There has been past posts and queries on how to remove the idiot designed console we have in our Wranglers 2007-2018. As I am converting to Chev LT/8Spd Auto from 3.8/6 speed I needed to get into the inside and beneath the console. What idiot at Jeep designed this thing? There is no way to get it out without taking the handbrake mechanism out or the centre upper radio console be removed first. Anyway after a lot of farting around and deducing I removed the top trim piece from the glovebox to the front of the console. Then I simply put a small cutoff wheel in the die grinder and cut around the handle so that the console takes about 2 seconds to lift off. See the picture. When I put it back together the cut will be hidden by the top trim again.

 

That is interesting. The center console will come out with the right maneuvering. It's tricky and a pin but I've done it a few times. I can't see any reason not to make a relief cut like that to make life easier though..

 

I concur. I've completely removed the console on my '13 to Raptor line the tub. Have to yank that e-brarke up as high as possible, and even then it's a little maneuvering around, but doable. Maybe it's little harder on the '07-'10 interiors.

 

Not on my 2008 6 speed. There was no way on god's green earth that thing was coming out without releasing the E-Brake cables (pain) or removing that front vertical console stack (bigger pain). I farted around with this on an off for 3 months. Now it became a must do situation so out came the cutoff wheel, 2 minutes done then 5 seconds to get the console out. And all the factory design idiots had to do was to take that top piece where I cut out and make a short removable section. They don't GAF about what work has to be done later after the sale though. Dealer took 1.5 days to change the engine rear seal on my son's 2016 manual so proves what a pain they did with the design of these things. We would have done it in the same time off the garage floor.

 

Nope. I've done it on my '07 and a friend's '12. A pain, but doable. Like you say, got to pull up the e-brake lever super high.