Can I install a 03-06 rear seat in 97-02 TJ?

jeep2fun

jeep2fun

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I searched for the forums and did not come up much answers if anyone has done this before.

So I have a 97 TJ and I want to install the 03-06 rear seat on it just because it has the car seat safety latches which are lacking on 97-02 model.

The 03-06 has 4 brackets 2 front and 2 rear. The front brackets are a easy swap in from the 97-02 to the 03-06 model.

Below are some eBay pics for 97-02 model.( Top ones are the rear seat lock latch and Bottom ones are the front hardware plates)

1616014545675.png


And here are the pics for 03-06 model.(one of each shown - we need a pair of each - Left one is rear and Right one is the front bracket).

1616014644343.png


What I have done so far is swapped in the 03-06 front brackets ( right one in the above pic) with the front brackets 97-02 (bottom one on the 97 pic).It was a straightforward bolt in and the holds the 03-06 seat in place with the tumble and fold working fine . And removed the rear seat stay (upper one in 97 pic) as that prevents the seat from completely opening.

The question I have for folks with 03-06 TJ or if you have done such an install on your 97-02 TJ - is do the rear bracket bolts interfere with the shock mounts at all? Do I have to remove the gas tank to do the install? Any pictures will be very helpful.
 
I did that swap with a friend.

It was a major PITA but we got some large fender washers in there on the bottom side of the tub.... I think we actually had to notch one of them. Dropping the fuel tank or a 1" BL would make access MUCH easier.
 
TJBrad04 said:
I did that swap with a friend.

It was a major PITA but we got some large fender washers in there on the bottom side of the tub.... I think we actually had to notch one of them. Dropping the fuel tank or a 1" BL would make access MUCH easier.
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Thanks TJBrad04. Much appreciated with the reality. Can you throw in some pics from the bottom of the tub — so I have a feel of it.
 
I am looking to do the same mod - late TJ seats in a 1999, the front seats were easy to change - bolted straight in although the foam is less dense or perhaps degraded as despite being more comfortable, they compress and therefore I sit a little too low for my liking, but will get that fixed - assume new foam or a denser layer underneath when I get them reupholstered.

Assuming you have completed the install, are there any further tricks or tips in regards to the back seat? Mine was missing, hence I had to purchase what I could.

Sounds like the petrol tank needs to be dropped and this is a job for a workshop - I live in an apartment and there is only soo much repairs I can get away with parking in an underground garage.

Thanks, J
 
Jayramble said:
I am looking to do the same mod - late TJ seats in a 1999, the front seats were easy to change - bolted straight in although the foam is less dense or perhaps degraded as despite being more comfortable, they compress and therefore I sit a little too low for my liking, but will get that fixed - assume new foam or a denser layer underneath when I get them reupholstered.

Assuming you have completed the install, are there any further tricks or tips in regards to the back seat? Mine was missing, hence I had to purchase what I could.

Sounds like the petrol tank needs to be dropped and this is a job for a workshop - I live in an apartment and there is only soo much repairs I can get away with parking in an underground garage.

Thanks, J
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Yes, I recently completed the mod. No you don’t need to drop the gas tank but getting the rear spring out of the way will do the trick. I will post some pics once I get a chance.
 
I put a newer model rear seat in my 98 without modifying the receiver brackets. I think the one you're talking about has the fold-and-tumble release latch in the center top of the backrest though right? My replacement still had the metal release latch in the lower driver side.
 
Installed the front seats with ease as some bolt pattern, although they sat too low until i installed a riser kit, which brings them back (for me) the correct ergonomic driving position.

So the front brackets on the rear seat bolt into the same holes and then you drill new holes for the rear brackets? Did you also weld or install a steel plate under the rear brackets for support?

Does anyone have drawings measurements for the rear seat area so I can measure up and drill with some confidence rather then put the seat in an guess?
 
Jayramble said:
I am looking to do the same mod - late TJ seats in a 1999, the front seats were easy to change - bolted straight in although the foam is less dense or perhaps degraded as despite being more comfortable, they compress and therefore I sit a little too low for my liking, but will get that fixed - assume new foam or a denser layer underneath when I get them reupholstered.

Assuming you have completed the install, are there any further tricks or tips in regards to the back seat? Mine was missing, hence I had to purchase what I could.

Sounds like the petrol tank needs to be dropped and this is a job for a workshop - I live in an apartment and there is only soo much repairs I can get away with parking in an underground garage.

Thanks, J
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All things being equal, the 03-06 front seats have a lower seat height.
 
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Are there any updates or other threads on this subject? I am also at a stop with the rear seat. I may just weld the two brackets in place but would rather bolt on for a cleaner look. Thanks in advance
 
SunshineY2K said:
Are there any updates or other threads on this subject? I am also at a stop with the rear seat. I may just weld the two brackets in place but would rather bolt on for a cleaner look. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

I have actually bolted the rear brackets since when I posted the thread. Little hard to hate to but have been wheeling with my kids and it has been fantastic.
 
mrblaine said:
All things being equal, the 03-06 front seats have a lower seat height.
Click to expand...

I actually prefer the lower seating position. It places my line of sight through the center of the windshield. I want to lower the seat in my JT about 2 inches, as I look out at about the 1/3 of the windshield... way too high.

What car seat safety latches are attached to the back seat? I have never seen any attachments or anchor systems on the seat in our 2005, and we've had it since new. There are Anchor attachment points in the rear cargo area, but not the seat itself.

edit - just looked up, yeah... the seat in our 2005 does not have that. Weird...
 
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jeep2fun said:
I have actually bolted the rear brackets since when I posted the thread. Little hard to hate to but have been wheeling with my kids and it has been fantastic.
Click to expand...

Hey, I just bought a 1999 jeep myself and need to install some rear seats with latches. Only way my wife would allow me to drive around with the kids! I’ve been trying to private message you to ask how did you do it but can’t seem to do it!
 
Harri said:
Hey, I just bought a 1999 jeep myself and need to install some rear seats with latches. Only way my wife would allow me to drive around with the kids! I’ve been trying to private message you to ask how did you do it but can’t seem to do it!
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I know it’s been long but I am guilty of not getting the pics and measurements. Let me slap knot on my finger to remind me to. Are there any specific questions I can answer?
 
Harri said:
Hey, I just bought a 1999 jeep myself and need to install some rear seats with latches. Only way my wife would allow me to drive around with the kids! I’ve been trying to private message you to ask how did you do it but can’t seem to do it!
Click to expand...

You can also replace the rear belts to ones with locking retractors, like current belts. Seatbeltplanet.com makes great ones, and I’ve got two car seats in my 02.

1707065205262.png
 
red02tj said:
You can also replace the rear belts to ones with locking retractors, like current belts. Seatbeltplanet.com makes great ones, and I’ve got two car seats in my 02.

View attachment 497263
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Nice!!! Do you have another picture of how you have to seat belts installed? I can’t really tell by the picture. If I was to purchase the seatbelt I’d have no clue how to put them.
 
So is the modifications made for the safety strap for car seats? Or the actual mount of the back seat? I’m purchasing a back seat out of a 03-06 and have a 2000.
 
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