yoda711

So, I have a 2008 4runner (Urban Runner trim) with a sunroof. Bought it a few months ago. Didn't notice during the test drive, but I've noticed more and more lately, the lack of headroom, and it's getting kind of annoying! I have the seat down as far as it will go.

I'm 6'2", and I feel like I'm looking at the visor sometimes, and my hair brushes up against the ceiling, especially when I'm looking left to turn or change lanes. In order to not have this happen, I have to recline the seat like a gangsta which is not comfortable. An extra 1 inch of headroom would go a long way.

Has anyone lowered their seat or done anything about this? I figure these are my options:

1.) Mod the seat brackets. As far as I can tell, there's about an inch to be had here. Problem is, I think cutting and bending the existing brackets (as some have done) could be unsafe in a crash. And I can't weld (though I know people who can). I saw a thread where someone flattened out the brackets and elongated the holes to get the 4 bolts back to their original positions.

2.) Find some aftermarket brackets that are lower. To my knowledge, this does not exist.

3.) Remove some of the seat foam. Needs new upholstery anyway. Honestly I can't see this having much of an effect though, unless I remove so much foam that the seat is no longer comfortable.

4.) Are there any 4runner or Tacoma trims that have a manual (non motorized) seat? Are they lower than the motorized version? I'd be willing to make the sacrifice if this solves the problem.

5.) Aftermarket 'racing seat' ? Are there TRD seats that are lower? Can't find any!


edit: I've read plenty of threads with replies such as "well I'm 6'x" (or even 5'x") and I don't have this problem." Well perhaps you like your seat back further, or more of your height is in your legs. The problem is real for me. My previous Jeep TJ, my dad's F150, and my wife's Audi Q5 have MILES of headroom compared to my T4R.

07desertrunner

I have a 2007 runner and have the same sunroof and the same exact issue (I'm 6'1"), and I have not found any solutions to the headroom. If you find any fixes please let me know.

yoda711

Yeah I ended up flattening out the rear z-bend brackets that the seat sits on. I will probably do this for the passenger side at some point as well. Gained enough headroom that my head no longer touches, though it's still not as much as other vehicles.

07desertrunner

Did you need to weld to do that or just a really big hammer? I wanted to do the same to mine but want it to still function properly.

yoda711

Yeah I did have to weld, but not much. My father in law helped me, and I had never welded before.
I did exactly this:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/148032-how-lower-seat-4th-gen.html

07desertrunner

Very nice!! Thank you for the link.