Seat height

Just bot a new 2010 4x4 Tacoma crew cab. Had FJ Cruiser and loved it. Just thought I would add that for no reason. Anyway I am a small old guy and have a problem with the non adjustable seat. I want to raise it. I can fabricate some spacers but I am wondering if anyone has done it or knows a company that makes something. The easiest I can see is to cut the seat from the tracks and put a spacer. A spacer between the track and the car would be more difficult because the front bracket is at a 45 degree angle. Thoughts? I want to sit like I am more in a chair because the lowered seat puts pressure on my back.

 

haven't done it.. nor do i feel a need to but.. one word of caution the air bags (especially the side) are designed for the current seat height... not sure how raising it will affect the performance should you unfortunately need them.

 

I agree- I would be cautious in moving the seats too much or cutting anything, especially if you ever want to sell or trade it.

 

Seems like the seating position would have come up in a test drive or a look over...just saying...



Also...bought...

 

Yes a buddy told me to be careful about disconnecting the wire under the seat. I did not think about the height affecting the airbag but some people are taller than others so I can't see how raising my seat 1-2 inches would be a problem. Good thought though. I'll have to do it in a way that I could put it back to stock at anytime. Like the truck, hate the ticking but I'll deal with it. Thanks guys.

 

Yea don't mean to be discouraging just I know they design the airbags specifically around certain dimensions. That said, just changing the seat positions, recline position, ect... would probably affect it about as much as raising the seat a bit. You should be able to space it directly from the floor, but if I remember right there was some additional bracing as it sits factory that might also affect it's performance in a crash. It's just four bolts each seat, shouldn't be bad to space up with some washers and longer grade 8's if nothing else.

 

I did test drive the truck but it wasn't an issue for the five minute drive. I never had a vehicle that the seats were not adjustable. Also had large F-250's or 150's. Always hated low profile cars with low seats. Now I know why. Being 50 and a bad back it has become an issue. I'll have a friend who is a machinist make me some custom spacers. It will be as safe as factory.

 

I'm with you. Old and short that is and sitting kinda low.

I also have an '07 4Runner with multi-way power seat and it looks like it would bolt right in there.
I haven't tried yet though and anyway I'm getting used to the Tacoma seat now.
Maybe a power seat from a wrecked 4Runner would work for you.

 

Hm. My dealer let me adjust the seat on my test drive...along with all the other settings...




All I'm saying is that this is a problem that should have been looked at before purchase.

 

It's yours to decide. If you can't see well or the position is uncomfortable then make the necessary changes.
IMO changing the ride height by a couple of inches should not affect any airbag issues. However, that said Toyota might think differently should you have a major accident and attempt to take them to court for some injury that occurred after the modifications. They have plenty of bucks and you likely would not win a judgement.
Again, with that in mind if you can't see you need to make the changes for your comfort and safety.
Good luck. Ken

 

Any modification that you make to the seat attachment will also affect the way the seat and restraint system acts in the event of a collision. I work with and know the requirements that seat systems and vehicles go through to pass these test. The tests are very rigorous. The seats are designed a specific way for a specific reason. Also if you were to get in a collision and be injured due to your modification, you would be the one liable for your injuries and could no longer blame Toyota.

 

While this is a true statement many vehicles have adjustable seat heights. My now gone F150 supercrew for example had electric seats with adjustable tilt and height. Also, the restraint system is adjustable. This leads me (IMO) to believe that minor adjustments shouldn't have a major impact.
Think of it this way. Say you were even smaller and opted to put a pillow under your butt. I believe the manufacturer would have a difficult time holding that against you in a court of law. Vehicles are designed for general sized populations. Apparently you are on the smaller side of that population. If you need the extra height due to your stature make the changes necessary to feel safe and comfortable in your truck.

 

"Knock on wood," but if you were ever in a wreck, god forbid, I'm wondering if a modified seat would mess with your insurance somehow in case you got injured?

 

an easier, less dangerous solution to this problem: cut out a seat shaped chunk of foam and put it under a seat cover. thermarest material would probably work good.

 

oops this is similar to the above. Just a bit more permanent
Hey this does sound like a pretty good idea at least for a start. Also might consider rebuilding the seat bottom. Have the original foam taken out and and add taller, thicker foam. Would likely cost a bit more but then it would be unnoticable and in the event of a major accident any insurance issues likely would never come up.

 

I agree that vehicles can come with adjustable heights from the factory. However this must undergo severe testing to withstand the loads put through it in the event of a collision, front, rear, and sides. I have personally designed a height adjuster for a vehicle. I know the loads that go into such test to validate the safety of a vehicle seating and restraint system.


As for the second part in bold, if you do not feel safe and comfortable in your vehicle, you should not have purchased it in the first place.

 

Yes it would mess with insurance. Seating and restraint systems have to be tested to be considered safe to strict "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations" from the "US Department of Transportation". My company has to have our products tested to the same standards and beyond. If our customer modifies our products, we can no longer stand behind its performance in an event and warn our customers of this.

 

Go old school and sit on a phone book.

 

dont think you can raise the seat like u can in a BMW or lexus lol i think thats what he is getting at wanted the truck and bought it but over time decided he would be more comfortable if he was sitting a little higher or maybe he shrunk a little damn lol

 

Up & down? How did you do that?