1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Passenger Seat Back Removal

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by FN2187, Jan 27, 2025.

  1. Jan 27, 2025 at 11:45 AM
    #1
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    Anyone know of a quick and easy way to take the back off the passenger seat? Found something on the other forum while searching but I refuse to go there anymore due to the ads and such. Appears it does come apart, just not sure how difficult it is or how to do it.

    Because of my widdle wadder and spare tire carrier, I'm looking for a way to get 8' 2x4s in the back. I could always remove the hitch mounted spare tire carrier or strap them on the roof rack but thought if there's an easy way to break down the passenger seat then that'd be the way to go.
     
  2. Jan 27, 2025 at 12:31 PM
    #2
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2023
    Member:
    #35824
    Messages:
    3,058
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas/Ft Worth
    Vehicle:
    2023 40th Anniversary Special Edition
    Oooh look, another mod.....

    The backseat removal process begins around 4mins.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6C4WSKV5mU
     
  3. Jan 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM
    #3
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    Thanks for that but I don't want to remove the backs seats, I was wondering if the back of the passenger front seat is easily detachable. I didn't think about searching YouTube, there's probably a video for that too
     
  4. Jan 27, 2025 at 12:48 PM
    #4
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2023
    Member:
    #35824
    Messages:
    3,058
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas/Ft Worth
    Vehicle:
    2023 40th Anniversary Special Edition
    Oooh look, another mod.....
    Oooooooooh, the front seat. Yeah, I doubt it's easily detachable or removable. Think about it. You want that thing locked in and locked down. You'll have to put in some sweat equity to remove it.
     
  5. Jan 27, 2025 at 2:29 PM
    #5
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2022
    Member:
    #29771
    Messages:
    3,064
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Philip
    Oakboro, N.C
    Vehicle:
    2022 4 Runner Limited. Blizzard Pearl
    I wonder would that throw and airbag code, Once you removed the seat back from the base of the seat & reinstalled. Only had one apart when doing katskins on a work bench.
     
  6. Jan 27, 2025 at 2:35 PM
    #6
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    Yeah, I didn't realize it would possibly mess with the airbags. I just watched a YT video about removing the seat completely and it says to disconnect the battery when you remove it so they don't go off.

    Guess it's not going to be an easy option afterall. Would be nice if it could fold all the way down (forward) or out of the way somehow to fit longer items.
     
  7. Jan 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
    #7
    Hungryhawk

    Hungryhawk New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Member:
    #4480
    Messages:
    302
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Southern CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5
    I have just folded back seats carried a door and 7' oak flooring planks by opening rear window and padding everything with old towels,but do not want to damage window rubber seal. Materials stick out and a red flag can be used when necessary.
    I imagine a custom DIY wood frame -like used in track running hurdle. It will be high enough to protect the window sill. It can be tied down to the existing tie down points. A little design work and it can be foldable. Here is a concept sketch:
    IMG_7672.jpg
     
  8. Jan 28, 2025 at 6:07 AM
    #8
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    That's a good idea. I've had plywood and 2x4s hanging out the back window before and just used a shipping blanket to protect everything. My issue now is I've blocked the window with the spare tire and a ladder.

    I may be able to stack them on the center console but will need to take some measurements first. I need to stack 20 on there if I can fit them. Otherwise I will throw them on the roof rack and strap them down. I rented a home depot truck when I bought the first 40 because that felt like too many to stack on the roof and didn't think they'd ever fit inside
     
  9. Jan 28, 2025 at 6:21 AM
    #9
    Hungryhawk

    Hungryhawk New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Member:
    #4480
    Messages:
    302
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Southern CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5
    Can you put the spare back in its factory position underneath. Then fit the lumber around the swing bracket and ladder steps?
     
  10. Jan 28, 2025 at 6:25 AM
    #10
    UncleShorty

    UncleShorty New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2021
    Member:
    #19109
    Messages:
    323

    Doesn't Home Depot deliver? Why fool around and take a chance on breaking something?
     
  11. Jan 28, 2025 at 6:42 AM
    #11
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    That's a great idea - I'll have to check if the mounting plate for the wheel will still be in the way or if I can work around it. I can just throw the spare in the back. Much easier than removing the entire hitch carrier. See, I knew there was a reason I keep you guys around!

    They do deliver. When I originally loaded up the cart before doing phase 1 of this project they wanted like $80 to deliver, which I thought was ridiculous. It cost me about $25 to rent their truck (including gas). I could rent the truck again but with only needing 20 2x4s this time I can't help but think I can get them in the back.
     
  12. Jan 28, 2025 at 7:16 AM
    #12
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2023
    Member:
    #35824
    Messages:
    3,058
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas/Ft Worth
    Vehicle:
    2023 40th Anniversary Special Edition
    Oooh look, another mod.....

    Lets do some (logical) math, shall we?

    It will cost you roughly $80 in delivery fee's. BUT, if you do it yourself your time is worth, say...$45/hour (I'm being generous) and it takes you an hour to remove it, then another hour to put it back. That's $90. Plus you run the risk of the wood or whatever you're hauling flying out of control and damaging something. Most likely, the windshield.

