Removing center console

[Abaugh82]

Hi! I just started a job as a rural carrier for the post office and cannot drive my 4Runner without removing the center console (so that I can drive from the middle or passenger seat). I do not have a book for my car. Is it possible to remove just the back part of the console (the storage part) and put something over it (like a small board or seat) so that I can drive from the middle? I will not be able to afford a conversion kit or a RHD car for a while. Thank you in advance!

 

[habanero]

Year? If it's like my 96 m/t you'll still have the handbrake there but the console should come out w/o a problem assuming no rear heat. Couple of screws on either side at the front, couple of screws inside the box. There should be enough room on the dash to the left of the steering wheel for switch relocation.

So anyway, year? Auto or manual? Rear heat?

 

[Abaugh82]

Year? If it's like my 96 m/t you'll still have the handbrake there but the console should come out w/o a problem assuming no rear heat. Couple of screws on either side at the front, couple of screws inside the box. There should be enough room on the dash to the left of the steering wheel for switch relocation.

So anyway, year? Auto or manual? Rear heat?

It's a 2000 SR5, auto, with the rear heat. I was thinking more a long the lines of taking the console out and making a box so that it's a flat area, that way I can have everything protected and still use the e-brake if I need. I don't ever use the heat, though.

 

[habanero]

It's a 2000 SR5, auto, with the rear heat. I was thinking more a long the lines of taking the console out and making a box so that it's a flat area, that way I can have everything protected and still use the e-brake if I need. I don't ever use the heat, though.

I actually don't know what kind of deal you'd need to make for the rear heat. If you can tinker you can figure it out. The fan for the heat is under the passenger seat so maybe only duct work you can tuck into your homemade box? No switches to deal with, ebrake will still be as it is. Don't see why not, do you? You'll lose everything from the cup-holders back, but it would be easy enough to reverse later. Look at it for yourself, it's pretty easy to get the console out, look for screws along the sides of the console and inside the box. The e-brake itself is mounted to the tunnel so no worries about pulling the console- you'll still have the brake securely mounted.

 

[Abaugh82]

Thank you! I just wanted to make sure my airbags wouldn't blow out while I was taking it out and that nothing was dependent on it being there . If I get it out and it goes as planned, I will post some pictures. I hope to take a look this weekend.

 

[habanero]

No airbag worries for the center console. Many actually covet the console you have for its cupholders since our older 3rd gens have dash-mounted cup holders. In other words, many have messed with the center console in various ways. If you don't hang onto yours, you may be able to sell it if in good shape.
Remember, if you feel you're forcing it you may have missed a screw or connection and the hardest part is pulling it off around the hand brake.

I have driven the 96 sans console many a time for various reasons.