Pulled out 3rd Row Seats on Limited - Flooring Ideas Anyone?

[cbielat]

Nice. If it were me, I would have made a drawer system instead so I wouldn't have to take things out to open the covers to get to things in the storage area. Nice sleek look though. I like it. You'd never know anything is there.

 

[Dogsmiles]

Hey likewise, a great job. Hope you also 'fixed' that small rust spot on the side since you had the area exposed.

 

[JSparky]

The dealer only had a used 5th gen LE with 3rd row when I bought as well...

I'd like to pull out these and make some extra room for cargo. Did you ever figure out what to cover the space with?

Same here. I ended up driving to Reno to find one without the 3rd row. It'd be nice if Tooyota would offer all options in all regions.

 

[sweaty]

Hey, thanks for the write-up. This is the best thread on removing third row seats.

I removed the seats this past weekend. But I have trouble with one piece. It is the mat support at the very end of the trunk. It is the long plastic piece that is right next to the rubber seal. See the picture below It is at the bottom in the picture of your thread. For some reason, I couldn't remove it easily. I was able to remove everything else, including the long metal piece.

So do you just pull on this plastic piece and it'll come off or is there some trick?

Thanks,

Hello all. This is my own follow up to this thread which was started a long time ago. It is however the most popular “remove third row seats” conversation that I’ve found, so following RC_80's original post, I’m adding my own efforts to finishing the job.

Removed the rear seat cover (bolts are under the tie-downs) removed rear trim and the side (back of wheel well) cover plates. Removed rear frame support. Then the seats and seatbelt assemblies were removed leaving it looking like the RC_80’s photos. The seats weigh in at 50 lbs each for a total weight reduction of 100 lbs. I spent about $60 on the aluminum to frame the storage area. The carper was $21 total. A few bucks for the half sheet of 3/8 plywood and a box of pop rivets. That’s about it in cost.

After framing, reinstalled the rear trim and frame support as well as side covers. Cut the new plywood and wrapped with auto carpet. OEM cover panel went back in with the bonus of retaining the tie-downs! Covered it all up with a WeatherTech mat.

I calculate I’ve gained 5.25 cubic feet of additional storage. Its not too tall, but is perfect for a couple duffle bags with jumper cables, tow ropes, a few tools, etc that I want to keep in the truck, but don’t need to have taking up the visible storage part of the trunk. The carpet over the exposed trunk wasn’t really necessary, but I wanted to protect the now exposed harness elements and figured it would be good for keeping things quiet. I’m really happy with how this turned out.

 

[SoCal5thGen]

I'm picking up a 2016 Limited in a few days and looking to do this same 3rd row delete. Is this still working? Anything you would change or do different? How did you attach the aluminum frame?

Hello all. This is my own follow up to this thread which was started a long time ago. It is however the most popular “remove third row seats” conversation that I’ve found, so following RC_80's original post, I’m adding my own efforts to finishing the job.

Removed the rear seat cover (bolts are under the tie-downs) removed rear trim and the side (back of wheel well) cover plates. Removed rear frame support. Then the seats and seatbelt assemblies were removed leaving it looking like the RC_80’s photos. The seats weigh in at 50 lbs each for a total weight reduction of 100 lbs. I spent about $60 on the aluminum to frame the storage area. The carper was $21 total. A few bucks for the half sheet of 3/8 plywood and a box of pop rivets. That’s about it in cost.

After framing, reinstalled the rear trim and frame support as well as side covers. Cut the new plywood and wrapped with auto carpet. OEM cover panel went back in with the bonus of retaining the tie-downs! Covered it all up with a WeatherTech mat.

I calculate I’ve gained 5.25 cubic feet of additional storage. Its not too tall, but is perfect for a couple duffle bags with jumper cables, tow ropes, a few tools, etc that I want to keep in the truck, but don’t need to have taking up the visible storage part of the trunk. The carpet over the exposed trunk wasn’t really necessary, but I wanted to protect the now exposed harness elements and figured it would be good for keeping things quiet. I’m really happy with how this turned out.

 

[Padres86]

Anyone selling their 3rd row seats? Pref Black.


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[NorCalLoc7]

Anyone selling their 3rd row seats? Pref Black.


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PM me

 

[fvlewg65]

I like it!

 

[Padres86]

Hi All, new to the forum!

I purchased my 2011 limited about 2 weeks ago (traded in my 08 Prius). I basically need to haul a bunch of film equipment and a 5' Magliner cart and wanted to get a flat cargo surface but the dealer only had the limited with the 3rd row option. The sliding cargo tray option looked impressive but they did not have it in the model i wanted. Another issue I have is that the back seats don't fold down flush like the models without the 3rd row.

So today, I decided to remove the 3rd row seats. Removing them took about an hour. I worked my way from the back to the front - removed the covers and unbolted the seats. They came off pretty easily. The two 3rd row seats are pretty heavy. I am glad to not be hauling that much excess weight around anymore. I think I also gained about 7" of vertical cargo space in the back.

