Thinking of selling the 4runner and been looking at some fjs around 72-80 but had some concerns about the rear jump seats as i do have two kiddies. Is it safe and legal for them to ride in those. I did notice most of them have three point belts and that is a plus and most have the roll bars around them but wanted to make sure before diving in. Any particular models to look at or stay away from. Any info would help THANKS I did notice several 72 and 80 models on ebay that were nice and in my price range.

 

If I was hauling kids, I would put in a forward facing bench seat. My kids sat in the front (71 has bench front) and the mrs sat in back.

74 (?) got front buckets. The factory "roll bar" wasn't very strong. I would have a real bar made, or a family cage.

76 got front disk brakes

79 moved the gas tank under the body (under R front seat til then)

I would definitely look at any ebay cruiser in person (or someone I trusted and knew what they were looking at)

 

I *think* it is technically illegal in most states to have a child in a side jump seat where that child is small enough to legally require a carseat/booster/etc. If they don't require a carseat, I think you are okay.

Would I do it? Nope. I have a 3 yr old that is dying to ride in my '71 fj40. I am putting in a metaltech cage for better protection, and converting the front bench to buckets, then putting the bench portion in the back forward-facing. The carseat will go on that.

I am not doing all that because my kid wants to ride in it - it is a serious trail truck, but I can kill two birds.....