    Windshields are not cheap; even if your insurance covers them you still have a deductible to pay. Long story short, save yourself the time and possible hassle, just cough up the $80 and have it delivered.
     
  13. Jan 28, 2025 at 7:19 AM
    #13
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    Haha, true. I'm usually not one to penny pinch so it's funny the hills I sometimes pick to die on. I also wanted to pick the 2x4s out myself so they don't just deliver all the busted and bent shit that nobody else wants
     
  14. Jan 28, 2025 at 7:27 AM
    #14
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2023
    Member:
    #35824
    Messages:
    3,058
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas/Ft Worth
    Vehicle:
    2023 40th Anniversary Special Edition
    Oooh look, another mod.....

    Ah yes, the crappy wood full of knots and the warped shit. Been there. I've lost enough of those trivial battles in my life. Now I look at something and think "I should pay someone else to do that for me."

    Here's a great example: About 4yrs ago I started wrapping the huge tree in my front yard with lights. You know, for Christmas. I wrapped the trunk and all the limbs. It looked BEAUTIFUL when I was done. I chose blue lights and everyone loved how it looked. It took me roughly 5 hours to get it done. Going up and down and up and down and up and down a ladder. I almost fell, twice.

    The next day; and for the remainder of the week. I could barely walk. My fucking legs and thighs were on fire. It took me 20 minutes to walk from my office desk to the bathroom; and the bathroom was 50ft away.

    The next year, I hired someone to do it for me and I have every single year since. Sometimes, the juice is NOT worth the squeeze. Can I do it? Yes. Should I do it? Ehhhh, probably not.
     
  15. Jan 28, 2025 at 7:35 AM
    #15
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,751
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    besides the airbags, disassembly of the front seat would probably be mechanically putzy. You probably would need to worry about the springs and ratcheting gears that make the seat angle change. It would be way easier to take the entire seat out whole.

    Long 2x4s are probably best carried on the roof. Might take a bit to figure out how to get them strapped good, but way easier than taking the front seat out.
     
  16. Jan 28, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    #16
    Hungryhawk

    Hungryhawk New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Member:
    #4480
    Messages:
    302
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Southern CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5
    I tried 10' mouldings on roof. Small lightweight items. The problem was the spacing of my stock crossbars. The support the crossbars provided was too centered. The strips of bundled mouldings drooped and I had to wrap towels on the bundle to protect the roof paint. Then I tied the bundle to front frame anchors with more paint protecting pads. The drive was only a few miles on city roads, but every dip on the road started the wood flapping. Now I have a friend with a pickup truck get my lumber.
     
  17. Jan 28, 2025 at 8:27 AM
    #17
    catbrown357

    catbrown357 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2023
    Member:
    #37386
    Messages:
    907
    Gender:
    Male
    Tempe
    Vehicle:
    2011 Limited 4WD
    Unless you have the stock roof rack, put them up there. Isn't that what that silly widdle wadder is for? I wouldn't hesitate to put 20-30 8' 2X4s on my RCI rack. That thing is stout. I'd be careful about my speed in corners, but it's only from Home Depot to my house. Taking apart the front seat is brain damage.
     
  18. Jan 28, 2025 at 10:07 AM
    #18
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    I think 20 should be fine up on the Gobi. When I measured and calculated how high 40 were going to stack it was higher than I was comfortable with. I should have just bought all 60 at the same time but wasn't sure how large I was going to build a 2nd storage rack
     
  19. Jan 28, 2025 at 10:16 AM
    #19
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Member:
    #10964
    Messages:
    6,883
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR, KDSS, RSG sliders, Eibach shocks, 265/70 Falken Wildpeak AT4
    I don't suppose you know anyone with a pickup truck, or a utility trailer, who might help you out...? My truck is available, and I live on Earth...
     
  20. Jan 28, 2025 at 11:31 AM
    #20
    FN2187

    FN2187 [OP] Stormtrooper

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2022
    Member:
    #27707
    Messages:
    1,682
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD ORP w/ KDSS
    Victory 4x4 Blitz front bumper Smittybilt 10k Synthetic Gobi Stealth no-rise RCI sliders Rago panels and shelf, dash mount RCI Alu skids Dobinsons 2.5/1.5 285/70 Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek SSO Hitch Mounted Swingout Anytime Front/Rear Camera
    You would think that, with my glowing personality, I'd have lots of friends. But alas, of my two closest, one lives in another country and the other all the way across my country. Guess I do better when it doesn't require face time. Maybe it's because I look like sloth from the goonies.

    I have a couple of neighbors with pickups and I'm sure they'd help if I asked. I just don't like asking if I can figure out a way to do it myself.

    I do, however, appreciate your offer. I consider you all my friends (without benefits).

    Appreciate all of the suggestions, looks like I've got my answer. No, there is not an easy way to remove the back of the passenger seat to fit long items. I'll figure something out
     
    glwood54[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top