I was wondering if anyone had some ideas on how they might approach the flooring for the cargo area. Would you simply have it carpeted, place a stiffer surface and then carpet it, or build a lower cargo shelf and then build a stiffer surface on top of that for the heavier and larger items. The last option seems more practical to me as I can roll my cart all the way in and have the cargo area somewhat level to the back seats when they are folded down.

I have attached some images from the 4runner. Lastly, anyone interested in some 3rd row seats?

The Prius was wonderful but I really love the power and the feel of the the 4runner. I always felt like I was overloading my prius with gear. The next few projects I have in mind are: 17" TRD wheels, removing chrome, and a new roof rack. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
RC

Is there a tech manual you used to removed the seats or did you just start by unscrewing everything and kinda of feeling your way through it.


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[wild_turkey]

6 Seater T4R

[MENTION=71463]wvanstone[/MENTION] Have you attempted to remove just one? I want to keep just one myself.

Finally got around to doing this...

 

[Padres86]

Finally got around to doing this...

Quick question are you keeping the seat belt securing tabs (for the 3rd row) for your vehicle? If not I’ll buy them (pictured)! . Additionally I’m actually trying to do the reverse and install seats I purchased and before I go ahead and rip everything on apart I wanted to see if any of y’all followed a tech man/instruction or something like that so I could use that in my install. Thanks.


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[wild_turkey]

Quick question are you keeping the seat belt securing tabs (for the 3rd row) for your vehicle? If not I’ll buy them (pictured)! View attachment 299579. Additionally I’m actually trying to do the reverse and install seats I purchased and before I go ahead and rip everything on apart I wanted to see if any of y’all followed a tech man/instruction or something like that so I could use that in my install. Thanks.


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I wasn’t planning to get rid of those tabs. I still have one seat in and am just keeping them for when I sell the vehicle. As for the removal, I didn’t have a manual. I felt my way through it and found this poor quality video to help get an idea.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Oji9sFziKSU

Good luck.

 

[DanTh3Man]

Did you build that drawer unit? I'm thinking of doing something similar and was wondering if that is an off the shelf item.

 

[wild_turkey]

Did you build that drawer unit? I'm thinking of doing something similar and was wondering if that is an off the shelf item.

It’s an ARB RF945. A little pricey, but a good fit. Full write up here.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/211614-wild_turkey-2015-toyota-4runner-sr5-premium-build-6.html#post2992458

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Hello all. This is my own follow up to this thread which was started a long time ago. It is however the most popular “remove third row seats” conversation that I’ve found, so following RC_80's original post, I’m adding my own efforts to finishing the job.

Removed the rear seat cover (bolts are under the tie-downs) removed rear trim and the side (back of wheel well) cover plates. Removed rear frame support. Then the seats and seatbelt assemblies were removed leaving it looking like the RC_80’s photos. The seats weigh in at 50 lbs each for a total weight reduction of 100 lbs. I spent about $60 on the aluminum to frame the storage area. The carper was $21 total. A few bucks for the half sheet of 3/8 plywood and a box of pop rivets. That’s about it in cost.

After framing, reinstalled the rear trim and frame support as well as side covers. Cut the new plywood and wrapped with auto carpet. OEM cover panel went back in with the bonus of retaining the tie-downs! Covered it all up with a WeatherTech mat.

I calculate I’ve gained 5.25 cubic feet of additional storage. Its not too tall, but is perfect for a couple duffle bags with jumper cables, tow ropes, a few tools, etc that I want to keep in the truck, but don’t need to have taking up the visible storage part of the trunk. The carpet over the exposed trunk wasn’t really necessary, but I wanted to protect the now exposed harness elements and figured it would be good for keeping things quiet. I’m really happy with how this turned out.

Just found this, this is an awesome use of that space! I love the ingenuity of this mod, I would love to take my 3rd row seats out since I never use them

 

[rnic24]

Is it sad I wanna revive this thread? There are soooooo many options for 4runners without 3rd rows, but for those of us who wanna take them out and do some cargo set ups, it starts getting sloppy. There is always space on the sides due to the wheel well configurations, and the plastic trim piece on the end of the car.

This is easily the best when it comes to hidden storage applicability.

are you willing to share your notes on the dimensions of the frame?

 

[mbumpus11]

Is it sad I wanna revive this thread? There are soooooo many options for 4runners without 3rd rows, but for those of us who wanna take them out and do some cargo set ups, it starts getting sloppy. There is always space on the sides due to the wheel well configurations, and the plastic trim piece on the end of the car.

This is easily the best when it comes to hidden storage applicability.

are you willing to share your notes on the dimensions of the frame?

Found this thread by wanting to do the same thing. Hopefully there is some input we can get as I'm interested in a place to store my straps/chain and other things like blanket and road hazard stuff that just takes space and/or floats around my cargo area right now...

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Is there a tech manual you used to removed the seats or did you just start by unscrewing everything and kinda of feeling your way through it.


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For anyone looking for step by step instructions since I couldn't find any, I made this thread

Third row seat removal to access rear panel pocket, subwoofer install

 

[Coconut]

Here’s a 2 minute video. Removing the seats and components was a 45 minute process from start to putting the tools away.

YouTube

 

[TrailBreak]

This is great. I am planning on doing the same thing to my 3rd row.