Hi all, I am trying to find information and or all previous posts on cutting out the back of an extra cab (or standard cab) mine being a 92' 4WD V6 SR5 Extra Cab for the purposes of installing a foldable forward facing jump seat in the truck bed just in front of the rear wheels. I know a detailed post or two has existed in the past on this subject but after hunting on the internet (and on this site) for almost two hours today I just can't find anything at all. I thought for sure I'd find several posts.

There was one guy in particular who had an awesomely detailed write up on the whole process with a lot of pictures so I really want to track it down. I'm pretty sure it's not the WildYoats guy who actually added on a cab section to his. But again maybe it was as I do remember the truck was also OD green like his or it was possibly flat black. Regardless, on his site (link below), all the photo links are broken and the write up is nothing at all like I remember so I really don't think its the same guy (or maybe my gears are just slipping).
http://www.wildyoats.com/super_cab_modification.htm

As I recall, what I had found prior (at least 2 years ago) was a really great thread on this subject here on YotaTech which had a lot of pictures with a very detailed write up / tutorial. So if anyone knows of it or remembers it, please, please link it up!

The main thing I remember is the OP had a lot of great tips on how he did it and this mainly included installing a 6"-7" deep steel box that gets welded into the bed (after cutting out the same perimeter size in the bed). Mainly it included a few do's, do nots, why's etc, in regards to spacings and obstacles so I'd really like to know all those before I begin. I know there was some mention of exact placement for the box with a not to exceed X depth and placement towards the wheels due to the drive shaft and such. So the box size and position has some pretty strict tolerances.

I also need to know if any sort of lift kit is required. I'm already planning on a 2" lift in the next few months but if for example 3" or more is required for the mod then I really need to know now before ordering any parts! That and since there will be at least 30-50lbs permanently added, should I also install heavier duty leaf springs? I already need new ones right now as well shocks too, so again, I just want to do everything right the first time.

Lastly, my son is turning 4 tomorrow and the wife and I wanted to do a big camping trip this summer with him up to the Sierra Nevada's so it's getting close to cut, torch, and weld time as we've got to have that third seat to go anywhere together. My goal is to start in March. I will of course well document the whole process for all future interests.

Please help!

 

There has to be a good reason why you just don`t buy a newer 4Runner??

As these modifications pretty much render the truck unable to haul things .

Then maybe the end game is to remove things and reuse the truck as a truck.

I have found when doing jobs like this other peoples work just gives you ideas

As it never fails steps are left out dimensions are typed wrong these things just happen. .

Figure out what you need figure out if it is possible and cost effective.

Build what you want.

The rear facing Mother in Law seat is quite popular this season!!!

 

Instead of converting a truck why not cut the roof off a 4Runner?
Pretty much the same thing but less work. 4Runner already has the seat installed

 

I don't want to sell my truck and buy a 4Runner. I don't want a 4Runner. Never have, never will. If anything I'd rather have a 2012+ 4 door Tacoma. I was thinking of getting a 2015+ model around 2020. I just can't afford it now. My truck is old but it's still in great shape and I really like the look of the extra cab and being able to remove my topper, which is a lot lighter than the tank toppers of the old 4Runners. It's only got 165k miles on it and gets driven less than 7k miles a year. I've also put a lot of work into the engine and have kept it very well maintained. I'm also not looking to inherit someone else's problems. I'm sure you get what I'm saying. Once you've put a lot of work into a vehicle the last thing you want is to buy another one and have to do it all over again. With what I have, I know everything that's been done (and been done right) over the last decade.

I know this is a project but I really don't see too much difficulty in it. You make the cuts, weld in the box, install the seat, then put in roll bars and brackets where the bed cutout is. I can also get the steel plates for the box already cut to size at IMS. (probably go .095 or a little thinner.) With the recessed cutout of at least 6" in depth and a folding bench seat, it can still easily be used as a truck. Throw a .25" rubber mat over it and you're good. And whenever I haul things like plywood or drywall I always put in a custom grid frame I made out of four 2x12's so that sheets can lay flat over the wheel wells. My current house and yard is done though so I don't foresee a lot of hauling over the next 5 years.

Anyway, I have all the tools and skills. I have a nice welder. I regularly fab things in my shop. I just wanted to find threads with pictures of how others have done it. I'm also doing this alongside a full suspension overhaul and new clutch so with everything disconnected it's really the best time to tackle it.

 

I like the idea. Not sure if I'd do it to an xcab, but I like the idea for a single cab. might be tricky getting your rear seat to sit low enough unless you chop the floor and move your gas tank

there's a whole thread on Pirate in the Toyota section regarding walk-through cabs. Lots of pics in there and you can look up the trucks to see who's got coverage of their build. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyot...post-pics.html

if interested in a mega cab build check this one out, it's pretty sweet but not finished yet. he started with a 4runner but also used a pickup cab too: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyot...cab-build.html