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2nd Gen Headrest - Solution needed

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by CowboyTaco, Nov 1, 2011.

  1. Nov 1, 2011 at 6:16 PM
    #1
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco [OP] $20 is $20

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    I have very few, if any, complaints about my 2011 DC. However, my wife constantly complains about the headrests. Whether she has her hair up or down, she says that she has to sit with her head looking down. This causes her to strain her neck, or sit with a "c" back...

    anyway, anyone else have this problem, or think that they are angle a little too far forward? it doesn't bother me, but then again, I have terrible posture. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Nov 1, 2011 at 6:37 PM
    #2
    cooktaco

    cooktaco Well-Known Member

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    Havent tried it myself, but I heard you can move the rear headrests to the front. They don't cant forward so much. If that works, order a replacement rear headreast and put it on the passenger side for her.
     
  3. Nov 1, 2011 at 6:43 PM
    #3
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    My wife said the same thing and i also felt like i was being nudged in the back of the head. What we did is simply gave a couple of clicks of the seat back recliner. Worth a shot
     
  4. Nov 1, 2011 at 6:49 PM
    #4
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco [OP] $20 is $20

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    good suggestions. I like the idea of the rear headrest the most. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

    keep 'em coming!
     
  5. Nov 1, 2011 at 9:01 PM
    #5
    Bishop2Queens6

    Bishop2Queens6 Well-Known Member

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    The head rest from the generation of 2003 Mercedes Benz ML320 fits in 2nd gen Tacomas. Those are adjustable as in they tilt
     
    highriserkaiser likes this.
  6. Nov 2, 2011 at 5:29 AM
    #6
    upthemaiden

    upthemaiden Well-Known Member

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    I had a cow lick on the back of my head for the first week I owned my truck because everywhere I'd drive the headrest was rubbing on the back of my head. I think I finally just angled the seat back a little and don't think too much about it anymore.

    I've also heard a couple say you can just flip the front headrests around so they'll angle back instead of forward. They're designed how they are for whiplash if you ever get hit, so just be aware that they're designed that way for safety reasons, but it should work if you want to flip them.
     
  7. Nov 2, 2011 at 6:52 AM
    #7
    Bloom

    Bloom Well-Known Member

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    You can turn them around backwards and that will help with your wife's hair. :)

    I read somewhere that f-ing up the headrests was part of a GovCo mandated change in 2009. Personally, I think they're very uncomfortable, especially on trips. The Tacoma's headrests make you change the seat back angle to make the headrest comfortable.

    I'm going to get the posts bent to change the angle or replace them. Some say the pre-2009 2nd gen headrest will fit, but I haven't tried one yet.
     
  8. Nov 2, 2011 at 11:37 AM
    #8
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    Thank the U.S. Government for the active head restraint system. If she can, recline the seat back and move the seat up.
     
    Holeshot likes this.
  9. Nov 2, 2011 at 11:40 AM
    #9
    hookedontronics

    hookedontronics Well-Known Member

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    you could always remove the headrest
     
  10. Nov 2, 2011 at 2:05 PM
    #10
    brian

    brian Another Traitor

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    Your wife is pretty short huh? :D
     
  11. Nov 2, 2011 at 2:15 PM
    #11
    pretzel

    pretzel Well-Known Member

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    I was thinking that, too, but the headrests are designed as they are for a reason. The passenger would likely be more susceptible to a serious neck injury in a collision if the rests were reversed. Might void any medical claims as well (?)

    It's the OP wife's choice, but just beware of the possible risks.
     
  12. Nov 2, 2011 at 2:18 PM
    #12
    BattleStatic

    BattleStatic Gluten Free

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    x2
     
  13. Nov 2, 2011 at 4:56 PM
    #13
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco [OP] $20 is $20

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    That's what she does, but as previously stated, that leaves her more susceptible to whiplash.

    I'm thinking this is probably one that I'll try, although I'm still planning on trying the switching the front and rear...even though that would make for a really uncomfortable back seat...but then again, i don't have people in the back very often.

    about 5'6"
     
  14. Jun 23, 2012 at 5:45 PM
    #14
    Bloom

    Bloom Well-Known Member

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    Have you fixed your headrest problem? I have been doing some research and found this:

    http://www.hybridcars.com/forums/headrest-solutions-t1274.html

    It’s several years of complaints about the "new" mandated headrest angle, about all manufacturers, not just Toyota, as well as a few solutions:

    1. Turn the headrest around (and lose the whiplash protection)
    2. Bend/Straighten the headrest rods
    3. Use a seat back support, the Obus® Ultra Forme Backrest Support seems to be the most popular on that forum, available online or at the Healthy Back Store, but cheaper from Amazon according to one poster.
    4. Reupholster your seats with additional foam to move your back forward, giving your head more clearance. It’s the same as above, but custom fit and finished to you and your tastes.

    I’m still looking for a pre-2009 headrest to see if it will work, but haven’t found one yet.

    Good luck. By the looks of it, this mandated “safety improvement” has people upset all around the globe. Now that is some bureaucratic power!
     
    TRDSport10 likes this.
  15. Jun 24, 2012 at 2:19 PM
    #15
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco [OP] $20 is $20

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    I used the headrest from the back seat as a replacement for a while. I eventually put the original one back and haven't heard much about it since. I was planning on getting either the older style or finding another rear headrest, but I kinda just let it go since she hasn't said anything in a while.
     
  16. Aug 11, 2012 at 6:23 PM
    #16
    bishtacova

    bishtacova Don't buy a Ford

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    I got an 08 scion xd headrest for my driver side and will get one for my passenger next.

     
  17. Aug 11, 2012 at 7:57 PM
    #17
    sde780

    sde780 Well-Known Member

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    One of the first things I noticed about the truck was the headrests - makes me want to slouch!
     
  18. Aug 11, 2012 at 8:14 PM
    #18
    Larry

    Larry CARL

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    Neither my wife or I have any issue with the Tacoma headrests on my 2012...and didn't on the 2010. I will admit, it is right there though.

    However...I bought a 2010 F-150 new in 2010 that was unbearable concerning the "active" headrests, and it was one of several reasons that I only kept that truck for about 3 months.

    the whole "active" headrest issue is compliments of your government.
     
  19. Aug 12, 2012 at 9:06 PM
    #19
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco [OP] $20 is $20

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    pics?
     
  20. Aug 13, 2012 at 10:04 AM
    #20
    Bloom

    Bloom Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the tip about the '08 Scion headrests.

    I tried one of the the Obus® Ultra Forme Backrest Supports and it might work for some people, but it was NOT the solution I am looking for.

    I thought it was uncomfortable, plus it makes you sit too far forward of the seat back, so the seat has no grip on you, especially turning sharp corners.
     

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