Get out of that hole! DIY seat risers...

Grade 8-10 bolts as mentioned still can sheer, the threads can pull out of the chassis as well, the fulcrum is just too much. Denial of personal injury is far too risky for me.

 

I originally posted this thread and after reading many of the replies and concerns, I went back to the stock bolts/configuration. The addition of clazzio seat covers gave me just enough of an increase in height so as not to need them. After almost a year with the truck, I've become very satisfied with the seating position.

 

The seats in these are less than stellar (huge understatement in your case). In my previous car I had a set of fixed back Status Racing seats and they were the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in, even at long drives. Status also makes reclineable/adjustable seats, and I'm sure they're equally as amazing.
Only reason I mention this is because I'm curious if you've considered aftermarket seats? It would be a less expensive change than buying a new truck.

 

Sub’d

 

Are these things safe in an accident? Aren't the seats designed for safety to not be messed with?

 

First post ever. Just feel I have to say something as a mechanical engineer (non certified, but degreed).

The fears for safety for a 3/4" higher seat is overstated. They are not going to shear suddenly because they are a tiny bit longer. These things have to be designed for a 4ft tall 80lb woman or a 7ft 500lb man.... Theres too much range there to worry about the tiny things. The factor of safety has to be there for the million different scenarios.

Now: if you are a 7ft tall 600lb guy, dont touch your seat height, you probably are touching the upper limit of safety.

 

Thanks for all the info in this thread, I’m trying to make my own and get the replacement bolts

 

What about safety in the event of a crash...

 

You're going to want to go wider on that spacer.

Just my $0.001.

 

Where’s the cheapest place for the replacement M10 X 50 X 1.25 bolts?

I’m seeing them for $7 each which I’m not paying that much

 

I got mine at ACE (10.9s) for $2.80 each. O'Reillys had a three pack for $4.

 

Thanks I’ll check there

 

I agree. Just wondering, if anyone else finds the rear view mirror too low and obstructing your vision at times when looking to the right?

 

Yup! And, birddawgindustries.com has your answer. Their mirror riser is made for 2nd Gens, but still fits 3rd Gens.

 

Well, I'm attempting to make my own seat risers out of Bubinga wood, one of the hardest woods known. Also, bought the longer bolts (60mm) from eBay.

https://www.rockler.com/bubinga-by-the-piece-3-4-thickness

$13 (5) M10-1.25 x 60 MM J.I.S. Small Head Metric Hex Flange Bolts Grade 10.9 JIS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-M10-1-25...761978?hash=item3d4281197a:g:S54AAOSw3IdZhGJ6

 

Do not cheap out on bolts for this project. $7 per bolt is not expensive...$14 for a mod that could affect your safety. Buy quality bolts from a quality source or move along.

As another member posted, this is *probably* ok because of the safety factors involved in the design of the seat mounting. However, you don't have to just consider the shear strength of a bolt because you have changed the arrangement from single shear and axial forces and added moment forces to the attachment. Is it significant enough of a change to be a safety concern? Maybe not, I'd have to do the analysis. But maybe.

However, I will say, if you are going to do this mod, DO NOT USE CHEAP BOLTS. You want to use high quality bolts of at least the factory specified grade. They don't spend the extra money to put higher grade bolts in this application just to make the truck more expensive...

 

I did check the calcs with Grade 10.9 bolts and 1.0in spacers. High margins there. I've been meaning to recheck it for 1.5in spacers.

 

10.9 is grade 8 equivant

“A tempered medium carbon steel. Class 10.9 is stronger than class 8.8, and is commonly found in high strength automotive applications. Class 10.9 is similar to grade 8. ... A low carbon steel for general use.“

 

Checked what calcs?

I didn't look at your link, just stating it's not an expensive part and not somewhere to cheap out. Are the factory bolts 10.9? I would guess so but don't know. Since you scoffed at paying $14 I assumed you were looking at some $2 low grade option instead. So you saved what, $5? *shrug*

 

The bolt checks in your post?

Yes.