Which bolt-n-go aftermarket FJ40 seat?

[thebigredrocker]

I know all aftermarket seats work fine. I am at the point I would like to order seats and I am unsure which aftermarket seats are the best. I don't want to fab anything. The big 4 I've noticed are: SOR, Iron Pig, CCOT, and Cruizer Solutions. I am curious if any members have personally seen or sat in two or more popular aftermarket seat conversions. If so, was there one that stoodout as superior? Thank you

also:
My FJ40 was built December of 1975
I am 6'1 250lbs

 

[GA Architect]

Not sure what year your FJ40 is, but below are the Procar Rally Seats & Seat brackets that I installed in my '77. I was able to view and sit in them before I made the purchase. Here is the thread on my install, New Procar Rally......

My $0.02 worth - "I'd suggest, before plunking down the coin on some new seats, you need to be sure you have tested & sat in them."

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

If I had to do it over again, I would get the ProCar seats. If you're of average size, the side bolsters give you the support you need in a 40 when wheeling. They basically hold you like a glove. IPOR sells them as well as several other distributors. Whichever ones you decide, make sure they have a lever fold forward option. I picked these Rugged Ridge seats up off of CL for free but you have to turn a wheel to get them to fold forward. It's a huge PIA when the kids want to get in the back. They end up climbing thru the cage. Once they grow bigger, that won't be an option and I'll be getting the ProCar seats.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I like my stock seats , just wish the backs were adjustable to change the angle you sit - spine issues forced me to make spacers in the rear mounts to compensate . I like the shape of the ProCar units but wonder how they are getting in/out with that bolster and slightly lifted rigs ?
Sarge

 

[Wasatch Jay]

GA Architect,

I saw your comments in your build thread and didn't want to hijack that with questions. I thought about shooting a PM, but since this is a seat thread others will benefit from your knowledge and experience (anyone else feel free to answer, too).

I'm 6'4" and a good portion of that height is in my torso, so I need the bottom cushion pretty low. I'm curious as to the sitting height of your new seat vs the stock ones, and if there's a way to get the new ones lower.

I've had some back issues and I'm wondering about lumbar support as well.

 

[GA Architect]

I like my stock seats , just wish the backs were adjustable to change the angle you sit - spine issues forced me to make spacers in the rear mounts to compensate . I like the shape of the ProCar units but wonder how they are getting in/out with that bolster and slightly lifted rigs ?
Sarge

Sarge - With the "Assist Handles" I installed, no issues with the side bolster.

GA Architect,

I saw your comments in your build thread and didn't want to hijack that with questions. I thought about shooting a PM, but since this is a seat thread others will benefit from your knowledge and experience (anyone else feel free to answer, too).

I'm 6'4" and a good portion of that height is in my torso, so I need the bottom cushion pretty low. I'm curious as to the sitting height of your new seat vs the stock ones, and if there's a way to get the new ones lower.

I've had some back issues and I'm wondering about lumbar support as well.

Jay - My install of the ProCar Rally seats has me about 1/2" (+/-) higher than the OEM seats. Also, I still have a notch or two to go back if needed. I'm at 6' so being a little higher is not a big deal for me. It does cut off a little upper visual, but only noticeable like when at an overhead red light and 1st in line. If you want Lumbar support, get the ProCar Elite Lumbar. If I hadn't of found my Rally style at such a good deal, I was going to pay the extra bucks for the Elite. But I like the looks of the Rally better and they are comfortable to sit in, that is for sure.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

GA Architect,

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestion. I hadn't considered that model.

I wish I could sit in one though before ordering. I would think shipping a seat could be spendy.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Thank everyone for all the support. GA Architect your post was exactly what I needed to see. Your how-to post is very helpful and well done. I looked on Pro Car's website and it looks to me like they have the adapters #81618 & #81619 listed as for 1974-July 1975 FJ40's. I'm guessing this must be a typo or perhaps with a little modification they work on later production years. I will probably give them a call on Monday to see about getting setup.

