Suspension Seat Bases (from a 70 Series) in a 40 Series (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Mar 24, 2021
Threads
13
Messages
43
Location
Southern California
Website
seadandy.com
Finally got around to trying this in my 1980 BJ42 daily driver, and figured it's worth a quick write up. Thanks to @Loober for selling me the chairs and bases - was great chatting last year.

I was concerned the suspension bases are much too tall for a late 40 series tub, but I figured it's worth a shot if it meant softening impacts while driving the crappy streets around here...

Deep cleaned the chairs and bases, mocked them up and took them for a good spin (~1 hour) before going through the trouble of seat bracket fabrication. Here are my thoughts from the experience:

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If it isn't already clear from the pics, the whole setup is just way too high up for me (6'2") to ergonomically see out windshield (high up and far ahead along the road).

Pros:
  • more leg room and way better approach angle for the pedals eliminates fatigue for taller folk
  • the air suspension seat bases dampen harsh impacts and pair nicely with my OME ~2.5" lift
  • the 70 series chair is a great upgrade to my bench style seating
    • true RHD arrangement of seats put the driver seat (with full adjustability) on the correct side for my 40 too
  • If I bottom out the suspension base and lock it ("air ride" mode off), I can see a little better out the windshield
Cons:
  • suspension base footprint is too tall
    • puts your legs way too close to stock steering wheel
    • can't see safely out windshield (at my height, impossible to see traffic lights, distant cars without slouching down)
    • naturally, egress/ingress is challenging
  • while the air suspension dampens major bumps/jolts, it doesn't do much for average road roughness (small bumps and road imperfections)...and maybe even made things more annoyingly bouncy instead
Conclusion
I'm bummed these didn't work in my 40, but I'm excited to stick 'em into a different car down the road for sure. I'll hang onto them. I know there are folks who have had great results with BMW seats, so I'll check dimensions and mock fit before looking for a pair...if that works, @BreckenridgeCruiser can have my 70 series seats for his RHD 🍻
 
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Working now. I bought seats out of a late eighties 2dr Mitsubishi Montero. The driver's is a suspension seat and rear is a fold and tumble. Would be a decent setup in a 73-78 FJ40. The suspension can be locked in place and has a knob to adjust the spring tension. Would definitely be way to tall on the 1/79+ 40 series tub. Up to 9/72 would have to loose the toolbox under the seat. While I've never test fitted the driver's seat it is a littler narrower than the 40 bucket seat and would probably allow it to be centered on the steering wheel not outset like the factory seat.
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