Replacing Front Seats

[spazzyone]

So I'm starting my own topic this time rather than continuing old ones I've researched on the forum. For as old as our cars our, it surprises me how rare it is to find anyone that has swapped seats (outside of other 4runner seats) into their rides.

I can't sit in my seats for longer than 45 minutes without feeling the effects of them. Originally, I hadn't planned on keeping this car for long, but I've already done a lot more to it then I had imagined I would. There are tons of complaints but no ones really done much else but hit up a reupholstery shop or swapped in other gen 4runner seats. I just can't help myself but take this to the next level if I'm going to do this at all. I don't think that reupholstered seats will help me any.

I've been scouring craigslist, car-part.com, ebay, etc for used seats out of anything from bmw, audi, vw, volvo, etc. I've run into some 2007 q7 seats, black leather, lumbar, heated/power for $150 a seat. e46 3 series seats for $50 a piece, leather, lumbar, power etc. Both local. I've asked for the heating switches so I could retrofit them as well.

I've looked into cipher, sparco, corbeau seats and it seems I can get a decent new pair for about $600 not including any brackets. All in, it seems it'll cost me about $1000. My only issue is that I can't sit in these before I get them. I won't know until they're in the car and it's a bigger gamble than buying bmw, audi, vw seats since I know what to expect.

At this point, it seems worthwhile for me to take the drive and check out the bmw e46 seats. Pictures show they're in pretty damn good condition and for $50 a seat, I'll be the guinea pig. Seats in my e38 740 were the best I've ever had. I'll keep this post updated and eventually create a "build thread". I've done a decent amount in the 6 months I've had the truck.

If anyone has any experience with this, I'd love some info or accounts of your experience. Horror stories welcome. This is definitely happening. It's just a matter of which seats.

 

[mark21742]

I put 87? mr2 seats in my 97 4runner and LOVE them!

I had to cut the sliders and weld the 4runner legs on then made a bracket for the seatbelts

 

[xpeppyx]

I had been looking at BRZ/FRS seats and Lexus IS F Sport seats to swap into my 4runner. From my experiences no matter what you go with it will take more trial and error and fabrication than you expect. When I was fitting Recaro Sport seats in my E350 Sportsmobile there was about 8hrs of fabrication and welding to get them to fit and function perfectly. Granted there was decent amount of weed smoking involved that may have slowed things down some...

I had crossed Corbeau off my list until I found a shop that had them locally. I sat in the LG1 for over an hour while I waited for my alarm install and was amazed at how comfortable but firm they were. I'm a 28-29 waist, but I'd say they would be comfortable up to a 32 or maybe 34. I really like how they have big side bolsters, but the seat bottom bolsters are lower so it doesn't hinder getting in and out. Once I finish my engine replacement I'll be ordering a set with the seat heaters installed. In cloth with heaters, sliders and bolt in brackets they run about $1300.

 

[spazzyone]

I had been looking at BRZ/FRS seats and Lexus IS F Sport seats to swap into my 4runner. From my experiences no matter what you go with it will take more trial and error and fabrication than you expect. When I was fitting Recaro Sport seats in my E350 Sportsmobile there was about 8hrs of fabrication and welding to get them to fit and function perfectly. Granted there was decent amount of weed smoking involved that may have slowed things down some...

I had crossed Corbeau off my list until I found a shop that had them locally. I sat in the LG1 for over an hour while I waited for my alarm install and was amazed at how comfortable but firm they were. I'm a 28-29 waist, but I'd say they would be comfortable up to a 32 or maybe 34. I really like how they have big side bolsters, but the seat bottom bolsters are lower so it doesn't hinder getting in and out. Once I finish my engine replacement I'll be ordering a set with the seat heaters installed. In cloth with heaters, sliders and bolt in brackets they run about $1300.

Or maybe the smoke helped you envision creative solutions and you fabricated something better than you would have without it. maybe it actually saved you some time...?

