Easy mod: Rear bottom seat removal

I’m researching this & can only find info on removing the entire seat. I’m wondering if anyone has removed just the bottom portion of the rear seats ?
This mod would open up a lot of storage space between the front seat & folded down upper section of the rear seat.

 

That was my original plan when I started building my last sleeping platform. I ended up removing the backs also because I gained a little more space.

But, there's no reason not to just remove the seat bottoms. I think a handful of people here do to get the extra length for sleeping inside.

 

Yes, I will be sleeping in it occasionally while camping/hunting & want to retain the level surface afforded by the sliding cargo tray configuration.

 

It's nice being able to stretch out in there. I'm short (5',6" and still appreciate the extra length. Plus, the seat bottoms are super easy to remove and reinstall.

 

I removed the drivers side and its super easy to do. I wish I could remove both, but my dog likes having the rear seat up. I removed the drivers side for two reasons. One so I can sleep on that side with my fridge and space for my dog. And the main reason is because I leave the back of the seat up most of the time and it makes an easy entrance for my dog. I'm 6'1" and I fit fine. When I stretch out I hang my feet off. Not perfect or ideal, but it works. I've actually tinkered with the idea of making a platform removable platform to put on the drivers side to raise it about 8" for storage underneath and to allow to sleep above the folded down 60% side.

 

Feel like an idiot for even asking the question before attempting it myself. Literally took 10 minutes removing 4 14 mm bolts & accomplished exactly what I was pursuing regarding storage space.

In my tiny redneck brain, this is a must do mod for anyone that keeps their rear seats folded on a regular basis & particularly those who sleep/camp & don’t want to build a platform. Another plus is my (small) dogs can run back & forth with ease now.

 

Do the seat backs fold down any lower than they did with the seat bottoms folded forward instead of removed?

 

No, same…

 

There is this mod FYI...

https://trail4runner.com/2022/01/11/diy-2nd-row-seat-hidden-molle-panel-install/

 

But you have the space in the footwells available this way and you can also have the front seats all the way back without the seat bottoms folded into the footwells.


A word of caution if you remove the seat bottoms a lot; the welded-in nuts that those 14mm head bolts go into can strip pretty easily, mainly because the bolts go in at a slight angle. I've stripped two in two trucks. If you stop as soon as you realize you are fubarging it you can salvage the threads with a tap and replace the bolts. 8mm x1.25 EDIT whoops cancel that it's 10mm x 1.25

 

Removing the bottom seat gives me that extra bit of length I need to fully stretch out in the back, diagonally of course. The thickness of the seat cushion is about 4 to 5" I think, which ends up being quite a bit of extra headroom for tall people. Especially when you move the passenger seat forward before sleep.

 

Diagonally? How tall are you? Lol.

My original sleeping platform was 67 or 68 in Long to the back of the folded seat bottoms. With the seat bottoms removed I was able to go up to 75 in, which is to the back of the center console. I'm not sure how much more you get by putting the seats forward, though. Maybe six or eight inches?

 

6-2

Would be interesting if someone measured their 5th gen to compare.

 

front seat fully forward- 82.5”
Front seat fully back- 73”
This is with rear seat bottoms out

I didn’t bother measuring diagonally…

 

Mine is a 5th gen. I guess they're a bit longer. Looks like @Piney got the measurements.

 

Those measurements were to the base of the sliding cargo tray

 

Didn't realize the 5th gen has that much more room in back. Nice!

 

Uh, no! I'm also 5'6". We're not "short". Everyone else is needlessly tall LOL

 

Please have your coffee and post the gif. I googled it, have no idea what you're talking about.
And of course, as soon as you post it or explain what it means, I'll feel like an idiot for not figuring it out LOL

 

Got it.
Looking back, I regret asking, the visual has got me dizzy, yet slightly aroused LOL

 

I don't feel short. It's very rare that I actually think about it anymore. I think it has advantages. Like, being able to stretch out in the back of a 4Runner.

 

Alright…you asked for it !

https://youtu.be/UtgwluyNTQE

Not a 4Runner but at least an automobile to get us back on track…or not !

 

What kind of toolboxes are those/where did you buy them? I just removed my seat bottoms as well and need something level to rest my mattress on.

 

I removed the rear seats in entirety for a out west 20 day road trip in which I slept inside the 4R for 17 days. I took them out mid September and I have not put them back. I like having a 4R like truck.

 

I removed my rear seats soon after buying it. I built a wood platform to match level of cargo slider and I store tools and stuff under platform. I put an access hatch on the top platform, plus you can access some stuff with the back doors open.

 

My wife keeps pestering me about putting the seats back in and I continue to tell her I'm not putting them back in. She has her own vehicle and my three grown boys (22, 19 & 19) have their own vehicles - one just graduated from college, one is in college and one is in the Army. I see no need for me to put the rear seats back in the 4R. I originally wanted a Tacoma with a cap to sleep in. Once I realized the 4R was big enough to sleep in - it was a no brainer easy decision to go with the 4R.

Truck caps are prone to leak plus the cost and installation. No access to the front cabin area from the rear bed. No access from the sides. No heat. The 4R alternative is a winner!

 

Agree, I measured length with the rear door closed its 6'3" long so easy for me to sleep as I'm 5'8". My rear seats are staying in the spare bedroom closet until it gets sold or traded-in years down the road. Now if only it had a rear tailgate...........maybe a 5-speed manual.......

 

I love this! Do you happen to have any pictures of how it's braced on the bottom? I was doing the action packer technique, but I think I'd like to to build something similar to what you've done. I love the Goosegear system, but there's not a chance in hell I'll pay over a grand for something like that.

 

I usually remove the passenger side seat bottom for trips, but now I’m thinking of solid full length floor like above. How hard is it to remove the seatbacks? Is it just a couple of bolts like the seat bottoms?

 

I have the rear seats completely removed and I just cut a sheet of plywood 24" x 72". Screwed in two 2" x 4" legs on the front corners (right behind the passenger seat). Screwed in another 2" x 4" joist about halfway between the front corners and the level portion of the rear. The "joist" is approximately 18" wide. The 4" portion of the "joist" - 2" x 4" is upright. I am 5'11" and slept great in the 4R for 17 nights of a 20 day trip.