03 TJ hard top door seals

[RubiconRaider]

Have an 03 Rubicon with factory hard top and doors. The seals look like new no leaks but they are tough to close the doors all the way without some extra OOompfh! it seems like it squichses the seals in when the doors are closed, no leaks no wind noise but i feel like im using too much force to get them closed all the way. Is this normal or are the seals just too big? Who makes good fitting seals?
Thank you in advance

 

[CharlesHS]

The problem you are experiencing may not be the fitment of the door seals, but adjustments to the doors positioning allowing the door to evenly seat against the doors sealing surface.
Dust the door seal with baking powder or similar substance, close the door slowly against the body and then open and inspect the doors positioning.
Close inspection may indicate there is more pressure exerted in certain areas on the sealing surface.
Check the door striker and hard top header for adjustment points which may assist you with your problem.

 

[JMT]

Have an 03 Rubicon with factory hard top and doors. The seals look like new no leaks but they are tough to close the doors all the way without some extra OOompfh! it seems like it squichses the seals in when the doors are closed, no leaks no wind noise but i feel like im using too much force to get them closed all the way. Is this normal or are the seals just too big? Who makes good fitting seals?
Thank you in advance

I’ve had the same stupid problem for eight years. It squishes especially between the window door frame and the hardtop. It looks stupid from the outside. Hard to close. I’ve fidgeted with everything and can’t get it any better. Annoying.

 

[RubiconRaider]

I’ve had the same stupid problem for eight years. It squishes especially between the window door frame and the hardtop. It looks stupid from the outside. Hard to close. I’ve fidgeted with everything and can’t get it any better. Annoying.

It is almost like the gasket needs to be 1/2"- 3/4" narrower and then it would fit fine

 

[RubiconRaider]

The problem you are experiencing may not be the fitment of the door seals, but adjustments to the doors positioning allowing the door to evenly seat against the doors sealing surface.
Dust the door seal with baking powder or similar substance, close the door slowly against the body and then open and inspect the doors positioning.
Close inspection may indicate there is more pressure exerted in certain areas on the sealing surface.
Check the door striker and hard top header for adjustment points which may assist you with your problem.

Thank you for your input, i looked at it and measured the door is evenly spaced all the way around, its just that the seal is really wide it should be narrower and maybe a touch deeper

 

[DirtDawg]

I had that problem on the driver side door (only). I initially bought an aftermarket rubber seal kit (for both doors) but returned those unused to Amazon. My resolution was twofold;

1) Replaced the worn hinge pin bushings with an inexpensive aftermarket kit, which eliminated sagging (requires removing each door to drive out the old metal bushing, wet/dry sandpaper the hinge pin bore and then insert replacement the nylon bushing in each hinge pin bore.

2) Took my heat gun and a long screwdriver, heated the rubber seal bulb while slowing "grooming" that into desired positions away from previous encroachment areas. I proceeded slowly, so as not to melt the rubber.

Also noting, no need to adjust the latch striker position on mine. Total success!