Anyone else can't get comfortable in the runner?

S

stoker8

New member
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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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.
 
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.
 
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..
 
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.
 
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.. :D 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...
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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...
 
I'm 5'10" and 200lbs, quite handsome and muscular with a very muscular arse and very large biceps/triceps and I don't have any problems with anything :)

Sorry I couldn't help myself :D
 
I am 6', 165 lbs. I don't have any complaints re the steering wheel position. At first the lumbar support didn't feel quite right but I have either gottten used to it or gotten it adjusted properly. I have gone on a couple of 12 hour drives without much pain and will be doing an 18 hour drive next month.
 
heh.

Some good suggestions, thanks.

I don't know, just being pretty much average size without any weight problems I would think I should be able to fit in it perfectly. It's pissing me off.

The most comfortable position seems to be with the seat reclined all the way until it is touching the folded down back seat, and the tilt all the way down.

And yeah, there's not enough armrest on either side.

It sucks because I think the truck is extremely well built and feels really solid.

Maybe I should go to some other dealers and sit in some other mid-sized SUVs. Who knows, they might fit me as bad and in that case I'd just live with what I have.
 
I know this is going to be considered sacrilege but you might want to take a look at the Honda Pilot - it has a lot of room inside - but then if you like your trucks built solid it may not be for you - AWD not 4WD, problematic transmission, seats that sag very quickly etc...
 
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