SOLVED!! Soft top issue since rear window strut kit installed

[B-rad351]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I folded the top back and released the dual latches for the second part. Getting the hasps snapped was sooo much easier!!

Since I installed a strut kit to lift the rear window assembly, I’ve had one hell of a time buckling the four top clips when reinstalling it after having the rear window out. It’s even hard now to buckle the tops of the side windows also.
It’s like the struts are the cause, keeping tension on the window assembly. I need an extra hand to hold down on the rear roof bar while trying to buckle the clips.
I’m wondering if folding the roof back would take that pressure off. Anyone have this issue and have you found a way to fix it?

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[Bearcat1]

Folding the roof back makes it a whole lot easier.

 

[B-rad351]

Folding the roof back makes it a whole lot easier.

I don’t know why I haven’t done that. Thanks for your help.

 

[OregonMike]

Just having it unlatched in the front helped me.

 

[broncobase1]

I'm sorry to air my ignorance, but what is the strut kit? Is it something to help with the wavy windows?

 

[B-rad351]

Just having it unlatched in the front helped me.

I’ll try that first. Thanks

I'm sorry to air my ignorance, but what is the strut kit? Is it something to help with the wavy windows?

Definitely a legit question.
The kit includes two struts and hardware that once installed, will lift and hold your rear window assembly up to help with loading the cargo area. The factory prop rod can be removed. Has nothing to do with the side windows.

 

[jdh82831]

The struts also assist when closing the top from the full open position making it some easier to close by oneself and it stabilizes the top side to side so it doesn’t scratch the roll bar as easily.

 

[23OBX2.7]

I installed IAG couple days ago removed yesterday no matter what i tried window clips were very difficult along with velcro alignment, closing it. and fully retracting and latching soft top.

Ill take the prop rod all day.

 

[B-rad351]

I installed IAG couple days ago removed yesterday no matter what i tried window clips were very difficult along with velcro alignment, closing it. and fully retracting and latching soft top.

Ill take the prop rod all day.

I’m seriously considering doing that. Thanks for sharing.

 

[broadicustomworks]

It does take some extra effort and some getting used to. But when I had the ST the IAG lift kit was easily (in my opinion) the best bang-for-the buck thing I did.
I never could get the quick release they sell to play well with the Bronco, but those struts were great.
Really helps with the raising of the top from the all-open latched position.

but yeah, those rear buckles were considerably harder to latch.
I found unlatching the front window frame latches helped.
Also getting the middle two latched helped, then placing one hand on the outside of the crown part and pushing down as you snapped the end ones.
You’d kinda have to get them oriented and lined up some first, but it did get easier as I got used to doing it.
Kind of like guiding the side windows into the channel.
The first time was slowwwww.
The next few times were quicker but still fumbled and guided some.
After a while it was zero thought and effort.
Repetition=easier time doing something.

 

[B-rad351]

It does take some extra effort and some getting used to. But when I had the ST the IAG lift kit was easily (in my opinion) the best bang-for-the buck thing I did.
I never could get the quick release they sell to play well with the Bronco, but those struts were great.
Really helps with the raising of the top from the all-open latched position.

but yeah, those rear buckles were considerably harder to latch.
I found unlatching the front window frame latches helped.
Also getting the middle two latched helped, then placing one hand on the outside of the crown part and pushing down as you snapped the end ones.
You’d kinda have to get them oriented and lined up some first, but it did get easier as I got used to doing it.
Kind of like guiding the side windows into the channel.
The first time was slowwwww.
The next few times were quicker but still fumbled and guided some.
After a while it was zero thought and effort.
Repetition=easier time doing something.

I appreciate your experience with this issue. Thanks for sharing.

 

[B-Dog15]

I have the IAG lift struts as well and my windows are a little tighter but definitely not difficult to buckle. Probably one of the best purchases you can do for the soft top.

When I am putting windows back on after having them out I leave the top at the halfway point. this gives you a little more play with the fabric and also (I feel) makes the top a little more snug when all the way closed.

 

[B-rad351]

I have the IAG lift struts as well and my windows are a little tighter but definitely not difficult to buckle. Probably one of the best purchases you can do for the soft top.

When I am putting windows back on after having them out I leave the top at the halfway point. this gives you a little more play with the fabric and also (I feel) makes the top a little more snug when all the way closed.

That makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing your experience with this.

 

[23OBX2.7]

sent IAG email three days ago requesting lower pressure replacement struts have not heard a thing back....seems like yet another aftetmarket mickey mouse company pretending to be players with another defective product.....now I know to avoid.

Was so fast and easy removing and reattaching windows with out it not to mention closing and fully retractiong top.

 

[AdamF@IAG]

sent IAG email three days ago requesting lower pressure replacement struts have not heard a thing back....seems like yet another aftetmarket mickey mouse company pretending to be players with another defective product.....now I know to avoid.

Was so fast and easy removing and reattaching windows with out it not to mention closing and fully retractiong top.

We have been in the game since the Bronco was released, far from Disneyland. We have sold THOUSANDS of the strut kits, with very little (less than 1%) negative feedback. The product isn't defective, it just doesn't work for you which is unfortunate. I have asked you to contact our customer service to help resolve the issue, both here and in DM's. Even though you didn't pay anything for the product (as you mentioned), we would go out of our way to help make it right for you. Our customer service goes above and beyond what all other companies would. Call in, you'll get a human right here in Maryland to help you. It's possible we can round up a set of struts from the first generation tops that would work better for you.

We found with the new tops that a higher pressure was required due to the thicker top material. Others here have offered suggestions of how to get around the issue you are having. As I mentioned to you in a DM, the tops have wildly different adjustments coming from the Ford factory. Unfortunately we can't offer custom tailored pressure for each vehicle and customer use case.

Again, we are very sorry the product didn't work for you. I see you are a new member here, so welcome to the community. I'm sure you will find that a vast majority of members here that have had interactions with us will STRONGLY disagree with your comments about us.

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