I found a few sets of 2010+ IS350 & ES300 leather/power/heated seats also for ranging from $250-400 each. Seems like those would be good fits and were highly suggested by friends with IS's. My cousin works for lexus corporate and suggested IS sport seats out of the entire line up. I've rode in everything from gs-f's to lx's but never for longer than an hour ride. For the price of the e46 seats, I may just have to make it work since I'd be paying for labor. I'm definitely a DYI'er but welding and real metal work is out of my realm. I've seen some vids of people using 1/4" flat metal and drilling holes for stock rails and the after market rails as an adapter. If that works, then I can do it myself but otherwise, I'll leave my seat safety to a pro if welding is involved. I'll probably be the one to wire them up though and retrofitting the heated seat switches somewhere on the center console.

I'm holding off on the Cipher/Sparco/Corbeau seats as a last option since the brackets I've seen are low and square. I installed a kicker "hideaway" sub under my driver seat and would like to amp up new speakers (amp under passenger seat) in the near future. Judging by pictures I've seen, the square shaped brackets probably won't clear either of them but they do offer custom brackets for our cars. Should be direct bolt in. I mounted the sub here to keep my cargo storage free and clear and to get the most sound up front. I've only ever had larger systems but I'm very satisfied with this setup now that I'm more "mature".

 

[spazzyone]

I put 87? mr2 seats in my 97 4runner and LOVE them!

I had to cut the sliders and weld the 4runner legs on then made a bracket for the seatbelts

Do you have any pics you can add to this thread? I'd love to see how they look in there and what you had to weld onto the rails. Did you cut the sliders shorter on the mr2 base or cut the sliders off the original seats? I've taken the seats out before to mount my sub, but I never really looked at what holds them in. I was under the impression it was just a few bolts/screws holding the seat to the sliders.

 

[mark21742]

This is the only pick i have, but could take more for you.

 

[mark21742]

Do you have any pics you can add to this thread? I'd love to see how they look in there and what you had to weld onto the rails. Did you cut the sliders shorter on the mr2 base or cut the sliders off the original seats? I've taken the seats out before to mount my sub, but I never really looked at what holds them in. I was under the impression it was just a few bolts/screws holding the seat to the sliders.

It is but it isn't lol...everything was pretty close but not close enough to lineup

 

[Chuckles89]

I really want some MR2 seats now. They are sooooooo comfortable!

 

[jgue467]

Get new leather and foam!

Or get ya' some of this. I had the leather and foam replaced on both my front seats, tops and bottoms for about $757.\

For those looking for smoother shocks and a smoother ride THIS is the way to go, unbelievable comfort now. The new foam is awesome, it "steps" from soft pillow to firmer and firmer as you push on and it never bottoms. I am So happy with the results, I was only after new leather but the guy said lets do new foam even though I though it was ok, glad he talked me into it!

Pic is at night but shows the results. :cowboy:

 

[spazzyone]

Or get ya' some of this. I had the leather and foam replaced on both my front seats, tops and bottoms for about $757.\

For those looking for smoother shocks and a smoother ride THIS is the way to go, unbelievable comfort now. The new foam is awesome, it "steps" from soft pillow to firmer and firmer as you push on and it never bottoms. I am So happy with the results, I was only after new leather but the guy said lets do new foam even though I though it was ok, glad he talked me into it!

Pic is at night but shows the results. :cowboy:

That came out great! $757 for new leather, foam and labor is pretty damn good. I actually haven't reached out to any local shops yet.

I'm picking up the e46 seats on Sunday. I got the pair for $100 with wiring harnesses, switches. They are dove grey leather, power, memory and heated. They look to be in pretty good condition but if they're not, I'll also take them in to get the cushions redone. Was there a specific foam that they used? Sold me on "never bottoms out". That's one of the major issues I have with my worn out 4runner seats. Seating position isn't terrible but it could be better (i have manual seats right now).

 

[jgue467]

Thanks they are really Sweet.

I think you're gonna like your new seats for a variety of reasons but also the heat (in NY).

Here in texas there isn't much real reason to use the seat heaters except maybe to keep take out food hot on the way home, haha!

 

[spazzyone]

Just to update, I have the seats wired up and restored in my basement. I've been slowly but surely making progress before I set out into the cold and put these in. I mated e36 seat heaters to the e46 seat harness and it's worked out brilliantly after loads of forum research and mining alldatapro. 2 things:

1) I have one remaining issue with wiring the passenger seat occupancy sensor. Does anyone have the wiring harness info for the 3rd Gen? I'm looking for something like this:

I've searched everything on ALLDATAPRO and have come up with nothing on it.

