Front Seat Bolt Fix Write-up

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Hello everyone. So when I purchased my 1999 4wd manual 4Runner, I noticed the driver's seat shifting around a bit when I test drove it. I assumed that the bolt was loose, and it would only need a little tightening. When I went to snug it up, however, I found this:

To my dismay, the nut had pulled loose from the cross member, so I began brainstorming an easy fix. I don’t have access to a welder and have more pressing fixes on this vehicle right now, so I wanted to mend this as cheaply as possible. Here’s what I came up with:

I figured a toggle bolt and washer would fix it up really nicely. I used a 3/8” washer and a 1/4” x 3” toggle bolt. Now, this is intended to be a temporary fix. I just wanted to spend money elsewhere on this vehicle, so I decided this was the best course of action at the moment.

Before you start this project, pick some some good music [emoji1]:

Simply remove all four seat bolts:

Don't forget this little booger:

Cut the toggle bolt so it won’t hit the bottom of the inside of the hole. I cut my 3” bolt down to about 1 1/2”. MAKE SURE YOU CUT THE BOLT SO THAT THE TOGGLE CAN FOLD WITH SOME EXTRA ROOM ON THE HEAD END. If you cut it too short, it will be a PAIN to get it installed (I don't know this from personal experience...) [emoji34]:

After the cut is made, just install your new toggle bolt and washer:

This is the trickiest part:

Enjoy your wobble-free seat!

 

[nissanh]

Good idea, but I wonder when you remove the seat again, the toggle bolt may fall inside potentially leading to rattling.

Whenever you plan to mount seat bolts (specially the front ones) get the bolts into the nut and thread it few rounds by hand to prevent any cross threads.

 

[MyHigh]

That's a fine idea for keeping the seat from shifting around and such but I'm curious how that system might hold up in a accident? I just wouldn't feel comfortable using anything less then what was removed in the first place.

 

[LIVEVIL]

That's a fine idea for keeping the seat from shifting around and such but I'm curious how that system might hold up in a accident? I just wouldn't feel comfortable using anything less then what was removed in the first place.

Exactly what I was gonna say.

 

[TheDurk]

That's a fine idea for keeping the seat from shifting around and such but I'm curious how that system might hold up in a accident? I just wouldn't feel comfortable using anything less then what was removed in the first place.

What was there in the first place wasn't all that strong. Plus, that front bolt is really not stressed at all in a head-on, only in a rear-end collision is it really put to the test. Still, I preferred to use as large a bolt as would fit through the seat hole, but longer than the original, and drill through the floor pan and secure it under the truck with a big fat fender washer, a lock nut, and a pantload of RTV. Pretty sure it's an upgrade from the original, where the little square nut is just behind some paper thin sheet steel.

 

[JayRolla]

I dont think i would go this route but pretty good idea!! I know I have used those to hang stuff in dry wall but to secure you seat to floor board I would not use it.

I just drilled all the way through floor pan. Painted to stop corrosion. Large bolt/nut and two good sized washers.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Well, I plan on fixing it the right way eventually. I just needed a cheap temporary fix for now.

 

[bugman-74]

The fix