Yes, it was an option. I saw one for sale here a few months ago. Hard to come by, that's for sure.

 

I suppose you could have gone to an 80-series Cruiser, but this was probably easier.

I've never seen aftermarket third-row seats, that's pretty neat. It even looks pretty good.

 

Forgive the hijack, but I have a tan vinyl 3rd row seat available in the Atlanta area, it was removed from the rear of my 96 4Runner.

 

Doesn't look too bad... Sucks that it's not on a quick release...

Cuanto?

 

thanks a lot for this information. This is really interesting. I have been looking at 7-seater options in vans and SUVs lately however this may save our family a lot of money and make the 4runner even more useful.
I noticed that there is a double folding option for the 3rd and 4th gens, which would be excellent for cargo when the 3rd seat is not needed (also eliminating the need to remove the seat when cargo is being carried). I'm going to call and see if there are any plans for these double folding seats for 2nd gens.
thanks again, a GREAT POST!

 

cool, shoulda turned them 'round backwards.

 

what a genius invention. and that's a good point there about turning them around. although that would be weird to not see what's goin on.

 

No problem, glad to help. We were planning to get the double folding option until we learned about the buy back option of the deluxe seat. LPS buys back seats or matches owners with families looking for seats. I don't know if or when we'll use the option but its good to know its there. This seat has 4 large bolts that hold it in place and I would estimate removing will take 5-10 minutes. Def not quick release but not a PITA either.

 

Agreed, we have the option to face the seat backwards and likely will when our kids get a little older. Turning the seat around does not require moving the brackets.

 

Yes, Toyota did offer a third row seat option.

 

To guapo83,

what e-locker does your truck have up front?

Thanks.

 

Do you have a pictures and the price?

 

Well, the first road trip went well. We were able to get a good amount of stuff in the truck and also had a luggage bag on the roof. My 3 yr old was happy to have a space to herself for the 12+ hrs we were on the road. This seat is the perfect solution for my family. Today we went to the beach and we could fit our full sized stroller and beach toys behind the seat. We're quite happy.

It gets a thumbs up from us for sure.

 

I live in Nicaragua now and see lots of 3rd gen Runners with 3rd row seats down here. If anyone is interested, I can ask around down here and see where they are coming from.

Lots of 3 liter diesels down here too!

DS

 

I looked into this awhile ago, same company too! I just never pulled the trigger. I was going to install mine backwards (rearfacing) like the old station wagons. We ended up buying a Yukon Denali XL instead to accomodate our growing family instead.

http://www.littlepassengerseats.com/toyota_4runner.htm

 

The factory 3rd row must have only been a 1996 option, it is not referenced anywhere in my 1997 sales brochure.

 

anyone have a picture of a factory 3rd row seat in a 3rd gen 4runner??? I would really like to have the factory seat! I have a 1996 and it does talk about the 3rd row seat in my owners manual.

 

It was available from Nov '95 to April 2002 in either Oak and Moon Mist trim.

 

I'd like to hear what owners say if you can track anyone down that has the OEM 3rd row. Although, it might have been a dealer installed option when the vehicle was purchased. (Another words, don't know if you can just walk into a dealer now and buy one. You might be able to though.)

If you can, try and get a picture of one. I do not have a need for a 3rd row, but I am curious to see what the factory ones looked liked.


Edit:

Came across this for sale. Is it the OEM 3rd row or just an aftermarket one? http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/pts/359024803.html

 

Here's a snapshot of the seat diagram. It's from the Toyota EPC.