I swapped a late model console in my renix XJ. All I did was bend the factory park brake lever over enough to to completely disengage it. I do have a late model lever to use, but haven't got around to it, since my park brake is no longer hooked up.
I will do that all again when I finish rear disc swap.
I also still have factory 4WD shifter in place.
I did install late model trans shift lever, which is plug n pray.