08-26-2004, 07:19 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 57
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Anyone else can't get comfortable in the runner?
Just bought a 2004 SE 4x4 V8 less than 3 months ago and I'm pretty sure I'm going to sell it very soon.
No matter what adjustments I make I can't get comfortable. The steering wheel always seems too far in front of me. I even have it extended all the way out.
I'm 6'0 200lbs with a lean muscluar build (bodybuilder type) and it just semms like I'm always having to lean/extend/twist my shoulder(s) forward to reach the wheel.
Anyone else have this problem? Anyone know of a way to get the steering wheel to extend 3-4 inches more outward?
I really like it but this can't go on
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08-26-2004, 07:23 PM
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#2
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Member
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Posts: 196
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
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Have you tried lowering or raising the seat? When I first got in my Runner, I didn't feel comfortable at all. I lowered the seat and it made a huge difference.
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08-26-2004, 07:32 PM
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#3
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Join Date: Jun 2004
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Thanks for the suggestion skategoat, but yes, I have tried everything I think. The seat is all the way down now. I think I've tried every possible combo and I'm really depressed over it
I really like it and want it but no sense in keeping it if I can't drive it comfortably.
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08-26-2004, 08:57 PM
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#4
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 809
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Is the steering wheel that far? For your height, your arms should be long enough to reach the wheel comfortably with the seat all the way back. Maybe the seatback is leaned to far back? I dunno, just throwing out suggestions. Or maybe you could adjust the tilt on the steering wheel.. You've probably tried it, but..
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08-26-2004, 09:30 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle
Posts: 35
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Location: Seattle
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I understand what you are experiencing. I've had our '03 for 21,000 miles and 20 months now, and spent the first year trying to get comfortable. I too tried everything, and since I do like to see the turn signal indicators, I find location really dumb unless you can see through your steering wheel. My discomfort had more to do with seat and back pain and my legs pressing on sharp plastic than with wheel position, but our plastic steering wheel is colder than $!#@$# in the winter. I bought a $7 steering wheel cover, and a $15 seat cushion, and glued weather stripping over the sharp plastic edges, which greatly improved the Toyota designs.
At this point I would say I have found positions that are "not uncomfortable" although it doesn't actually feel good to sit in the vehicle. Of course, the next hurdle is dealing with the "seat won't stay adjusted" problem, but there is a TSB for that (BO013-04, 6/15/04). that I haven't had done yet.
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Gregg
'03 SR-5 V8 4WD
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08-26-2004, 10:04 PM
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#6
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Guest
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your not pimpin it with the seat layed all the way back so your driving from the back seat are you ?:arrow:
just messing. I feel your pain... Im about the same build as you are it sounds like, and I had a nissan 240sx before my 4unner... i drove it for nearly 2 years, and i could NEVER get comfortable.. steering wheel to far away... seat back unsupportive, head rubbed the headliner on bumps... the car finialy got totaled.. and i got the runner. My only complaint with the runner is not enough center console to rest my arm on. going from a sports car, where the center console runs pretty much the legenth of the center of the car, to the half console of the runner...
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08-26-2004, 10:21 PM
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#7
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New Jersey
Age: 37
Posts: 4,814
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New Jersey
Age: 37
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It took me a few weeks of playing, but I finally was able to get comfortable. I am 6' 1'' and 180 lbs, so I am around the same size as you. I have my seat pretty low so I don't bump my head when I hit a bump and the seatback is sort of reclined. The only problem I have is my legs are too long and the seat is way too close to the floor, so sometimes I get leg cramps. It is not that severe though that I am going to get rid of my baby. It stinks that you may have to get rid of your truck over this and loose some money on it.
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Mark
2005 4Runner Limited 4X4 V8 since 6/15/05 Titanium Silver with Grey Leather
Nav, XREAS, Adjustable Ride Height, Sunroof, Side Curtain Airbags, Rear Spoiler, Double Deck Cargo, Chrome Exhuast Tip, Bug Shield, All Weather Mats, Driver Side Assist Handle, Audiovox Remote Starter, 2006 Skid Plate, LED lighting- interior and running boards, USA-Spec PA-15
Click For Pictures of My Current 2005 Limited, Detailed LED Conversion Instructions, Click For Pictures of My Retired 2003 Sport
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08-27-2004, 12:29 AM
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#8
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: nyc
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Location: nyc
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May I suggest buying a sheep skin cover? These are commonly sold at autozone or even costco.
Anyways, the fuzziness of the cover helps blend in some of the angular surfaces of the seat and it acts as a good buffer for your lumbar area.
Give it a go, and remember you can always return a sheepskin cover before returning your 4runner.
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08-27-2004, 01:55 AM
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#9
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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I have to wonder how far back you have your seat reclined.
I had mine back a few notches too much, mostly because of the low roof. I moved the seat up and forward a notch and I seem to be doing better.
I actually had a sore shoulder and neck from reaching too far for the wheel. Shame they didn't make it adjustable that way.
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08-27-2004, 04:14 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Walnut Creek, Ca
Age: 41
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Age: 41
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maybe you can grow longer arms?
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08-27-2004, 08:06 AM
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#11
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Bushwood C.C. 19th hole
Age: 59
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Real Name: Mushmouth
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seats
I sold my '02 SE because the driving position and seats were barbaric. After 20 minutes I could not feel my feet.
The '03 has been very comfortable. Difference between the '02 and '03 is night and day. Sorry you can't find a good spot in the '03 seat.
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'08 FJ Trail Teams 6MT, '03 4Runner Sport V8, '02 4Runner Sport, '80 SR5 Pickup 5MT, all of them 4WD.
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08-27-2004, 09:24 AM
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#12
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Member
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
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I have to say that the one thing I would change on the 4Runner is the seats. They are mediocre at best. Try sitting in a friend's Volvo if you want to feel what real driver's seats should feel like.
High marks for just about everything but Toyota notoriously has bad seats.
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08-27-2004, 09:41 AM
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#13
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: southeastern virginia
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how are the leather seats in the limited versions? you might try sitting in one at a dealer to see if you can get comfortable, if so, start looking at wrecking yards to see if you could swap 'em out.
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2004 SE V8 4WD
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08-27-2004, 10:04 AM
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#14
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Orange County, CA
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I love the seats in my Limited. I'm 6'4" 215 and I find them very comfortable. But as other people have said, the reach to the steering wheel is a little too long. I wish the telescoping wheel went out further. Tilting the steering wheel down a bit helps a little but it's still a little awkward.
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2003 Black 4Runner LTD V8 4WD
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08-27-2004, 10:41 AM
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#15
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Try visiting a local automotive trim shop to see if they can somehow re-pad the existing seats, or order aftermarket replacements. I've seen them replace seats in some of the older late model SUVs... no reason they couldn't do it a 4R...
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Black 2003 SR5 V6 4WD (Option Pkg C) ClearBra, painted pinstripes Mods: Rear glass limo tinted/ fronts 27%, Sunroof Deflector, Auto Dimming Mirror, VVT-i emblem, Homelink, Valor Tip -- Aftermarket: Weathertech Deflector, AVS Ventvisors & Tailshade tail light blackouts, Silver Star bulbs, 7.2" Widescreen TV/DVD, PNI Wayfinder Compass, K&N Air Filter (Part #33-2281), Husky Cargo Liner, Wood Trim Kit, Third Brake Light Flasher, Amber Whelen Slimlighter (aux. rear hazard warning) Rear foglamp housings modifed for aux. tail/brake/signals/hazard (See Rear Fog Mod Thread here : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=1137)
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