1984-1989 4Runner (COMPLETE) Driver/Passener Seat Swap DIY (with oodles of photos)
#21
Registered User
#23
I came across some threads recently showing how to swap the bottom seat from driver to passenger (since passenger seats are generally in better shape), but they omitted the swap of the upper part as well, and that didn’t sit right with me! So, here’s the complete DIY guide with a TON of photos to help you along the way….YOU CAN DO IT (IF I CAN)!
FWIW I just watched Shane do what he described (lowers first) but different from what you did he then bolted the seat back in to remove the upper fabric. He just reclined the seat a couple of knocks after popping the lower lap joint loose and pulled off the hog rings at that point. No messing around with a seat that wants to walk away on you.
Last edited by KelleyC; 04-08-2012 at 01:57 PM.
#24
Resurrecting to ask ???
Great info in this tread! Thanks.
I recently acquired an '87 4Runner. 191k on the clock, 50k on papered engine rebuild. Needs shocks & driver seat.
What model years can I use seats from?
I've been driving the same '88 Xtra cab DLX 4x4 since 4/88 but I'm new to 4Runners.
Thanks!
I recently acquired an '87 4Runner. 191k on the clock, 50k on papered engine rebuild. Needs shocks & driver seat.
What model years can I use seats from?
I've been driving the same '88 Xtra cab DLX 4x4 since 4/88 but I'm new to 4Runners.
Thanks!
#25
Thanks for sharing!
Tnx for sharing, Sir!
#26
Registered User
I did the same thing on my '84 xtra cab, except I did it with mid-90s Celica seats. I bought a driver's side and passenger. I noticed that the foam padding in the passenger seat was in better condition than the driver's so I switched them just like you did. When I was done I had a seat that felt like new.
If you have a grey interior Celica seats are a sweet upgrade w/adjustable lumbar and seat bottom angle.
I don't drive my '84 any more but I have the seats and I'm gonna put them in my '89 4runner if I can figure out how to retain the sliding seat base from the 4runner passenger side.
These seats are getting harder to find in good condition. I'm still gonna keep an eye out for another one or two though.
If you have a grey interior Celica seats are a sweet upgrade w/adjustable lumbar and seat bottom angle.
I don't drive my '84 any more but I have the seats and I'm gonna put them in my '89 4runner if I can figure out how to retain the sliding seat base from the 4runner passenger side.
These seats are getting harder to find in good condition. I'm still gonna keep an eye out for another one or two though.
Last edited by wrenchtech; 03-12-2013 at 04:46 PM.
#27
Hi i am looking to change driver seat in 99 4 Runner sr5 . I am 6.1 and recently bought this truck. I absolutely love the vehicle except for the seating position. I am getting backache and want to do something about it .. any pointers would be very helpful..
Can i put a seat from lexus or something like that... ?
Can i put a seat from lexus or something like that... ?
#28
Registered User
iTrader: (-1)
Big enough hammer you can fit anything!
You don't say which seat you have currently, from the back ache I'd guess a full bench seat. Really really hated mine. But I've no clue what was in the 99 4runner, probably buckets huh
To figure out what you need you first want to ID what is causing the problem with what you have.
Knees in the dash, shorter seat brackets, thinner seat cushion, different seat bottom angle.
Sore bottom, softer springs and foam.
Lumbar ache, arch support, varied seat back angle, varied seat bottom angle, softer springs and foam.
Shoulder ache, seat width, bolsters.
The 5way sr5 seat is very adjustable, unless you have wide hips and/or shoulders you really should be able to find something that works.
Anyways yeah find something you like and you'll find away to fit it. Might need to peal the covers off and do some fabbing, it doesn't always require a welder bolts nuts and some flat stock or angle iron will get you pretty far
You don't say which seat you have currently, from the back ache I'd guess a full bench seat. Really really hated mine. But I've no clue what was in the 99 4runner, probably buckets huh
To figure out what you need you first want to ID what is causing the problem with what you have.
Knees in the dash, shorter seat brackets, thinner seat cushion, different seat bottom angle.
Sore bottom, softer springs and foam.
Lumbar ache, arch support, varied seat back angle, varied seat bottom angle, softer springs and foam.
Shoulder ache, seat width, bolsters.
The 5way sr5 seat is very adjustable, unless you have wide hips and/or shoulders you really should be able to find something that works.
Anyways yeah find something you like and you'll find away to fit it. Might need to peal the covers off and do some fabbing, it doesn't always require a welder bolts nuts and some flat stock or angle iron will get you pretty far
#29
Mine are bucket seats :-( and they are terrible for a person of my height (6'1")and wide shoulders. So here is one question .. I am getting front seats for a 150$ but they are from 93 4runner does anyone know if they fit into 99 4runner .. I can get some upholstery work done on them and not modify the stock seats ...Please help ..
Thanks
Pavan
Thanks
Pavan
#30
This is a great write up. I have a stock 85 pickup SR5 and it did not come with the SR5 adjustable seats. I bought some Vertigo seats off a 4Runner and wanted to swap the cushions onto the stock 85 pasenger pickup brackets.
I found out I could not do this since there was only one bolt on one side of the back support (in contrast to two bolts on each side with the bucket seat style).
I had to end up looking for a passenger pickup SR5 bucket seat bracket that had two bolts on the back support for each side.
The cushion swap is easy and looks great.. just make sure the brackets are swapped from SR5 to SR5. The SR5 cushions cannot be swapped into the entry level seats that only have one bolt (on one side) on the back support.
I found out I could not do this since there was only one bolt on one side of the back support (in contrast to two bolts on each side with the bucket seat style).
I had to end up looking for a passenger pickup SR5 bucket seat bracket that had two bolts on the back support for each side.
The cushion swap is easy and looks great.. just make sure the brackets are swapped from SR5 to SR5. The SR5 cushions cannot be swapped into the entry level seats that only have one bolt (on one side) on the back support.
The following users liked this post:
reelal (08-07-2023)
#33
Registered User
[QUOTE=hydrabyte;52350230]resurrecting the "old". Thanks Philbert!!!
QUOTE]
Philbert did some great write ups. Unfortunately he died in 2014 at a young age. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f5/r...-young-279040/
QUOTE]
Philbert did some great write ups. Unfortunately he died in 2014 at a young age. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f5/r...-young-279040/
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post