I'm thinking to try connecting the T4R lines to the BMW seat harness because it already has one built in. This may or may not work, but I won't be sure until I can get the diagram/info and try this out. The other option would be to put the sensor on an on/off switch. There are bypass units out there for FJ Cruisers but nothing I've seen for our car.

Any info or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

2) Anyone have seat brackets from Cipher Auto? I'm about to make custom adapters to mate the stock seat mounts with the BMW rails but this would be easier if someone had them. I just need a bottom clearance measurement because I have a sub under my driver seat. With the adapters, it would clear no problem.

EDIT: I know most people read threads for pics.. and I promise they'll come once I'm done.

 

[turbo8]

I'm going to guess the occupancy sensor in the e46 seat is already broken.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I replaced my front seat with new OEM foam and leather. It wasn't cheap but definitely worth it, especially the OEM Toyota foam.

 

[riggsy]

interested to see how this turns out as far as retrofitting/bracketing, as I'm currently in a seat torn apart mode

 

[Tyler James Inc]

I was going to suggest against the E46 seats unless they're from a car with the sport package, but I guess it's too late for that. From my experience, the non-sport seats are flat, almost zero bolster, and not comfortable at all. The seats in my e90 with the Sport package were super comfortable, and I've been in e46's with the sport package, and they are too. Hopefully you got them from a Sport package car. Then again, I love my OEM 4Runner seats. My Mk3 GLS cloth seats- now THOSE are painful. My IS300 seats were OK, but still got sore after an hour or so. Although not super bolstered, my IS250 seats are super nice, and long trips are painless. My R32 seats are comfy too, but are more of a race seat, and are very high bolstered.

 

[Magmotor]

Just to update, I have the seats wired up and restored in my basement. I've been slowly but surely making progress before I set out into the cold and put these in. I mated e36 seat heaters to the e46 seat harness and it's worked out brilliantly after loads of forum research and mining alldatapro.

1) I have one remaining issue with wiring the passenger seat occupancy sensor. Does anyone have the wiring harness info for the 3rd Gen?

All the information your looking for can be found here, if you have a 2000 & above 4R. No where can I find, in your info, the year-model you have so if it's below a 2000 this probably won't help. This has the schematics, j-connectors & pinout locations etc etc....if you need help with it let me know, it can be a little daunting at first navigating thru all this ....hope this helps...

1996 to 2002 Toyota 4Runner OEM Repair and Wiring Manuals

 

[spazzyone]

All the information your looking for can be found here, if you have a 2000 & above 4R. No where can I find, in your info, the year-model you have so if it's below a 2000 this probably won't help. This has the schematics, j-connectors & pinout locations etc etc....if you need help with it let me know, it can be a little daunting at first navigating thru all this ....hope this helps...

1996 to 2002 Toyota 4Runner OEM Repair and Wiring Manuals

Thanks! I'll take a look around at that.

It's a 2001 SR5 4WD that has the heating vent under the passenger seat. I noticed the plug when I had to remove my seats to put in my sound system. It's a very simple plug and the only one I had to disconnect. I'll have to take a look at it again.

 

[BlewWest]

I can't sit in my seats for longer than 45 minutes without feeling the effects of them.

If anyone has any experience with this, I'd love some info or accounts of your experience. Horror stories welcome. This is definitely happening. It's just a matter of which seats.

My seats are killing my back too in SoCal traffic. I tilt my seat back to not hit the headliner.

Were your 4runner seats manual or power to begin with? (My guess is manual since SR5)
I just bought the same seat this morning as a test too. My 4R seat is manual. I saw someone on youtube wire similar seats to manual seat car so I was game to try it.

Are your seats higher or lower than 4R seats?
I'm looking at lowering overall seat for more headroom since my head hits the headliner. I might need a welder to make a custom bracket for me.

Are make any progress on your seats?

 

[flygirl0344]

I’d like some replacment or re-cover front seats suggestions. I prefer to stay with OEM; the comfort or lack there of is not an issue. I’ve searched online for months and can’t seem to find any OEM seats. Are recover the only options other than the “covers” sold on eBay? My foam is shot.

I may go with a diff seat (from another vehicle) but it’d have to look great, be electric and affordable (couple hundred) without having to do major mods.

Thanks in advance.

‘99 Limited, tan interior