Aftermarket Third Row install (3rd Row)

Asmara · 2013-03-03T20:02:29+00:00

Here’s version 1.0 of a rear seat install. I’m sure somebody can take what I learned and make it even better. We now know that the seat fits. I didn't post pictures but I had the cargo deck that had to be removed. There's an ugly gap behind the middle seats that will have to be addressed. I got tired of not having a third row seat. We wouldn't use it that much but it would be nice to have when needed. I put a 3rd row into my 3rd gen 4runner without any problems. It was actually a much more basic install than I thought it would be. I looked for seats from the same vendor but they don’t sell them for the 4th gen. Little Passenger sells them but they are pricey. I started measuring, I started looking. In the end I figured out that fold and tumble seats from a Jeep Wrangler 1997 - 2002 (TJ) would fit. I bought seat belts from Seat Belts Plus because I wanted an U.S. manufacturer. I originally tried to mount it facing out. Headroom was better but there was no leg room. I also thought it would be safer and the kids really wanted it facing out like on the 3rd gen. It just didn't fit right. Given that our vehicles are full frame and I've seen unibody cars (Highlander) with about the same spacing in the third row, I decided to mount it forward facing. Parts 1 - 97-02 Wrangler Fold and Tumble Seat 2 - Seat Belts + hardware kits (you can skip the kit if you have a good hardware store but the extra-large fender washers might be hard to find) 8 - 12mm x 35mm bolts, extra-large fender washers, lock washers Tools Wrenches Phillips Screw driver Utility Knife Measuring Tape Step drill bit (very important – more control, better holes for the sheet metal) Steps Remove the rear tire. Removed the rear carpet Drill holes Replace carpet and drill holes in carpet Mount seat and seat belts Time 4 to 8 hours

Thread starter Asmara
Start date Mar 3, 2013

Hitmanhink

New member

Dec 1, 2023

LAC87 said:
I am looking to buy 3rd row seats including with the hardness, is it possible for the seats along with the hardness to fit on a non 3rd row.

The cargo area side panel pieces and floor are different as well so they would have to be modified or replaced.

Big question I have is how much modification is needed to fit the mounting brackets for the original 3rd row seats? See image to reference these brackets…