Question Regarding the 2nd Row Seats of 3rd Row Equipped 4Runners

[uh0h50]

Based on my understanding, there are major differences in the second row seats between 3rd row equipped and non-equipped 4Runners. The major difference being mechanical. And the design flaw of the 3rd row equipped 4Runner is that the 2nd row seats do not lay fully flat. Due to this design, they are sloped when in the down position.

My question is this - has anyone with a 3rd row equipped 4R successfully managed to get the second row seating to lay completely flat/non-sloped? I've searched more than I'd like to admit, but to no avail. I'm guessing it's not possible without actually pulling the seat out to see how the hell it's constructed.

I'm considering removing my 3rd row and utilizing the extra space beneath by building a storage compartment. Ultimately would like to have entire rear completely level for times I would sleep inside the truck during camping/adventuring.

But wanted to pick your brains before I went forward with this.

 

[llDemonll]

you'd have to swap them out. the seats are designed to fold forward versus lay flat like one two-row 4Runners

 

[uh0h50]

you'd have to swap them out. the seats are designed to fold forward versus lay flat like one two-row 4Runners

That's what I was afraid of hearing. But I noticed that the 2 row only versions have what look to be guides on both sides of the panels. Whereas the 3 row equipped versions do not.

I should have just gotten a non 3-row :bash:

 

[Toffees]

Based on my understanding, there are major differences in the second row seats between 3rd row equipped and non-equipped 4Runners. The major difference being mechanical. And the design flaw of the 3rd row equipped 4Runner is that the 2nd row seats do not lay fully flat. Due to this design, they are sloped when in the down position.

My question is this - has anyone with a 3rd row equipped 4R successfully managed to get the second row seating to lay completely flat/non-sloped? I've searched more than I'd like to admit, but to no avail. I'm guessing it's not possible without actually pulling the seat out to see how the hell it's constructed.

I'm considering removing my 3rd row and utilizing the extra space beneath by building a storage compartment. Ultimately would like to have entire rear completely level for times I would sleep inside the truck during camping/adventuring.

But wanted to pick your brains before I went forward with this.

I don't think it's a huge incline/space loss with the 3rd row laying flat, but if you're removing the 3rd row it would almost certainly be noticeable. If it's a big deal you might be better off trading for a 2-row, unless you can find a buyer for your third row seats.

 

[RustyAb]

I’ve got a 3rd row, with it removed and built a cargo storage unit that comes up flush with the back of the 2nd row when it’s folded down. It’s not perfectly flat, but with a foam pad over top I’ve slept in there many nights and it’s been great for me.

 

[uh0h50]

I’ve got a 3rd row, with it removed and built a cargo storage unit that comes up flush with the back of the 2nd row when it’s folded down. It’s not perfectly flat, but with a foam pad over top I’ve slept in there many nights and it’s been great for me.

Awesome. Any chance that you have a build thread or photos of your setup?

I brainstormed a bit and figured that by removing the 3rd row and building a platform/storage compartments, I could compensate for the inherit slope of the 2nd row by building some sort of (temporary) wedge that would sit on top of and across them when in the folded position. My theory is that this sloped wedge would level the surface.

Beats having to source a wrecked 4R with standard 2 row seats and attempting a swap.

Ultimately I am aiming for a fairly easy return to stock scenario for if ever in the future I were to sell it. Not looking to make this a permanent modification.

 

[Chubbypanda]

I personally feel that the second row should come with captian chairs. That would also make it easy for passengers to get in and out instead of squeezing in and out of the side between the back rest and the door.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Yep, the issue is in the design. The non-3rd row seats, the bottoms fold up so that the backs can lay flat, where as in the 3rd row models the backs fold down on top of the bottoms so they are always angled. Definitely makes me miss my 4th gens that had the flip up bottoms so the backs could lay flat

Also with the 3rd row you lose about 5 or 6 inches of vertical clearance in the trunk

 

[ProLee]

OP...check your message box.

 

[BIGpharma]

I really want to get rid of at least one of the third row seats and have a storage compartment.. I would very much entertain the idea of someone selling a nice delete kit with storage.

 

[uh0h50]

I really want to get rid of at least one of the third row seats and have a storage compartment.. I would very much entertain the idea of someone selling a nice delete kit with storage.

I found a post with pictures showing exactly that. One 3rd row seat was left in place on one side and a nice low profile floor storage compartment on the other. Appeared to be a very nice setup too.

 

[BIGpharma]

I found a post with pictures showing exactly that. One 3rd row seat was left in place on one side and a nice low profile floor storage compartment on the other. Appeared to be a very nice setup too.

Link?

 

[uh0h50]

Link?

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