5th gen 3rd row swap

Hey guys,
This is my first post, and before I get into it, I just wanted to say thank you for all the help you guys have given me over the past few months on my newly purchased 4Runner.
I purchased a third row model, and although it seemed like a great option for me at the time, I've come to find out that, for me, the third row is a waste of space. However, I'm happy with this purchase and I'm willing to explore possibilities. Which brings me to an idea I had when uninstalling my second and third row to see what options I had. As you all know, the second row in the third row model doesn't fold down flat like a standard non third row model. Just for fun I took the third row and placed it where the second row was just to see and it looks awesome. It's almost level with the back cargo area due to the way the third row folds down. I understand that there may be some fabrication involved, but can anybody give me some insight on if this would even be possible at all? Or the only other option I have would be to purchase a second row from a non third row model and install it that way. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
-Nick

 

I'm a big fan of 3rd row. I wish I can get the 3rd row from anyone want to get rid of and fix it with 100% factory perfection.
Don't need the seat belt as it would be used only for really really short drives.

Update-

Just remembered that TRD second row seat doesn't slide forward for 3rd row passengers to get in..

 

I have a 2021 forerunner SR5 premium without The third row. I have heard of people doing a swap for the third row option. Would that be something that you would be interested in?

 

pics of what you did? curious.. I have a third row myself.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Not to derail; however, I read somewhere that the rear suspension on third row models was a bit different/beefier than in those without. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

 

Curious as to where this goes

 

Haven't been able to find anything online regarding this matter. If I knew how to weld/fabricate, this would be a closed case. I'm at a dead end for now. @j4unner what pictures were you looking for? I think I have a few.

Also sorry for the latest reply ever lol

 

I may be interested in swapping out the 3rd row for a non 3rd row.

 

My third row been covered in my garage since I bought it..

 

The floor is not flat when flipping the 2nd row on any of the models. It’s my understanding that when you drop the 3rd row and 2nd, you have a flat floor and the same with the cargo tray and 2nd row.

 

Interesting, so are you saying that the second row in both the cargo tray and third row models, both slide instead of fold down?

 

No, I think they all fold down, just with 3rd row also down, or a slide out cargo tray, when you put the 2nd row down, the floor is flat. I’m not sure how to explain any better, maybe some one else will help out.

 

I have a 3rd row for sale if anyone is interested. Brand new off a 2021 SR5 cloth seats. Located in So Cal.

 

the third row set higher in the back so it makes it leveled with the second row when its folded down so you get a flat surface also if you have the third row your second row has a lever on the sides that slides the seats forward and tilts them so you can get it in

 

Still have the seats?

 

Looking at removing/replacing my 3rd row as well. Don't want to always be "the guy that drives" just because i have more seats than anyone else.

 

here’s what I did. With a piece of plywood. Then sprayed a cheap bed liner on it. Now I have a platform ect..

 

That looks awesome man. I did something similar but without the 2nd level. I have 2 separate ply sheets that interlock. The back sheet covers the 3rd row delete and the 2nd sheet covers the 2nd row delete. Makes for a completely flat cargo area with plenty of headspace. Only problem is the 2nd row is kind of a pain in the a** to take in/out.

 

In a '16 Limited, the surface is not flat when the 2nd & 3rd row seating is folded down. I'll work on getting the height difference measured along with some pics. I'd like to see some pics of the cargo area in a 5th Gen with the 2nd row seating folded down.

Keith

ETA: I'm referring to the transition from the cargo area to the folded backs of the 2nd row seating not being flat.

 

That transition isn’t flat in my non 3rd row. Thanks for the info.

 

Do you have a picture without the stuff in the trunk? Looks really good! I was told that the 3rd row 4R’s have more space in the trunk that a non 3rd row just because you can also slide the 2nd row forward etc.

 

Anybody in Socal want to sell or trade a 3rd row for a tray? PM me!

 

Not really true flat. 2nd row has a slight slope. Flat enough to load stuff, not perfectly flat for sleeping with a bad back.

 

Hey sorry for the late reply but I'm in SoCal and might be willing to trade. Shoot me a message and we'll talk

 

i'm in florida and want to get rid of my 3rd row and associated parts and go 2nd row with the sliding cargo tray which makes the floor flat. i have a 2016 and the interior is immaculate.

 

Hi. I have a new to me 2018 LE with sand beige leather 3d row seats that I would like to remove and trade for a 2 row seat and flooring. Willing to trade or sell 3d row and interior panels.
I am in St. Louis area.
Thanks
x