a 76 cj7 jeep? What mods if any would it need?

[@Poweraddicts]

I've never actually swapped one in to a CJ7. I was hanging with a buddy of mine today and he and I was discussing this exact same question. From what I can see it should be a direct swap or at least minimal mods. He is getting one of my family style bars soon and is going to install it in his CJ7. We will soon find out.

[@cj7girl280]

@@Poweraddicts what year of cj7 does he have? I read YJ rollbars are a direct fit in 79-85 cj7s and requires modifications in 76-78 cj7s.. Let me know if that's what you discover too.

[@ninja63639]

Is the tub reinforced where the rollbar bolts to the floor and rear wheelwells?

[@Poweraddicts]

Nope, it's a factory 93 model roll car and the 91 Jeep in the video is a stock tub. So .. all factory parts being swapped around. Thanks for checking out the video. Have a great day!

[@ninja63639]

@@Poweraddicts But I mean from the factory is it reinforced at the mounting points or is are the rollbar essentially just bolted to the floor pans?

[@StarkReality]

I got a 1991 just so I could get the Sport Bar. Looks better!

[@Poweraddicts]

I like them both. Looks wise I do favor toward the Sport. I like the old school look. I did the swap because I wanna run a frameless soft top. You cant do that with the sport.

[@ImClaytoniThink]

Love the videos. Even though I'm a TJ fan Lol

[@Poweraddicts]

Glad you like the video!! I've got some TJ stuff on here. Next Sunday a TJ vid is scheduled to release. I like TJs as well, but as far as working on YJ vs TJ. The YJs are hands down much more simplistic and has a much easier fuel injection system to diagnose. I'm gonna eventually add a TJ to my collection when I run across the right deal. Thanks for dropping in and leaving a great comment!! Have a great day!

[@gurukcvaughn]

you think that there might be bent a we bit or not cleaned ( i saw dirt dust )

[@Poweraddicts]

You are probably right about having something under it. I had someone helping me swap the bars. I mounted the passenger side. He was doing the drivers side so I can't say for sure he didn't leave something under the mounting foot. I had gotten all the other bolts tight so I wasn't going to pull all that out again to look under it. I might later but for right now it is easier to just cut that hole downward a bit to get the bolt in. Good eye catching that! Have a great day!!

[@gurukcvaughn]

you have a face book , i have issues with my jeep id like to talk you abou tit

[@Ruxy223]

I have a 1988 yj with a 2.5 in it and its running very rich it has throttle body injection and its driving me nuts because i cant figure it out

[@Poweraddicts]

With TBI setups, the only things that can make it run rich is a bad O2 sensor, injectors sticking open and air temp sensor. Depending on the type of system there could be more. Call the manufacturer of the TBI system, they will know their product better than anyone. Good luck and have a great day!

[@timbowles6]

Clarence Rux might be an intake gasket leak. I surfaced my intake manifold on a floor mounted belt sander at the train musuem restroation shop i work at. Next time you have yours off check for warpage on a flat surface, do the same to the exhaust manifold also. If you know of a sander you can use this repair will only cost the price of a new gasket. I've done this on more than one vehicle succsesfuly

[@yotakev99]

I've always liked the look of the sport bars better. The one good thing I've found with the family bar is that you can get the extended bikini top with a cargo net top in the rear like the Smittybilt C.RES. Ran that way for a few months and the interior actually stayed pretty dry during storms. The downside to that would be that the YJ has no door surrounds like TJs do so even with the uppers on there is still gaps that let rain in

[@Poweraddicts]

Hey man! Hows it going??!! I'm on the fence as far as looks. The sport for the old school look, the family for the "cage" look .. so Im kinda torn on that one. The Family style simply gives more soft top options as you said and also mounting a sound bar in the proper location. A sound bar can be mounted to a sport but its right on top of your head ... nope .. not happening! LOL. I'm gonna check out that bikini top you mentioned, I like the sound of that. I have an extended net style sunscreen that's for a JKU, it will work on the family bar. I've got a short bikini top and windjammer that came with Rustbucket. I really like that setup, but as you said, no door surrounds so there is that massive door gap.

[@TheJsantinho]

what year family style bar fits an 1989?

[@Poweraddicts]

1992 - 1995

[@jesusmiramontes1809]

I have a 90 yj can I swap it with a family style?

[@Poweraddicts]

Yep, it should swap no problem.

[@johnrankin8973]

Will a tj family bar work in a 89 yj?

[@Poweraddicts]

They are not a direct bolt in. I've heard of people doing it but I'm not sure of all the mods that need to be done. You could Google it and see what comes up in the forums.

[@gr8jpn]

Measuring the top of the windshield frame to the back is too inaccurate because your back gate can be misaligned or torqued (sagging - if you have a large spare hanging on it). The simple way is to use your door to align to same spot.

[@johncrowder7429]

I was hoping u could had me towards a good one

[@Poweraddicts]

If you are buying remanufactured ones from the Auto parts store and they are bad out of the box, go to a different store. I get my parts from O'Riellys, Advanced Auto, Rockauto . com or junk yard. Also, bear in mind that even with a new steering box you will still have a bit of play in the steering because of draglink and tie rod ends pivoting. It's just how they are made. There is a bushing from "Ruff Stuff Specialties" called "The Cure". That bushing takes a lot of the play out of the front end parts partially rotating.

[@Offshore1977]

I prefer the sport bar. Reminds me of CJ

[@Poweraddicts]

I like both. As far as looks I do prefer the sport bar. But to run a frameless soft top you got to have a family bar.

[@OGStoneVegas]

that triangular roll bar never looked good on the YJ imo

[@Poweraddicts]

For me, I liked them both. Its just that the family bar gives more soft top options.