When you wheel hard enough, long enough, and often enough, you figure out two things pretty quickly:
(1) The factory Jeep “cage” isn’t really a cage.
(2) There will always be that one obstacle where you’re grateful you upgraded.

That’s where Motobilt comes in.

Our full replacement cage systems for the Jeep JKU, JLU, and JT Gladiator are engineered for serious off-road use, built from thick-wall DOM tubing, and designed to tie into the Jeep’s body with purpose-built precision. These kits transform the interior structure of your Jeep from thin, stamped factory metal into a fully welded, fully engaged tubular system ready for real-world off-road punishment.

Whether you're crawling boulders, navigating ledges, or building a trail-first interior, here’s everything you need to know about each Motobilt cage option.

JKU Cage Kit – MB3033

The Classic 4-Door Wrangler Upgrade

The factory JKU cage looks the part, but it’s little more than stamped steel shaped to resemble something tubular. Our MB3033 kit replaces that entire setup with 1.75” x .120” DOM tubing, precision-cut and CNC-bent for a consistent fit.

Key features:

True full replacement cage—not a bolt-on sport cage add-on
A-pillars added to support the windshield section
Rear support structure with new C-pillar and X-bracing
Pre-notched + labeled tubes for straightforward mockup and welding
Expanded mounting footprint—from 4 factory points to 8 Motobilt tie-ins
Keeps factory seats, belts, and hard top
Soft tops still work with minor modification

Optional tubes (included but not required) allow you to configure a front and rear harness bar system based on your needs.

The JKU cage is assembled inside the Jeep, removed for finish welding or coating, then reinstalled for final fitment—making it a true, customized interior upgrade for off-road use.

JLU Cage Kit – MB3045

Next-gen engineering for the next-gen Wrangler

The JLU demanded a more advanced approach, so we built a cage that maximizes strength, compatibility, and precision.

This kit uses 2” x .120” DOM tubing for the main hoops with 1.75” DOM for select crossmembers—our most robust Wrangler cage to date.

Highlights:

10 tie-in points for increased rigidity
Laser-cut, etched components for exact alignment
Compatible with:
- Factory hard top
- Soft top
- One-Touch top* (modification required; bracket kit pending)
Works with factory seats including 2024+ power seats
Maintains factory seat belts and supports harness installations
Integrated dome light provisions for Baja Designs lighting
Includes:
- Grab handles
- Dash V-bars
- B-pillar harness bar
- C-pillar X-bar

*The One-Touch system requires modification and is not plug-and-play.

Like all Motobilt cages, the JLU kit must be assembled and welded inside the Jeep, removed for finishing, and reinstalled for final fit.

JT Gladiator Cage Kit – MB3096

Full-length strength for the longest Jeep ever made

The Gladiator’s stretched interior and bed design introduce unique challenges—so we built a cage specifically for the JT chassis, not a repurposed Wrangler system.

Using a mix of 2” x .120” DOM for the main hoops and 1.75” DOM for crossmembers, this cage adds serious strength and an unmistakably aggressive look.

Key benefits:

Six reinforced mounting points strengthen the JT’s long cab structure
Laser-cut, etched parts guarantee a clean fit
Compatible with:
- JT hard top
- JT soft top (with MB3052 door surrounds)
Works with factory seats including 2024+ power seats
Supports aftermarket harnesses
Lighting provisions for Baja Designs dome lights
Featuring:
- Grab handles
- Dash V-bars
- B-pillar harness-ready X-bar
- C-pillar harness bar

Also pairs perfectly with our Motobilt half doors and optional B-pillar chop kit if you’re building a more aggressive, open-air JT.

How Motobilt Cages Are Built

Across all three platforms—JKU, JLU, and JT—every Motobilt cage shares a few core traits:

1. DOM tubing only.

We use high-grade drawn-over-mandrel steel, not ERW, not stamped metal.

2. Precision you can see.

Fiber-laser cutting, CNC tube bending, etched indexing marks, and pre-notched ends make assembly more intuitive for installers.

3. Weld-in design.

These are full replacement systems. They require:

Removal of the factory cage
Interior assembly
Finish welding
Painting/powder coating
Final reinstallation

4. Off-road intention.

Our cages are purpose-built for off-road environments and are not designed for on-road use, racing, or motorsports.

Which Cage Is Right for You?

JKU (MB3033) – Best for JKU owners who want a full DOM replacement with the option to retain all factory features and maximize interior structure.

JLU (MB3045) – Ideal for JLU owners wanting the strongest cage Motobilt currently offers, with modern Jeep compatibility including power seats and lighting options.

JT (MB3096) – Perfect for Gladiator owners who wheel hard and want a cage specifically engineered for the JT’s long cabin and unique geometry.

Ready to Build a Jeep Interior With Real Backbone?

Whether you’re reinforcing a rock crawler, building a trail rig that sees real miles, or simply replacing the stamped factory structure with something purpose-built, Motobilt has a cage kit engineered for your Jeep.

Main Photo Credit: ERIC HILBERT