seat belt retractors for 1st gen 4rnr

[stinkypoop]

Not sure if the general Maintenance category is for all years, or recent models only. If this is in the wrong spot, please feel free to move it.

Ive got an 86 4runner that has lazy seat belts, as they wont retract back into the trim panelling when I leave the vehicle. Obviously, Im also a bit worried they wont do much to hold me back in an accident.

Im having a tough time finding gray belts when I find an entire assembly. Is it possible to replace ONLY the retractor mechanism?

 

[ram]

Couple years ago I came across a site w/ pics showing how to disassemble and tighten spring to improve retraction on either a mid-90's taco, or 4runner. Will post if I can find.

Good luck.


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Thanks Toto. That's the article I was remembering! Will save it for future use.

 

[toto]

The protective feature of the belt is probably working fine. Test it by pulling it out quickly (give it a sharp tug) and see if the lock engages.

It seems that lazy seat belts are a Toyota "feature"... even my newer ones have the same problem.

Here's a link I've seen about it. It assumes you've removed the plastic trim panel covering all of the seat belt assembly, but otherwise it looks helpful.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/seatbelt/