4x4 knob removal

I’m trying to install the AJT Design black knob with out having to take the whole dash out. I’ve watched the AJT video and can get the top tab loose pretty easy. I can’t get that bottom one to release. To anyone who’s done it, how’d you get the bottom tab to let go?

 

I used the "L" shaped ones.

 

^

they are handy

 

Excellent! Good ole Harbor Freight. Those guys have a tool for everything.
I’ve mashed so much with my index finger that it’s sore to the touch.

 

And they are on sale today, $0.99.

 

Bonus! The wife’s out running errands so I sent her the link to go grab them for me.

 

I had the same problem. My fingers would not reach the bottom one. I also had to use a pic to reach it.

A note of caution.
DO NOT LOOSE THE PLASTIC BALL BEARINGS!
Most YouTube videos do not mention them but I know one did. (Honestly do not remember which one)

Here are screen shots of them. I have a '21 so they still had grease on them and did not fall out but your situation may vary.

Wish you luck on getting disconnected.

 

Good to know! Mine is also a 21, but had you not mentioned to be on the lookout, I sure would’ve lost them.

 

You get it out?

 

Not yet. I got busy Sunday afternoon and haven’t had a chance. I might try tomorrow if I get time.

 

Finally had time to get that knob out. That pick set from Harbor Freight has already paid for itself.

 

I fiddled around with the picks, trying to get the knob off for an hour with no success. Finally got fed up and drilled a hole so I could get a pick easily underneath to reach the bottom tab. Probably not the best way of doing it, but got the knob out shortly after and all of the dash pieces went back with no issue.

 

I had a hard time also but used the picks and boom. Also had a hard time taking off the chrome ring. Just take your time

 

I also struggled to remove the 4x4 knob from the center console when I tried following the AJT video. Instead, I had an easier time by first pushing the bottom tab in (upward) with my index finger and then lightly pulling the knob toward me with my other hand. That allowed the bottom of the knob to slip past the cutout while the top of it tilted backward into the center console. This then made it significantly easier to push the top tab in (downward) because there’s more hand space above than below the knob within the center console. Once again, I lightly pulled outward on the knob with my other hand to get the top of the knob past the cutout and free to be unplugged.

I had a similar pick set mentioned above and found it mostly useless since I couldn’t tell whether or not the tab on the knob was being pressed in. Instead, doing the opposite of the AJT video was easier. Granted, it still hurt my hand.

Like others, I also had trouble with removing the chrome ring. I found that a set of precision flathead screwdrivers made quick work of the gray tabs by carefully prying the tab out (toward the center of the knob) and then sticking a larger precision flathead into the open gap to prevent it from recessing back into the locking position. This allowed me to unseat the other gray tab without much hassle.

 

I put mine back together and had no tension while twisting from 2wd to 4wd and it was super loose. I realized that those plastic ball bearings fell out and so di two springs. Anyone know how or where to put those back in?

 

After pics please…!

 

Post #7 shows them in a picture and where they are located.

 

Are the springs supposed to go under those plastic ball bearings?

 

I would assume so. I have a 21 and was worried about the bearings falling out when I did mine. I dont recall seeing any springs so I think they go under the bearings.........