Driver's Seat=Major Back Pain. Any Suggestions?

[nk13]

Driving an '06 Sport and experiencing pretty severe back pain despite trying all sorts of combos with seat height and lumbar adjustments. Love the truck but my back is killing me. Has anyone else experienced same and had success in resolving?

Have tried adding both bottom and back cushions with no noticeable improvement and a bottom cushion puts you very close to the headliner. Got a quote from an auto restorer/interior customizer for rebuilding the foam in the seat for $380.

Anyone have any suggestions or know if that price is reasonable? Are there other seats (via junkyard maybe) that could fit the rails that would be more supportive all around while retaining electric control properties?

 

[rtuck1]

Driving an '06 Sport and experiencing pretty severe back pain despite trying all sorts of combos with seat height and lumbar adjustments. Love the truck but my back is killing me. Has anyone else experienced same and had success in resolving?

Have tried adding both bottom and back cushions with no noticeable improvement and a bottom cushion puts you very close to the headliner. Got a quote from an auto restorer/interior customizer for rebuilding the foam in the seat for $380.

Anyone have any suggestions or know if that price is reasonable? Are there other seats (via junkyard maybe) that could fit the rails that would be more supportive all around while retaining electric control properties?

I do not have any suggestions but would love to know if you find a resolution to the problem because i am in the same boat and have contemplated having the seat rebuilt with better foam as well. To me the lumbar support bar itself always pokes out and make for an uncomfortable ride on extended trips. :dammit:

 

[ryanbt]

nk13, how tall are you? I am 6'2" and had the same complaint until I took my T4R back to the dealership for the damn seat creak/pop (see link) http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/52353-damn-seat-creak-pop-back-again-4.html. They replaced my seat frame and all of my seat foam and it is completely different and much softer now. I have been on one long trip since the repair and I have to say I was completely comfortable the entire way. First trip ever in that T4R where I wasn't squirming and fidgeting to get comfortable after an hour!

 

[jlm6985]

Major back pain issues here too. I've made a point of taking my wallet out of my back pocket every time I get in the car and it has gotten a lot better. Much cheaper fix than replacing the seat!

That being said... my back still feels sore when I'm doing long haul (10+ hour) trips. But sitting for that long, it usually does (if I'm at work or something).

 

[K.C.]

I just learned to live w/ it.

Perhaps a pillow/cushion can help?

Someone replaced theirs w/ a pair of Nissan 300zx seats, I'm not sure how THAT will help.

 

[Aquabear]

I have a bad back to from military so I roll a small handtowel and put that in my lower back ESPECIALLY for long road trips. Taking a 5-10 minute break to stretch on long drives helps. I also will carry ice packs in a small cooler to help and put them on when the back gets sore while driving. I also take pain meds from the VA but I have several herniated discs.

I hate to see you pay mucho bucks but maybe a new seat?? Or try one of my ideas. I hope it helps.
Good luck my friend.

 

[c3scott]

I drive a lot for my my job with a car, and have back problems. My doctor told me to move the seat closer to steering column. Im 6 3 and now drive like a Nascar driver, sucks for knee placement. Also seat pretty much upright. It made my back feel a lot better. Havent been back to physical therapy since, knock on wood.

 

[nk13]

i'm only 5' 10" but if toyota replaced your seat foam with a noticeable difference the local dealer might be worth a call to see what they might be able to do. luckily, no popping.

 

[nk13]

i feel for you, you've got it worse than me for sure with your multiple back issues (tho i did have back surgery for a ruptured disc a few years ago).

 

[Synister]

I was having a similar issue with my seat; after about an hour and a half, my back was super sore. Kept fiddling with different lumbar adjustments until I got fed up and just totally retracted the lumbar pretty much all the way in. Voila!!! I can go like 4 hrs before it starts to get a little uncomfortable and by then I need gas anyway. Dunno, maybe the positioning of the lumbar mechanism might be a little off from what is anatomically correct. This is what worked for me, YMMV.

 

[4PlayinginOH]

Driving an '06 Sport and experiencing pretty severe back pain despite trying all sorts of combos with seat height and lumbar adjustments. Love the truck but my back is killing me. Has anyone else experienced same and had success in resolving?

Have tried adding both bottom and back cushions with no noticeable improvement and a bottom cushion puts you very close to the headliner. Got a quote from an auto restorer/interior customizer for rebuilding the foam in the seat for $380.

Anyone have any suggestions or know if that price is reasonable? Are there other seats (via junkyard maybe) that could fit the rails that would be more supportive all around while retaining electric control properties?

I don't know about replaing the seat cushions, but I did see someone had adjusted their driver's seat by adding 5-6 washers under the front seat bolts to raise the front of the seat for better thigh support. This should also allow for a more natural recline. I keep meaning to try it.