Regards

 

[thebigredrocker]

Summit and Jegs also show the 81618 & 81619 for 74-7/75 FJ40's. My 76 FJ was built December 1975. Will I need to make mods to these brackets for my factory seat risers?
Thanks

 

[GA Architect]

Summit and Jegs also show the 81618 & 81619 for 74-7/75 FJ40's. My 76 FJ was built December 1975. Will I need to make mods to these brackets for my factory seat risers?
Thanks

redrocker - I believe your '76 seat post/brackets should be the same as my '77, thus the Procar seat brackets #81618 & #81619 should work. Give SCAT a call to confirm though.

 

[Weber Sarge]

One question I forgot to ask - how fine are the detent teeth on the upper seat back recliner ? Got lots of back issues and need to hit that "sweet spot" or legs go dead while driving . It's the one thing I hate in my Tacoma , just can't quite get comfortable .
Sarge

 

[GA Architect]

One question I forgot to ask - how fine are the detent teeth on the upper seat back recliner ? Got lots of back issues and need to hit that "sweet spot" or legs go dead while driving . It's the one thing I hate in my Tacoma , just can't quite get comfortable .
Sarge

Sarge - I have a 2010 Tacoma SR5/TRD Quad Cab SC (silver) similar to yours, and the ProCar seats adjustment is similar to them. However, the "SEAT" in the ProCar's is totally different though. It would be a crap shoot as to whether or not you'd be able to find the "sweet spot" for your needs. I had mine adjusted to a more up-right position with the initial install. A few weeks later I kicked it back on notch just to see how it felt, and it has stayed there since. It is actually still more up-right than the OEM seats I replaced.

 

[Weber Sarge]

That's my whole problem , I need that seat sitting almost dead vertical - no disks left and deteriorated lower spine and neck . No one else can drive my vehicles with the seats set where I have them , lol . It's crazy , but just a couple degrees off and I'm screwed . The Cruiser had to be shimmed at the rear seat base to make the angle right , so the bottom is actually "downhill" . I just use the seat belt to keep me from sliding down...
Sarge

 

[GA Architect]

That's my whole problem , I need that seat sitting almost dead vertical - no disks left and deteriorated lower spine and neck . No one else can drive my vehicles with the seats set where I have them , lol . It's crazy , but just a couple degrees off and I'm screwed . The Cruiser had to be shimmed at the rear seat base to make the angle right , so the bottom is actually "downhill" . I just use the seat belt to keep me from sliding down...
Sarge

Sarge - Being the ProCar seat brackets are adjustable as well, you have quite a bit of adjustments in the ProCar set up. The seat back can be locked into a vertical position. The seat's bracket could go to a low front (top hole) and high back (bottom hole) and really change the angle of the seat. This would be similar to your current modification you've done to your seat.

Note, I have mine seat neutral at the lowest (top) hole of the 3 settings, both front and back brackets.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I need to find a dealer or someone that has one nearby and try it out . Spent half a day in JC Whitney's warehouse near me trying different brands of aftermarket seats with zero luck . The only ones that came close had that stupid wind-up knob to recline and no quick fold-forward lever . I like the looks of yours as well as the Bestop or IPOR units .
Sarge

 

[Trollhole]

I have the Procar Rally Lumbars 1200. Really like them. Step up from the 1000's. But they aren't cheap. About 370 a seat. But the most comfortable seat I've had the pleasure of sitting in.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I do like the looks of those , but I'd never be able to get in/out of them , lol . Think more "old fart flat hot-rod seats" ....
Sarge

 

[JohnnyC]

neaither of these are comfortable.... but...


hotrod bomber seats? LOL

cj seats are flat

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

Keep in mind that many of these seats have huge rises on the side bolsters that fit along the thigh areas. Now these are great for lots of wheeling to hold you in the seat but for a daily driver they are a pain and make it difficult to get in an out of the vehicle, especially if lifted. For this reason I removed the seats like this that were in my 60 (put them on craigslist 'free to a good home', they were gone in 20 minutes) I replaced them with PT Cruiser leather seats from a wrecking yard for 100 bucks. Much better all around for sure.

 

[Weber Sarge]

The bomber seats would work , believe it or not . I can sit in a straight back wooden chair for hours with no issues , although DOT might have something to say about that in a vehicle ...lol .
Sarge