Howdy,

Just picked up the truck yesterday. Was supposed to be on the 10/29, but there was a slight shipment delay, plus the trucks didn't want to ship on Halloween (don't blame'em, had the '98 egged a few years back). Couldn't really complain about the wait because when all was said and done, we got the Z1 Convenience Package for the price of just the floor mats (CF).

Anyway, I made a few observations with in regard to the 3rd row option. Some may just be normal 2004 changes, but I believe most are particular to the 3rd row.

1) The 60/40 split rear seats (2nd row) are reversed (ie. the 40 split is on the passenger side).

2) The rear seats (2nd row) tumble forward instead of lifting the seat cushion first, then bringing down the seatback.

3) The rear seats ( you know which row) are not locked in a fixed incline, they can recline.

4) The rear seat headrests are different. They're like the front seat head rests.

5) The rear center armrest doesn't have the "burger tray", just the cup holders.

6) At least one reason why the JBL Synthesis in not available with the 3rd row is because the speaker mounts in the cargo area are where the seatbelts mount.

7) The 3rd row seats each weigh just about 32 lbs.

That's about all I can recall right now. If anyone has any questions, just ask.

Now a few of the pics...





More pics and a sloppy video of how to remove the 3rd row can be found here
http://home.earthlink.net/~jdvillasan/images/

 

nice!

Are those Release switches in the second pic to take the backseats completely out?

 

Nah, the switches just lock the seats in the folded position.

 

Ahh, so nobody gits peenched.

 

So the middle row reclines?

 

3rd row leg room is tight enough as it is without having seats come down on your feet.

Yup. Actually all rows recline

 

Can 3rd row seats be taken out completely or they just fold?

-- Andrey

 

Great writeup and photos, thanks! I didn't realize the third row was a tumble-home design. Too bad, a lot of floor load length is lost, but that's the tradeoff for the extra seats. I forgot the load carrying capacity of the 4th Gen, but after subtracting a full load of fuel (~150lbs.), the passengers better be light! Lastly, what kind of dog is that? Looks like the back end of a Spitz.

 

Yup, the third row can be completely removed. It's actually not too bad. Just about 3 steps, then it's out. I'll try to get a better video or at least some pics on how it goes.


The space & load thing kinda sucks, but it isn't terrible I guess. Beats packing relatives in (rather unsafely) in the old '98 (I still miss that one).

Our dog is listed as a shar-pei mix on the adoption papers, though the vet thinks she's a sheeba enu mix. Here's a shot of her

 

It's always good to see that alot of people adopt (save) dogs when they want another or just feel sorry for it. We adopted one of ours and he is one of the best dogs we've ever had.

 

Just an update, I added a few more videos showing how to remove the 3rd row seats and put them back. As well as one showing how to fold them up.

You can see them here

http://home.earthlink.net/~jdvillasan/images/

 

Man, I'd want the 3rd seat option just to get those 2nd row seats !
My buddy just got a Limited 04 V6 (w/o the 3rd row option) and his seats don't do that, they are like mine.

 

I hear that. The reclining 2nd row is definitely cool and useful feature. When the 98 was still around, the fixed seats was something a few people complained about. Now I'm like, "you know, you could recline the seats if you want to" (proud smile included).

 

I'm sooooo jeleous!

-- Andrey