Center Console *Write up with Pictures*

[88XJSport]

Since this is a mod I have been wanting to do since Ive had my XJ, and it seems that it is popular swap with you MJ guys who add buckets, I figured I would do a write up, since I finally got my hands on a decent condition console. *This will also be posted in the DIY section, it is here because it should get seen more often*

 

I will be adding this console to my 1988 XJ Cherokee 4.0 AW4, NP231.

 

 

 

I grabbed a center console out of a 92 XJ, since it was in good shape, but dirty, and I washed it, and used armor-all, now it looks brand new, except for the lid, which will be replaced, as a screw in the back is stripped.

 

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Make sure you grab these brackets when you pull the console from the donor.

 

 

 

I ended up not using the second one, Ill explain later.

 

Here is the old console, called the "Mini Console" according to the 1988 sales brochure.

 

 

There are 2 screws to remove the mini console. One is under the gear selector on the right side, and the other is under the transfer case selector. Both bezels remove by either prying or pulling up on the bezels.

 

 

 

 

To get the gear bezel off the shifter, you need to remove the shifter T handle. Make sure you are on level ground, hit the brake, place in neutral, and pull hard upwards. The handle will pull off violently, watch your teeth. This is what the mini console looks like with both bezels removed, and the T handle off.

 

 

 

I removed the e-brake cover, non applicable to you MJ guys. 3 screws and the cover was off.

 

 

 

Also, you need to remove the air deflector from the bottom of the dash, the 2 screws will remove it, you need to grab the full console air deflector, and add it, but I am not adding it, since I never use the HEAT selector, so it will say empty there for a while.

 

 

 

After you remove the 2 screws from your "naked" mini console, pull your transfer case gear into 4LO, for easiest maneuverability with removing and installing the consoles. Before yanking the mini console out, be sure to untwist and remove the transfer case bulb socket.

 

Next, take your full console and remove the black "tray" from the full console, by removing the 2 screws shown below, and pop the whole thing out.

 

 

 

Drop your full console in, and align the screw holes for the transfer case and the gear selector, now look at the holes inside the compartment for the general area for the big bracket to mount. It doesnt have to be exact.

 

Now remove the console, and cut a rectangle in the carpet in that general area. The carpet is soft, so a razor blade works great. You will see dimples in the floor, where the bolts go.

 

 

 

Now, instead of drilling the dimples in the floor, for fear of them being too big, I took a thin nail and tapped the nail into the dimples, right thru the floor. Now, the bolts line up perfectly, and are nice and tight to the floor.

 

 

 

Bring the console back into the Jeep, drop it into place, the back holes should line up with the bracket I just put in. Plug in the transfer case bulb now too.

 

 

I did not use the middle bracket, and I see NO need for it. The console does not wiggle any more without, plus I had a plastic mount busted off, so I didnt bother with it. You can add it if it makes you feel better.

 

 

 

Once everything is lined up, pop the black "tray" into place, screw the two screws back in at the top near the armrest, and then crank down the screws for the transfer case, gear selector, and the back two screws inside the storage compartment. Replace the lid too if you took that off.

 

Snap the transfer case bezel back on, along with the gear bezel. don't forget to attach the bulb to the back of the bezel.

 

 

 

 

Turn your parking lights on, and make sure the backlight bulbs did not burn out during the removal and install of the console.

 

 

 

 

Finished product.

 

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I am so happy with this install, it is one of my favorite of many many mods Ive done. The install from start to finish, was an hour and 15 mins including taking all of the pictures too. I still need to hit the dealership and get a cup holder for over the e-brake.

 

Any questions or comments, or something that needs clearing up, just post here or PM me. And please, if the center console install question comes up in the future, please by all means direct them to this site.

 

Thanks for looking.

[jtdesigns]

Very clean!! There is a DIY this should be moved to it.. Awesome write-up and good pictures too.. Great job!! :thumbsup:

[88XJSport]

Thanks. I put it here, and its in the DIY too. They can delete this one, just wanted to get it out first.

 

Thanks for the compliments.

[jtdesigns]

Thanks. I put it here, and its in the DIY too. They can delete this one, just wanted to get it out first.

 

Thanks for the compliments.

 

Yeah I saw it after I posted...... :oops: Still very clean!

[camjeep3]

the cup holders over the e-brake arent that great, they don't hold anything

[maddzz1]

It look 10X better than the before. Great job and write-up. What years, if any, have a center console for a column shift w/ 4WD?

[dragonrider477]

the cup holders over the e-brake arent that great, they don't hold anything

back around 1994 i had an xj.it had a dealer installed accessory cupholder that clipped to the passenger side of the center console.it worked good.are they still available now?

[camjeep3]

you could get some of those holders, but i heard that those arent as to sturdy, look in the jy for one. and when you find one make sure you put some screws in so it won't fall off

[WahooSteeler]

dragon, i've seen those cupholders you are talking about on ebay. i want to switch over to those also from the one in front of the console lid, just haven't bought one yet. about $20 i believe, so a trip to the JY first would probably be worthwhile.