I was on YouTube and saw a BleepinJeep video on how to swap the shifter from an XJ to a ZJ shifter and I was wondering if it would be the same/similar process to do it with a WJ shifter. I like the button being on the underside of the **** rather than on the side like the XJ and ZJ. I was also wondering if someone could explain how you get the shifter out of a junkyard vehicle when you can't pull the shifter back to 1st, like if there are no keys for the vehicle. Thanks in advance!

 

I've tried many different ***** on my XJ and none stay put very well. Haven't tried a WJ though.

Pulling it back to first gear just lets you get a better grip for yanking it off.
I'd suggest finding an axle shaft of leaf spring, etc.. laying around the yard and use it as a pry bar to pop it off.

 

I got tired of buttons on my shifter, so now I just have a skull that I push down to change gears.

 

I did this a while back. There is a metal rod that you need to get from the donor WJ. Trim about 1 to 1 & 1/2 inches for it to work.
Just pull on the shifter, it will come off.

 

I've used a rubber mallet to take my factory one off before. you just need to pull up on the handle while tapping on it with the mallet. You might give that a try, its always worked for me