Full doors on a Jeep TJ provide better weather sealing and security than the standard half-door setup. If you are looking to upgrade your rig, Full Doors For Jeep Tj are a popular choice for owners who want a more comfortable daily driver. They block out rain, cold air, and road noise much better than the factory half-doors or soft uppers. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about buying, installing, and maintaining these doors.
Many Jeep TJ owners start with half-doors and soft uppers because they love the open-air feel. But after a few rainy commutes or cold mornings, the appeal of a solid door becomes clear. Full doors offer a hard shell that seals tightly against the body. They also give you real windows that roll up and down, plus proper locks for security.
Whether you are restoring a TJ or building a custom rig, full doors are a solid investment. Let’s break down the options, costs, and installation steps so you can make the right choice.
Why Choose Full Doors For Your Jeep Tj
Full doors change the driving experience completely. They turn a drafty, noisy cabin into a comfortable space you can use year-round. The biggest advantage is weather protection. With half-doors, rain often leaks through the zippers or snaps. Full doors have a solid frame and rubber seals that keep water out.
Security is another big reason. Half-doors with soft uppers can be cut open with a knife. Full doors have metal frames and proper door locks. You can leave valuables in the Jeep without worrying as much. Plus, the windows roll up fully, which keeps out dust and bugs on trails.
Noise reduction is also noticeable. Highway driving with half-doors and a soft top is loud. Full doors block a lot of that wind and tire noise. Your conversations and music will sound clearer.
Full Doors For Jeep Tj
When shopping for Full Doors For Jeep Tj, you have three main categories: OEM factory doors, aftermarket steel doors, and aftermarket aluminum doors. Each has pros and cons depending on your budget and use case.
Oem Factory Full Doors
Factory doors from Jeep are the most common option. They come from the factory on TJs that were ordered with full doors. These doors are made of steel with a painted exterior and a plastic inner panel. They include roll-up windows, manual locks, and a storage pocket.
Finding used OEM doors is easy on forums, Facebook Marketplace, or Jeep salvage yards. Prices range from $400 to $800 for a pair, depending on condition. They bolt directly onto your TJ with no modifications needed. The fitment is perfect because they were designed for the vehicle.
One downside is weight. Each OEM door weighs about 50 to 60 pounds. That adds up if you plan to remove them often for off-roading. Also, the factory paint might not match your Jeep if you buy used doors from a different color.
Aftermarket Steel Full Doors
Aftermarket steel doors are made by companies like Bestop, Rugged Ridge, and Smittybilt. They are similar to OEM but often have a simpler design. Some have fixed windows instead of roll-down ones. Others use a lift-out window panel.
These doors are usually cheaper than OEM, starting around $300 per door. They are built to fit the TJ body without major issues. However, the fitment might not be as tight as factory doors. You may need to adjust hinges or latches for a good seal.
Steel aftermarket doors are heavier than aluminum but still lighter than OEM in some cases. They are durable and can handle trail abuse. If you plan to paint them, you will need to prep and prime the bare metal first.
Aftermarket Aluminum Full Doors
Aluminum full doors are a lightweight alternative. Brands like GenRight and Poison Spyder offer them for TJs. They weigh about half of what steel doors do, around 25 to 30 pounds each. This makes them easier to remove and store.
Aluminum does not rust, which is a big plus if you live in a wet climate or near salt water. They are also strong enough for rock crawling. The downside is cost. Aluminum doors can run $600 to $1,000 per door. They also may not have the same sound deadening as steel doors.
Most aluminum doors come with a raw finish or a textured coating. You can paint them, but the surface needs special primer for aluminum. Some owners leave them raw for a rugged look.
How To Install Full Doors On A Jeep Tj
Installing full doors on a TJ is a straightforward job. You will need basic hand tools and about an hour per door. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Remove The Half Doors
Start by taking off your existing half-doors. Open the door fully. Use a socket wrench to remove the hinge bolts. There are two bolts per hinge, top and bottom. Keep the bolts in a safe place. Lift the door off the hinges and set it aside.
If you have soft uppers, remove them first. Unzip the windows and pull the fabric frame off the door body. Store the half-doors and uppers in a dry place if you plan to use them again.
Step 2: Prepare The Hinges
Inspect the hinge pins and bushings on the Jeep body. If they are worn, replace them now. You can buy a hinge rebuild kit for about $20. Clean the hinge surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust or dirt. Apply a little grease to the hinge pins for smooth operation.
Check the door striker on the body. The striker is the metal loop that the door latch grabs. If it is loose, tighten it with a Torx bit. Adjust it slightly if the old door was hard to close.
