1999 4Runner Front Seat Swap

[BretMann]

My 4Runner's interior is due for some attention. The driver's (left) side seat needs some repair and probably new foam. I prefer to drop just the seat off at an upholsterer so I can still drive the truck.

Before I waste my time, I thought to first ask if you know if it's possible to swap over the passenger side seat into the driver seat's location? All I need it to do is have the mounting bolt holes of the seat bracket line up with the bolt holes in the floor - at least two of them. It's ok if it's a bit wonky as I'll just need it this way for just a day or two and will be driving only a few blocks.

Thank you.

 

[pluton]

I have seen it stated on this forum that it possible, but have not done myself.

I once had my driver's seat professionally re-stuffed with "firm" foam, and didn't know enough to tell the upholsterer shop not to stuff the bolsters, or maybe stuff the bolsters with really soft foam. The result was a seat whose front bolster (the rise in the seat bottom toward the front) cut off the circulation in my legs on long drives. I tore out that foam job and replaced it with a stock foam which was really soft. I fixed that by adding 2 layers of thin fabric floor mat under my Seat Saver cloth covers. Now it's pretty good, although odd.

 

[phattyduck]

No, not possible. You CAN take the bottom off and swap it over though...

The rear legs are too different to fit or sit down at all. Oh, and the seatbelt buckle would be on the wrong side.

There are some details with the occupancy sensors, but it is really only an issue on the 01/02 (affects how airbags work). 99/00 is only used for the light on the dash (passenger side only). 96-98 have no sensor.

-Charlie

 

[BretMann]

Thanks pluton and paddyduck.

When my seats were new they were reasonably comfortable. Although for long trips it's always been tough on my lower back since they don't have any real lumbar support. I told the upholsterer about this and he said he could add a 2" lumbar cushion there. I guess I'll ask for the regular firmness on the side bolsters.

Seems like there's hope for the swap-over if there's a frame that bolts into the floor which can be easily detached from the driver's seat and will accept the passenger seat. I'll try to get to it this weekend and confirm for you guys.

 

[phattyduck]

Seems like there's hope for the swap-over if there's a frame that bolts into the floor which can be easily detached from the driver's seat and will accept the passenger seat. I'll try to get to it this weekend and confirm for you guys.

That's not quite how it works. The seat bottom (stamped panel+foam+cover) can unbolt from the seat frame. Those can swap L/R (other than occupancy sensor, as already mentioned). The seatback foam and cover can swap L/R (cover can't if you have lumbar, like on the sport or limited seats) but that requires a fair amount of disassembly. The rest of the frame is basically one-piece and side specific.

When I put '97 sport seats into my '99, I laundered all the covers, swapped the seat-bottom foam L-R and moved the occupancy sensor over.

Sport and Limited seats do have driver's lumbar control. It helps, but they still are not comfortable for long trips.

-Charlie