Console to Column shifter conversion

I have a 2007 Tacoma excab that I'd like to start modifying,

For starters, the end goal of this modification is to create a roomier cabin, suitaible to have a third, front seat. I'm not sure what type of seat I'd use (whether a 60/40 or more preferably a 40/20/40) but I do want to change my shifter location first to make this new seat extra roomy. I'm sure it's possible and I've seen some others posts on doing a similar conversion (converting bucket to bench or console to column).

I'm sure with a proper look by someone miles more qualified than I am or even anyone with any ounce of intelegence would be able to tell me that this is or isn't doable. However, I'd still like to inquire anyone who cares to listen about this task.

I'm aware of having to rip out my old steering column and get a new one either as an OEM or a scrapyard find, but I'm not certain of where to start. How would the center would look after I rip it and the center console off the floor? Should I even bother with this entirely and go for a bucket immediately? Also is this a task that is merely better left alone seeing how little info there is online or is this something I should try? (I'm leaning really heavily on trying this out btw).

I may not be providing enough informations, lack of pictures probably attributes to that. However, I can take some pictures next time I have some light. I may not even be asking the right questions and so if there is anything that seems like I should be aware of before attempting this and I hadn't asked a question about it, please inform me.

This will be my first major modification and first modification done to my personal truck. I'm not too experienced with mechanical tasks such as this however whatever I've done on others' cars was pretty straight forward (with some guidance from my coworker). To note, I've done a new A/C system, coolers and radiators replaced, swapped out shocks, brakes replaced, and maybe a few more that are either repetative or unnecessary to say (like an oil change).

I say all this just to give you, the reader, an understanding of my understanding on working on a truck as, once again, I've never worked on my truck, only others' as it is what I "assist" with when I have free time at my job. Please be respectful and I may not fully understanding of some terms or phrases used or names of parts/websites so I may be slow to catch on.

Thank you for your time,
opolistika

 

Don't do it. If you decide to get into it, come back and re-read my post after you get halfway into it.

I think a bucket to bench conversion will be more of a headache, plus I don't think Toyota ever made column shifters for the 2nd gen Tacomas or even 3rd gen.

I did the opposite of you with my Tacoma (bench to bucket) on my regular cab and this forum was not much help either. Lots of random threads of people saying they will do it or want to followed by silence. A couple of threads were helpful though with giving me ideas on what to do or not to do.

 

Yea only 1st gen regular cabs had a column shift, all other tacos are floor shift. It would be a total hack custom job to rig up a column shift in a 2nd gen.

 

If you are not a welder, then it will cost you some big $$ to have brackets, etc. custom made.

you will have to figure out where you are going to get a close fitting column shifter and cables, etc. from. Lots of toyota/lexus vehicles share parts. but which one has the parts you want that will actually fit...

you are talking about removing and modifying a lot of parts. You would need another vehicle to drive while yours is sitting for probably months as you figure out a modification that has not been documented before.

 

I'm not trying to ignore your headence towards not doing it but rather to prepare myself if I were to consider going in on this.

Did you successfully convert your bench to a bucket? If so, what would be some pointers you'd give yourself if you were to swap it back to how it was originally? And how did the whole shifting arrangement go for you? Was it on the console, floor, or already on the column?

Maybe not then considering all the feedback I'm recieving about not doing the column shifter as a whole. I may revisit this possibility later on, however, as on after hours, my coworker and I could mess around in the shop and scrapyard to get this all sorted out (Assuming I do go back to try this).

 

Is a 1st gen tundra wheel and column that much different from an early 2nd gen Tacoma?

My 06 tundra column looked damn near identical to the early year 2nd gens on the surface.

You’d have to hack job the shift linkages since tundras were column shift and tacomas are center console but outside of that, fog controlled stalk and an illuminated ignition im not seeing differences.

 

Do it! I hate the center console. Old school bench seat is the way to go. Way better without a box between you and your girl

 

I totally agree!

I'm not sure if they are exactly similar or any different but it's worth maybe looking into that if I have some time

 

If you buy a 1st gen Tundra w/ a column shift, they're basically the same dimensions as a 2nd gen Tacoma w/ a V8. Smaller front diff and lower ball joint design are the only negatives in the mix.

 

I'm not sure if you're suggesting I go buy a 1st gen Tundra or if you're meaning to swap parts from a Tundra.

I, however, do not have a V8 and may not fully understand what you are saying.

 

If really desiring a column shift truck, comparing a 1st gen Tundra (especially an 05-06) to a 07 Taco stacks up pretty well in the Tundra's favor.

 

Some reg cabs have factory bench seats. They have a small center console below the dash surrounding the shifter either a 5 speed or auto. I'd imagine there's are a few in junk yards by now. The seat back is not covered though. You would probably also need to buy new carpet. That might be a pain because all of the carpet for the extended cabs might come cut out for the console.

 

I have a bench seat i removed from my regular cab that is almost new condition and I can't even give it away (I have tried locally).


Correct that the back isn't covered with seat fabric (it has a black felt cover) but it is an easy fix if one dropped the bench seat into an access or double cab. The bolt pattern is the same in the floor for both bucket and bench but you will spend more time on airbag, seat belt, and other SRS related wiring more than anything else related.

 

I'll get back to you if I find myself interested in buying if you are eager to get rid of it.

Distance would be an issue though so I will have to see my issues first