Hey all, I'm in the process of acquiring an '85 4Runner. One upgrade I'm looking towards is the split folding rear seats which fold flat instead of the bench seat that folds against the front seats, leaving the cavity open (requiring a plate of some sort to make it more like a truck bed).

Would I be able to acquire any split seats from 84 - 89 and bolt them in to my '85? My only concern is the little knob which must be lifted to pull it forward. More specifically, how do the split seats lock into their upright position and will this work on my '85?

I can't wait to get this thing registered and moving down the trail. I've been looking for a 1st gen. for the past 4 months and I finally am able to get one now.

Any info on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Peace,

J.

Sorry, but no one has any clue or advice on this situation? I would think it's a common issue being that bench rear seat is pretty useless when compared to a split bench where you only have to put one side down (i.e. I can fit 3 people and go skiing instead of 2). I know it was offered as an option on the '85 SR5 but my other concern is the seatbelts. Aren't the seatbelts for the split rear in the side panels? Would I have to find a pair of those as well?

I'm looking to buy some seats in the next day or so for a good deal so I kind of need to know soon.

Justin

I looked into it at one time. Couldn't find a decent donor set of seats.

The seats will bolt in. Your existing lap belts will work. If you want shoulder belts a kit is available from the dealer ($$) and you will need to get the side panels to use the belts. You will need to acquire the striker on the passanger side to lock the passanger side back. The bosses are already there.

SR5 trucks in 1985 did have split seats. What color you looking for. I might know of a gray SR5 4Runner getting parted out. It had a split rear seat. Don't know if it's still there.

Thanks for the reply. What exactly are 'strikers' and 'bosses'? Pardon my naievity.

Will seats from any 4runner from '85 - '89 bolt in or does it have to be '85?

Justin

The striker is the u-shaped piece that bolts to the side. The latch on the seat clamps to this to keep the seat in place. Bosses are the threaded holes needed to screw the latch to the side. It will be under the trim. There are spacers as I recall behind the plastic. Don't know which seats will swap in. Certainly 85. Don't know about newer.

One other issue. On mine the carpet runs up the back of the rear seat. On the split seats I've seen the carpet runs through the crack under the back, staying on the floor. The seat back had it's own carpet that was not attached to the floor.

Pappy,

Thanks for the info. I'm not worried about the carpet as I plan to customize a bed liner for the back bed, and then put some extra bed liner pieces on the back of the rear seats so that when folded, it will act like a regular truck bed with a full bed liner.

PS: Anyone ever tried this with the bed liner before?

Justin

I just PM'd you, please take a look.

Erik <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />