Bestop Tailgate Bar

1997–2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 2.5L / 4.0L

Part #: 52600-01

Overview

The Bestop Tailgate Bar is an essential component for properly mounting the rear vinyl window of your Jeep Wrangler TJ soft top. Over time, tailgate bars can become damaged, lost, or suffer from worn rubber seals, compromising the fit and function of your soft top’s rear window. Designed specifically for Jeep Wrangler models from 1997 to 2006 with 2.5L and 4.0L engines, this replacement tailgate bar restores the secure fit and weather-tight seal needed for your soft top’s rear window.

Whether you are replacing a broken or missing tailgate bar or upgrading your soft top installation, Bestop’s Tailgate Bar offers a reliable, OEM-quality solution. It includes custom retainer mounts to ensure a precise and straightforward installation, making it the preferred choice for Jeep enthusiasts who demand durability and proper fitment.

Key Features

Engineered to meet the demands of Jeep Wrangler TJ owners, the Bestop Tailgate Bar delivers dependable performance and ease of use. Key features include:

• Custom retainer mounts for secure and accurate installation
• Durable construction designed to withstand off-road conditions
• Replacement for worn or damaged tailgate bars and rubber seals
• Ensures proper mounting and tension of the rear vinyl soft top window
• Compatible with Jeep Wrangler TJ models from 1997 to 2006
• Fits both 2.5L and 4.0L engine variants
• Maintains weather-tight seal to prevent water intrusion
• OEM-quality fit and finish for a factory-installed appearance

Construction & Design

The Bestop Tailgate Bar is crafted from high-quality materials designed to endure the rigors of daily driving and off-road adventures. The robust metal bar provides the necessary rigidity to hold the rear vinyl window securely in place, while the included rubber seals ensure a tight, weather-resistant fit. Bestop’s engineering focuses on durability and precision, with custom retainer mounts that align perfectly with the Jeep Wrangler TJ’s tailgate structure. This attention to detail guarantees a seamless integration with your existing soft top system.

Installation & Fitment

Installation of the Bestop Tailgate Bar is straightforward and requires no modifications to your Jeep Wrangler TJ. The kit includes all necessary mounting hardware and custom retainer mounts, allowing for a direct bolt-on replacement. This makes it an ideal upgrade or repair part for Jeep owners looking to restore the functionality of their soft top’s rear window. The tailgate bar fits Jeep Wrangler TJ models from 1997 through 2006, covering both 2.5L and 4.0L engine configurations, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of vehicles.

What's Included

• Bestop Tailgate Bar
• Custom retainer mounts
• Mounting hardware
• Rubber seal components
• Installation instructions

Ideal For

This tailgate bar is ideal for Jeep Wrangler TJ owners who need to replace a broken, lost, or worn tailgate bar on their soft top. It is perfect for those restoring their vehicle’s soft top functionality or upgrading to ensure a secure and weather-tight rear window fit. Off-road enthusiasts and daily drivers alike will benefit from the durability and precision fit provided by this Bestop replacement part.

Today, more than 67 years later, Bestop is the leading manufacturer of premium soft tops for Jeep Wranglers and CJs in the world, and has been the exclusive provider of OE soft tops for Jeep Wranglers for more than three decades running.