Seat swap

I've recently come across some pretty comfortable looking seats from a 1997 Toyota 4Runner I was wondering if those would fit in a 2003 Tacoma without much fabrication.

 

3 bolt holes will line up out of 4. Comfy time!

 

Do I have to worry about the 4th hole or can I just leave it?

 

It's probably OK but I'd still and make your own 4th connection. There are a few posts on here about it. Nice upgrade from stock taco seats.

 

These are the seats

 

Luxury

 

Hell yeah! And with seat covers they're mighty fine! I've got seat covers with MOLLE webbing on the back (from my Jeep) that I'm going to try to fit on these seats.

 

I understand the Jeep thing. That's why I drive a Toyota. Haha. Funny bumper sticker I saw once.

 

I just bought those same seats from a junkyard. 3 of the 4 holes will align, but you SHOULD NOT leave it that way. You need to fab the 4th hole, why compromise your safety with a partially secured seat...Imagine the force of an accident, you don't want to play with your life. My 0.02

 

What did you guys pay for your used seats? I'm gonna do this as well. See what offer I can give the local junkyard if they have any.

 

I didn't get an amazing deal, but in california, the best deal i found was $70 per seat. I have seen on here others getting both for around $100. YMMV

 

And mine were dirty. $15/4 hour homedepot wetvac + chemical guys fabric cleaner did the trick.

 

This guy wants $10 each. He's junking the vehicle.

My Jeep Cherokee was a piece of poop but I miss the aftermarket. Accessories were WAY cheaper for a Cherokee than they are for a Tacoma.

Mostly I don't think I have the capability to fab another hole, could it be done with a hand drill and a carbide bit?

 

hah I got so ripped off! Definitely buy those! Just swap the frame rails from your stock seats with the 4runners

 

Not really. Junk yards are still a product of capitalism, they have to make a profit to stay in business so your money goes to make sure they stay around lol.

The 4runner rails? You mean the part that bolts to the vehicle floor? Also, how easy is it to change out a seatbelt?

Also, don't get too excited, I haven't even seen the seats yet. For all I know all the material on the inside is worn out and they might have no support.

 

yes the metal sliding brackets, the side covers come off of the seats and then there bottom cushions can be replaced separately by 4 bolts (2 on each side) or the seat as a whole can be unbolted from the 4runner rails that the feet are shaped to mount differently and bolted onto your seat rails.

seat belts clips bolt to the hump under the seat so those are easy, the door sides you need to remove the side panel to get them out. a bit fiddly and be careful not to break anything but its not hard. you can use an allen wrench that fits tightly if you don't have a big torx bit for it, but it has to fit very tightly to the point you almost need to tap it in to get it to fit, otherwise go buy the right torx bit for it. another trick is grab the outside of the torx bolt with a pair of locking pliers to break it loose and get it starting to turn as they can be very tight and you definitely don't want to strip it. reinstall all seat belt bolts using red thread locker and make sure everything is securely tightened.

 

I have a nice torx set. All the way from glasses repai size to like 11/16 socket head size (that's a guess, I don't remember the exact torx designation) all of which fit on an attachment for a socket wrench. I think I'll be set.

It's a 3 hours drive to get these so I'll be pissed if they're shit.

 

lol, well the seat belt one is like the size of your pinky finger so I hope your good

 

I just need the part where it comes out of the side of the car. Mine is getting to the point where when I unbuckle it it takes back up REALLY SLOWLY and I often shut it in my door.

Anyway, I'll post pics as I do the swap if y'all want.

 

do a search, there is a thread here that shows how to take it apart and turn the spring to fix that. the spring was never that tight from factory and gets weak plus needs cleaning and fresh grease after all these years. no need to take it out and replace it unless the belt is frayed or worn. mine is wimpy about returning too but I just got used to lifting the belt up to help it because im too lazy to fix it lol