98.T4R

my front seats are just barely a different color than my rear seats and the leather on the front seats are harder and not as plush as the rear. is this normal or could a previous owner have done something to the seats. this is in a 98 4runner

slisdexia

go to Napa or the like and get a leather conditioner. This should be done from time to time to prevent what you are describing

stir_fry_boy

I use Macguiers (sp?) in a black bottle. Awesome stuff. It is called "Gold Class Leather". Works well and the whole bottle will last you forever. It costs about $10-$15.

4runnit

stuff works wonders

sdsurfer

yes this is the case with my runner too when I bought it. 229k. I swapped out seats for some acura ones and viola.

98.T4R

thanks for the reply's. i have been using Macguiers gold class conditioner and it defiantly helps. does anyone else have slightly different color seats front and rear?

Vermejo

Mine are the same way. It's a 98 and been well cared for. The leather up front is a bit different. Darker/harder front and softer lighter in back. I'll try the Meguiar's as mentioned.

rjaudi

The fronts are hard because they see sunlight where the back seats have privacy glass that blocks the UV rays. I just ordered leatherique rejuvenator oil which will hopefully do the trick.

Vermejo

That would be the most logical answer.

96743runner

The front seats in my 98 limited are a bit harder than the rear seats. Just a result of 11 years of normal wear and tear, I guess. They seem to be the same color though. It seems as though you guys like Meguiars. I will give it a try and see if using that helps.

rjaudi

I applied the leatherique rejuvenator oil and pristine clean. The products are not cheap, but they did clean the leather and it is noticeable softer. I plan on putting another coat on the tougher spots to see if it improves even more.

98.T4R

i am starting to think the dealership i bought it from put that cheap leather repair liquid on my seats. i can see where it has worn threw now after owning it for a while. it is even peeling a little in some spots

Ron Helmuth

rjaudl thanks for the feedback on that product-nice to hear an unbiased user opinion.

98.T4R it's a symptom of leather seats in general that have been neglected. If we were the type of people to wash and wax our vehicles weekly and detail the interior with leather cleaner your seats would still be good as new. The leather is quite durable but it just dries out terribly, out here in particular.

Shops can reupholster the leather. It's not cheap-I know a place and they do excellent work but they get paid accordingly-

but hey its only money, and think how your butt will love you.

Can't wait to see photos with your 882s and LC coils installed. Your truck looks pretty capable already as shown in avatar photo.


I am hoping to eventually make the jump to 01-02 power heated leather seats so if you would have interest in my almost pristine '99 leather fronts stay in touch.

BT17R

I've used Lexol products for years with good results. Inexpensive, available most anywhere and silicone-free.