how to remove center console 97-01

[md21722]

I am struggling to remove the center console. Any suggestions?

I have the dash basically apart, for an evap/heater core replacement but can't seem to get center console out over the parking brake handle. All bezels, screws, and the tranny shift handle have been removed.

I have not been successful in finding any videos on this.

TIA!

 

[the_weirdo]

Just did mine a few days ago. Remove all screws in the center console bucket, there are 4 I think: 2 at the top, 2 at the bottom of the container. Remove the two screws under the shifter bezels: one at the case shifter, one at the tranny shifter. Remove handle from the tranny shifter. Put tcase in 4lo or neutral. Pull parking brake up 2/3 of the way. Pick up center console from the rear and tilt upwards. Get it over the parking brake and pull it off.

 

[Cottontail]

Pull the t-handle off the shift selector after putting it in D, pop the 4wd handle in to 4 lo, take off the covers from those levers (unhook the lights), take the lid off, remove the console storage box including the two bottom screws, pull the bezel off the center stack with the radio and AC controls, pull the parking brake most of the way up, then lift the console from the back and slip it over the brake handle, then work it past the 4x and shifter levers.

 

[md21722]

Thanks guys. I've been trying to do this for three days while pulling the rest of the dash out. I took a break, removed the rearward electrical connector at the back, and somehow it just came right off..

 

[lazyxj]

Check the plastic bracket that supports the rear of the console, under the storage box. I have found several that were broken or cracked.

 

[Cottontail]

If you find it cracked, JCR offers a steel aftermarket replacement.

 

[md21722]

I stumbled across the JCR product trying to find videos on how to do this. My 01 XJ has never been apart before and the mount is in good shape. The JCR bracket may be in the works on my 97 XJ though. It has been apart before, and the center console is wobbly in the back.