Lowering the driver's seat

Can anyone offer some insight or tips to lower the driver's position in a 2nd gen Tacoma?

I recently switched from a 2007 Subaru Forester to a 2005 Tacoma (I know, Subie lovers, I had to switch for work reasons...). A major drawback for me is that the Tacoma viewing envelope is so much smaller. The head liner and sun visor block a significant amount of the sky, and rear-view mirror is also an annoying obstruction.

I'm 6'1, with a long torso. Sitting in a normal driving position I'm high up enough that I cannot see some of the traffic lights at an intersection, the rear-view blocks too much of the road, and I have to change my posture to accommodate. After an hour or more, I'll realize that I've been driving hunched over for miles, just to see better. Very uncomfortable!

I have removed the sun visor and re-positioned the rear-view mirror higher. I also removed the deflector shield at the front of the hood. All this did allow a greater viewing window, but I still have issues with the amount I can see above a 1-storey building, and still cannot see a lot of traffic lights if I'm parked at the line. After 30,000 kms driven in this vehicle I think all my issues can be solved by sitting lower in the driver's position.

So I'm looking at options:

• Is it possible to lower the seat bracket 2", or a similar mod to my existing seat?
• I could fit some other seat that's shorter. So far I've done some research and the following seats will fit my Tacoma with a direct-fit bolt pattern. Please confirm or add additional matches if you know.
  • a generation __ lexus GX470 (2003 to 2009)
  • a generation 4 toyota 4runner (20_ to 20_)
  • a generation 10 toyota corolla (2009 to 2011)
  • an infiniti J30 (1993-1997)
• I could buy a set of 2 custom seats (looking at the Corbeau Trailcat)

The bottom line, is I'm trying to get my bottom closer to the bottom of the frame. Any ideas?

 

2 inches is "a lot". A quick measure of my factory seats, even with fabricated seat brackets, would not lower the seats 2". Even removing the plastic trim from the seat cushion and setting the cushion on the floor just about gives you 2". Another issue - the factory seat brackets fit the floor contour allowing seat adjustment for and aft. A replacement seat would likely lose that adjustability. Your factory replacement options will likely need cushions that are 2" thinner (at least) than the Tacoma seats (without the plastic trim) and you may still need fabricated seat mounting brackets. The only option I see that gets you 2" or so is a seat shell with cushion, and fabricated bracket. (even the Corbeau seat has a 4.5" cushion thickness.) Anything is possible, but, I don't see a simple bolt on solution. Your factory seat can be removed in 5 minutes. Take it out and study it, the floor contours, seat bracket, and you may see something I missed.

 

Thanks for the tip - I'll try taking the seat out and poke around.

If anyone out there has a GX470, Corolla or 4Runner, could you measure the height of the driver's seat bottom?

 

One recommendation I can make is to try and find a rearview mirror relocation bracket. They were made by a member here a few years ago, so maybe there are a few floating around. It moves the mirror up near the headliner, which helps a ton for us tall guys.

 

Interesting you'd like the seat lowered. I'm about 6', and couldn't understand some of the reviews mentioning a low seat. I've read about projects raising the seat. I think it's fine on my Gen 2. In fact, I just put in heated seat pads in (I miss the heated seats in my '02 Forester) and now it's almost like the seat is too high. Still, these seats are a heck of a lot more comfortable than the newer Honda CR-V I traded in.

 

Wondering what you found regarding a replacement seat or bracket? I am looking to lower the rear of my seat to reduce the angle of the seat back as well. So far the best seats I can find are the custom ones also found on here from some company I cant pronounce the name of but make wicked comfortable seats for long range driving.

https://scheel-mann.com/products/vario-f-xxl?variant=44101722997043

 

Try looking in to a set of seat jackers. The raise the front of the seat for a more comfortable angle. I personally don't have a set as I find the stock seat position good for my driving position but lots of folks swear by them.

 

I am 6'8 and 440#, I need to lower the seat, seat jackers dont work for me.

 

Yeah, up isn't going to work for you. I'm already close to the roof an only 6'3".

 

Low profile brackets from planted + scheel-mann bucket seats works well for me. It was about a 1.5" drop. Initially, I had the the scheel-mann seats installed with the higher profile brackets from planted but my head was almost touching the roof and getting in/out of the truck was making me bump my head.