Step 3: Mount The Full Door
Lift the full door onto the hinges. You may need a helper because the door is heavy. Align the hinge holes with the bolts. Start the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten them with a socket wrench, but do not overtighten. You want the door to swing freely.
Close the door gently to check the fit. The door should line up with the body panels. The gap should be even all around. If it is too tight or too loose, loosen the hinge bolts slightly and adjust the door position. Tighten again once it looks right.
Step 4: Adjust The Latch And Striker
Open and close the door a few times. Listen for any rattles or binding. If the door does not latch smoothly, adjust the striker. Loosen the striker bolts and move it in or out. A good rule is to start with the striker centered in the latch opening.
Test the door seal by closing it with a piece of paper between the door and body. If you can pull the paper out easily, the seal is too loose. Tighten the striker slightly until the paper grips.
Step 5: Install The Window And Hardware
If your full doors have roll-up windows, install the window crank handle. Some aftermarket doors use a lift-out window panel. Slide the panel into the door frame and secure it with the provided clips or screws. Test the window operation to make sure it moves smoothly.
Install the interior door handle and lock mechanism if they are separate. Most OEM doors have a plastic inner panel that snaps into place. Aftermarket doors may have a simpler design with exposed hardware.
Pros And Cons Of Full Doors
Full doors are not for everyone. Here is a balanced look at the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Better weather sealing keeps rain and cold out
- Improved security with real locks and metal frames
- Reduced road noise for a quieter ride
- Roll-up windows for ventilation control
- More storage space with door pockets
Cons
- Heavier than half-doors, making removal harder
- More expensive to buy new
- Less open-air feel when driving
- Can be harder to find in good condition used
- May require painting to match your Jeep
Where To Buy Full Doors For A Jeep Tj
You can find full doors from several sources. Each has its own advantages.
Online Retailers
Sites like Quadratec, ExtremeTerrain, and Morris 4×4 Center sell new aftermarket doors. They also have OEM replacement parts. Prices are competitive, and shipping is usually fast. Check for sales or clearance items.
Jeep Forums And Classifieds
Forums like JeepForum.com or WranglerTJForum.com have classified sections. Owners often sell used OEM doors when they switch to half-doors or tube doors. You can find good deals, but you need to act fast. Always ask for photos and check for rust or damage.
Salvage Yards
Local auto salvage yards sometimes have TJs with full doors. Call ahead to check availability. Bring tools to remove the doors yourself. Prices are usually lower than online, but the condition varies.
Facebook Marketplace
Search for “Jeep TJ doors” in your area. Many sellers list doors for cheap. Meet in a safe location and inspect the doors before paying. Look for bent hinges, cracked plastic, or rusted bottoms.
Maintenance Tips For Full Doors
Full doors need regular care to stay in good shape. Here are a few tips.
- Clean the rubber seals with soap and water. Apply silicone spray to keep them flexible.
- Lubricate the window tracks and hinges with white lithium grease every few months.
- Check the door latch mechanism for rust. Spray with WD-40 if it sticks.
- Wash the door panels to remove mud and salt. Dry them to prevent rust.
- If the paint chips, touch it up quickly to stop corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will full doors from a Jeep TJ fit a Jeep YJ?
No, TJ doors are not directly interchangeable with YJ doors. The hinge spacing and body shape are different. You would need to modify the hinges or buy adapters, which is not recommended.
Can I use full doors with a soft top?
Yes, full doors work with most soft tops. The door frame seals against the top’s side curtain. You may need to adjust the top’s tension to get a good seal. Some soft tops have a different shape for full doors versus half-doors.
How much do full doors weigh?
OEM steel full doors weigh about 50 to 60 pounds each. Aftermarket steel doors are similar. Aluminum doors weigh around 25 to 30 pounds each. The weight affects how easy they are to remove and store.
Do full doors improve fuel economy?
Not significantly. The weight and aerodynamics of full doors are similar to half-doors with soft uppers. You might see a slight improvement in highway mileage due to less drag, but it is minimal.
Can I install power windows in full doors?
Yes, you can retrofit power window kits into OEM full doors. Kits are available from companies like Electric-Life. The installation requires wiring and mounting the motor. It is a moderate DIY project.
Final Thoughts On Full Doors For Jeep Tj
Full doors are a practical upgrade for any Jeep TJ owner who drives in all weather. They provide comfort, security, and noise reduction that half-doors cannot match. Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket, the installation is simple and the benefits are immediate.
Take your time finding the right set. Check for rust, test the latches, and make sure the windows work. With proper care, your full doors will last for years and make your TJ a more enjoyable vehicle every day.
If you are still using half-doors, consider making the switch. Your ears and your passengers will thank you. And when the rain starts pouring, you will be glad you have solid doors keeping you dry.