4th Gen front seat swap options?

falkon240

falkon240

New member
What are some suggestions on seats that are bolt-in with factory rails? Either from other 4runners or other make/model cars/trucks?

My truck is an SR5 with leather seats, all manual adjustment.

My 4Runner's seats look like a Ninja had a temper tantrum on them and the leather is ripped up beyond repair.

I'd like to make it a bolt in affair rather than taking apart the seat or buying a single cover replacement for $300.
 
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I have the sport cloth seats and although they still look clean, the cushion is shot and support just isnt there for long trips. . been wondering the same thing.

Some research ive found:

Metal tech has some aftermarket seat kits available.
Most people have success with high quality seat skins, katskin or clazzio

I couldnt find any good convincing threads of OEM seat swaps from another vehicle. and it would most likely require some decent modifications to make it work.
 
I have, in the past, taken the passenger seat out of a 4Runner, pulled the cover and foam, and re-did my driver seat with that less used alternative. Now, I haven't done it on a 4th gen, so your mileage may vary.
 
Might be worth checking out your local reupholster for a quote.

I've seen a few guys on here have the leather replaced and it's not too expensive for just one seat bottom.
 
falkon240 said:
What are some suggestions on seats that are bolt-in with factory rails? Either from other 4runners or other make/model cars/trucks?

My truck is an SR5 with leather seats, all manual adjustment.

My 4Runner's seats look like a Ninja had a temper tantrum on them and the leather is ripped up beyond repair.

I'd like to make it a bolt in affair rather than taking apart the seat or buying a single cover replacement for $300.
Click to expand...

Your pic is of a 3rd gen. Maybe a different T4R needs the fix...
Was a little talk of a seat swap in the 3rd gen section.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/215705-recaro-seat-install.html

May get more info over there.
 
I've been thinking about installing a Recaro racing seats into my T4R, since that seat is STUPID comfortable. There are plenty of brackets out there, so that you can install your seat...

The only problem I'm having is that there isn't all that information on:
1. Height adjustment. My Recaro seat is at LEAST 3" lower than the OEM seat. Most, if not all, after market seat brackets for the T4R only account for X and Z axis adjustment. No Y-axis adjustment. I came across a guy who installed racing seats onto his factory rails on here, so that he could retain the Y-axis adjustment, but he hasn't gotten back to my PM. I guess he doesn't check T4R anymore.
2. Wiring. You'll want a way to trick the system to thinking you still have your OEM seat with the airbag, so you don't get A) an airbag light and B)disable your airbag system completely, without having to trip the system when you go installing it... There just isn't enough documentation/posts to make me want to do it comfortably. Sure there are a few users here who have done it, but... they don't state what resistor and which wires they tapped into.
 
I have looked into this, and while I cannot 100% confirm- the GX460 seats look like they share the same mounting pattern, and may bolt in with minor mods. Since the controls are on the seat, supplying power should enable all of them to work(including the venting hopefully), however the memory function may prove more difficult. I love my 4runner- but being 6' tall, even with extended travel rails the seats are really uncomfortable on long trips.

JGRdDj6

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

I plan to try this on the driver side as soon as I can source a 460 seat with ventilation. My 4runner is Grey, and the Lexus seats only come in black, brown and tan it seems.
 
The lumbar support on mine is uncomfortable at any level. I find i just keep shifting around while driving. Related question- Do your seat backs have some give and move? Sometimes when getting in the seat back will move almost an inch or so and going around tighter corners I can hear something inside the seat back moving. Maybe mine is just broken.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
I ended up replacing the bottom leather on both my 4runners with the covers found on ebay and ordered new foam from toyota. Im into the new foam upper and lower seat sections and lower cover for under 500.00 each seat. I got the comfort back and the interior is now a nice place to be in.
 
So I have run several seats in my 2004. Honestly, the OEM seats are the best.

My first set of swap outs were $250 JDM racing buckets, welded to the stock slide adjusters. No problems with this setup, just too stiff for my back after a while.

Second set of seats were from a 2003 Lexus RX300. They sat probably 2-3" taller than OEM seats, and were at least 3" wider making it impossible to get to the electronic seat adjusters with the doors closed. They cost me $50 and were fun.

Third set of seats are from a 2004 that came with leather, power, and heat. Back to OEM for me, but an upgrade from my non-power cloth seats.
 
I’m also interested in this but want OEM only options as my experience with aftermarket seats/covers is not good in terms of quality.

There are three things I don’t want to have to deal with due to expense

- engine problems
- transmission problems
- seats
 
Found some really nice custom covers on eBay, made to order the set was $200. Bought a nice foam cushion for the seat on the driver side and installed the covers over that. Couldn't be happier, looks great, feels great. I think all in I'm at $220 or so plus about an hour of my time removing the seats to install the covers. Just make sure you unplug EVERYTHING under the seat, there is still power for the seat belts and lumbar adjustment.
 
I too need to find a solution for this. My 4th gen seats feel like im sitting on bricks. There is 150,000 miles on these concrete slabs.

I have been looking into maybe getting the corbeau 4th gen seat brackets $119 but the part that is holding me back is I havent seen a corbeau seat less than $500. If I do the passenger seat that is another $500+

I am hoping to find a solution where I can get both seats done for about $500
 
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81runner said:
Custom Fit Neo-Camo Seat Covers for Toyota Avalon | eBay seat covers

RaoRanDang Car Seat Cushion Pad for Car Driver Seat Office Chair, Computer Chair with Non Slip Bottom Memory Foam Seat Cushion (Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RX2ZTJL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uK3bEb40C3G49
Cushion

Google Drive: Sign-in
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Finished product
Let me know if you can't view the links
Click to expand...

When you ordered the seat covers, was it for an Avalon or 4th Gen T4R?
 
AuSeeker said:
When you ordered the seat covers, was it for an Avalon or 4th Gen T4R?
Click to expand...

It was for the 4th gen. When you order the set, the seller will contact you about your vehicle, ask a few questions about how the seats are set up. They CNC these to order so you get to choose your pattern and everything, made in Texas I believe ('Merica!) Comes with install instructions, I just elected to remove the seats to be more efficient and save myself the strain on the back doing the install with seats in the vehicle
 
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