5th gen seat swap

I’m planning to keep my 4Runner forever. I love the way I’ve built it, and now that I’m married and planning on having at least four kids, I want to make it as family-friendly as possible. I recently scored a screaming deal on a full set of SR5 Premium seats from a 2017 4Runner, including the third row.

I’m looking to the forum for guidance — has anyone done the swap from the fold-down second-row seats to the slide-and-fold style that comes with the third row? I know many people have done the third-row install, and that part looks pretty straightforward, but most don’t seem to change the second-row seat configuration.

Should I leave my current seat chassis in place and swap over the leather and cushions, or should I just install the entire seat assembly from the SR5 Premium?

 

Welcome. I don't know if you have the bolt holes for the 3rd row. But the softex covers will swap right over. But the middle row on the 3rd row version is different than the non 3rd row. They adjust and fold differently to access the back row. So it won't be a 1 for 1 swap and bolt in. So you'll have to keep your existing middle row

 

You won’t be able to swap the covers. Swapping the second and third rows is not impossible but it is difficult. Do you have a welder and can competently weld threaded inserts to sheet metal? There are a few mounting points completely missing. You’ll also need new lower cargo plastic. Are you planning to install the third row? If not, what is the goal? I have swapped a 2 and 3 row and it was not a simple task even with them right next to each other

 

I have a 2015 SR5P and I've looked into swapping the second row seats to fold down seats. It won't be a plug and play install. At the very least, you would have to weld in brackets where the 2nd row fold down seats would latch onto. On non-third row models they are clearly exposed on the sides. Non-existant in 3 row models. And to accomadate these brackets, you would need the correct trim panel or cut out a piece in your existing. There are other mods as well like the seat brackets. But I stopped looking into it when I realized the brackets were not pre-existing in 3 row models.

You get a good idea from this post from someone who did the swap.

 

Not worth the headache or hassle. Better off selling yours and getting one with 3rd row already.

 

That was the link I used before starting the process!

 

For the effort you’re going to be still capped at three car seats max and the third row is only going to work for that window after the kiddos are out of car seats but before they get older/taller.

My Sorento’s “emergency” third row had more headroom than the 4Runner’s!

But of course we don’t know the stature of you and the missus nor how close the kids will be in age so of course YMMV.

 

Is there a reason you can't just swap the covers over?

 

It’s a different seat configuration. Armrest/cupholder are completely different. Brackets are in different locations. 60/40 split is opposite.

 

If you want seat covers just order some for your vehicle. Lots of good choices discussed here. Clazzio and these are some.

$250 EKR 4runner Seat Covers Full Set 5 Seats 2010-2024,Car Seat Cover for Toyota 4 Runner,Leather Seat Covers for Cars SUV,Automotive Seat Covers,Car Seat Protector Cushion Waterproof(Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09T28YC5H?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

there was a recent post where someone took out their drivers seat without disconnecting the battery and is now getting an error code on their dashboard. Disconnect your battery!!!!!

 

If you’re planning on a larger family, the 4Runner is not the best choice.

 

Alright then. I have some seats for sale in North County if anyone wants them lol!