I guess there just isn’t enough interest: replacement seats

Reading through the thread on replaced seats, and the dead-end issue of the air bag system.
I posted on this topic at my startup here, and gave up that idea over the air bag. IMHO, the issue of an early air bag deployment is just as important and dangerous as no deployment when needed. I gave up the quest.
Not to even mention: Insurance Co would hang you up to dry in any injury accident. No after market product could take on the liability.
After this much time, and so many sore backs and backsides, …STILL?? There has to be a rocket scientist here that could engineer either:
> a replacement seat to work as the OEM intended.
> a sensor and wiring mod to adapt foreign seats to the Taco
My guess is there just isn’t enough market out there to make it worth the effort. On the other hand…….. some of the “hobby” projects seen here are quite well done with no cash profit included, but just “because I can!”.
I’d sure like to get that hard bench out of mine!

 

I have the softext leather seats (2013 Limited) so maybe that makes a difference but I think they're great. Probably the most comfortable seat I've ever had in a vehicle.

 

Ah yes, I bet they are nice! Your truck has OEM bucket seats. The Base cab trucks only come with the “park bench” seat. It’s a PITA !

 

Can you not just buy the OEM bucket seats then and install in your truck?

 

It has been done but there is some modifications that have to be done with the airbag wiring among other things so do so at your own risk.

 

Look at the Link above from DM93……….
I know it seems like an obvious answer, that’s what I thought too: why wouldn’t Toyota use the same seat floor bolt pattern, and why wouldn’t the floor contour match up with other Toyota bucket seat floor mounts….. and, why wouldn’t the airbag seat wiring and the computer processing work from truck to truck. Dunno why, but it doesn’t! I looked at other Toyota trucks and my Wife’s Highlander before shaking my head and realizing it was just not going to happen.
There was a thread here on the subject a long while back, where a Guy DID swap in the seat sensors, and the wiring, with very good photo documentation. The seats had to come apart to place the sensor. It is possible, just not realistic. BTW, I’m a 47 year on the job jet mechanic. I know the odds of getting in beyond reason. Maybe if I was still 20 and carefree.
Recently gave up my 90 mile commute, My Wife bought me a Butt cushion! It does help on the long hauls.

 

I hear you. I'm surprised that Toyota would do that with the bench seat making it so difficult to swap. TIL thanks!

Hope you find a reasonable solution eventually. Good luck.

 

Isnt the biggest issue the buck seat would have different side airbags in the seat itself? I have a 2012 reg cab with bench that I need to replace too. This is the write up I found, but there seems to be no different answer if the airbag light goes out and they work. It seems straight forward enough.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bench-to-trd-bucket-swap-in-2006-tacoma-boom.307099/

 

Is that right? Buckets have the Air Bag in the seat? Don’t understand why that would be the case and didn’t know! Driver/Pax are seated in the same locations, so bizarre!
It was quite interesting looking over that Documentary you referenced. Mine has an automatic trans.

 

The bucket seat conversions don't have the airbag tag on the side of the seats. My bench does, seats need to be 09 or newer for airbags I think.

 

LMGTFY - Nope never been done ✅

Corbeau makes sliders for direct drop in.
https://corbeau.com/toyota-tacoma-2005-2015-seat-brackets/

who needs 12 airbags anyway??