Have an 2004 and need to remove my console to get to the transfer case linkage freed up. Did some searching and wasn't able to find the exact procedures to make this happen. I was able to find a video that showed placing the AT in neutral, giving the **** a firm twist to the left and right, followed by a good yank upward. This worked perfectly!!!

 

Yank very very hard straight up & do not knock yourself out in the process.

 

Twisting left and right is a perfect way to destroy the lock pin that prevents the **** from rotating when you reinstall it. ONLY pull straight upwards.

 

do not put your face over the **** as you pull up. I almost broke my nose

 

I too almost whacked my face the first time I removed the shifter...luckily the subsequent times have required much less force.

 

Hey, so I did not follow your advice and, I think, destroyed the said pin. If I understand correctly, the pin is on the **** so that if replace the ****, I should be all set. Is that correct? Thank you!

 

Yes, in most cases replacing the **** will fix the problem.

 

Tested and verified. The **** has two plastic parts that go into the openings of the metal shifter. You don't see the these parts when you remove the ****--they are too deep. If you twist the **** while trying to remove it, you'll grind those plastic pieces and the **** won't sit tight any more. A replacement **** with those parts intact will address the issue.

Here is the rub: the best route is to either buy a new **** or take one out yourself so that you can do it carefully. Used parts may look good cosmetically but miss those plastic guides.

 

There are currently two DIIs listed as on the yard at LKQ-Charlotte. You could go pull one for yourself. Or, parts sellers like Paul Grant, Will Tillery or Abran will know how to pull the **** correctly without damaging it.

 

Yeah I got my problem solved. I decided to restore the car to specs so everything that I replace is NOS or a new aftermarket alternative ;-)