There's not much out there for those DIY-types who are looking to take on the 3rd row delete. Google search upon Google search led to a lot of dead ends for this modification. The Goose Gear platform looks nice, but to me "unfinished." Not a knock to them, as it looks really well made. Google image searches ultimately led me to an Instagram user with a 4Runner. I reached out to him while he was in the middle of taking on his 3rd row delete. To my luck, he shared his CAD drawing WITH dimensions AND factory bolt locations.
A huge shout out goes to Rob for sharing his information with me. Give him a follow on Instagram @graphite_n_gasoline or @gus_the_4runner. Dude has awesome pictures and his attention to detail is top notch. With his permission, I will share some information for the DIY folks on here who need some guidance.
Reason for deleting my 3rd row:
-It's useless to me, as I have only used it about 3 times during my 2 year ownership.
-Weight savings. All removed items combined weight a boat load.
-It's not a permanent mod. If in the future I need to revert back, it can be done.
-Most importantly - more room! The 3rd row takes up a bunch of space.
My aim was to create an OEM feel. This involved utilizing carpet and creating "side plates" or covers. Lots of work to get this done, but I'm happy with the results. For those of you with 3rd rows and want to delete, it can be done!
You can YouTube or Google search how to remove the 3rd row seating itself. I took it a step further and removed the seat belt components.
Nearly everything can be found on Amazon or your local hardware store.
Materials needed:
-48 "x 48" x .75" thick MDO plywood or furniture grade (10 layer) Birch plywood. (I opted for Birch)
-4 x M6 rivnuts
-4 x M6 x 30mm long stainless socket head cap screw
-4 x .25 oversized stainless washer
-4 x M10 x 1.25 x .75mm long stainless hex head screw
-4 x M10 stainless washer
-OEM rear liftgate scuff plate for 2row equipped 4Runners
Optional:
-Roll-on or spray-on bedliner. Or carpeting of your choice. Highly advised to protect the wood surface. I opted for carpeting.
-Tie down hooks, or d-rings of some sort. I opted for US Cargo control L-tracks in black finish.
-I utilized t-nuts with flat head bolts from a local hardware store to bolt down the L-tracks. Not sure of the sizes unfortunately.
-Spray adhesive. I used 3M headliner spray to hold the carpeting down.
-1" door window hole plugs
-Sound deadener. I used FatMat
Tools used:
-Basic hand tool set
-Drill and impact
-Saw for cutting
-1" wood drilling bit, spade style
-Router
-Tape measure
-Beer (IPA)
Board with dimensions/measurements.
Before with 3rd row. (
Mats are sold)
3rd row removed.
Progress. Ends were routed for the L-tracks. Bolt holes were made.
Carpet adhered to the platform and L-tracks are bolted down.
Installation complete.
Side cover shot. These weren't too fun to make as the 3rd row equipped 4Runners rear panels are sloped. I utilized some thin wood and covered with carpeting. They are held in place with small L-brackets bolted to an existing floor bolt hole.
Ugly cuts, but they're not viewable.
Another side shot. Used some 3M vinyl I had laying around to cover the seat belt guides.
This is Rob's take on making the sides by utilizing metal in lieu of wood.
