Is it possible to remove seat from a 97 TJ without removing the base?

[1allspub]

I’m wanting to replace the driver’s seat foam cushion in my 97 with one of the new ones Summit Racing has. I also need to replace the suspension grill underneath the seat as it’s shot.

However, when looking under my seat at the 4 bolts that need to come out to remove the seat itself, I noticed that a previous owner replaced the T50 (usually found in the back corner nearest the console) with a regular bolt… but didn’t seem to get it in straight … and so now I’m concerned that if I remove it, I’ll never get it back in again (ie, the threads will be all boogered up).

The seat itself is rock solid feeling otherwise. So I was wondering if it’s possible to leave the base installed and just remove the seat via the 8 bolts that hold the slider to the base (pic of one side of 4)?

Would appreciate any help/advice. Thx.

 

[macleanflood]

I just pulled both my seats on my 97...but they've been on and off multiple times.

Personally I'd pull the cock eyed bolt...order the right seat bolts...

Worst case you fill the hole with weld, drill and retap...but something also tells me that might be a nutsert...

-Mac

P.S. I put $60 worth of DEI Boom Mat down on my floors and it made a big difference.

 

[Pop75]

I’m wanting to replace the driver’s seat foam cushion in my 97 with one of the new ones Summit Racing has. I also need to replace the suspension grill underneath the seat as it’s shot.

However, when looking under my seat at the 4 bolts that need to come out to remove the seat itself, I noticed that a previous owner replaced the T50 (usually found in the back corner nearest the console) with a regular bolt… but didn’t seem to get it in straight … and so now I’m concerned that if I remove it, I’ll never get it back in again (ie, the threads will be all boogered up).
View attachment 532946

The seat itself is rock solid feeling otherwise. So I was wondering if it’s possible to leave the base installed and just remove the seat via the 8 bolts that hold the slider to the base (pic of one side of 4)?
View attachment 532949

Would appreciate any help/advice. Thx.

I would pull the seat and fix that bolt if I was working on it. I think that base bolt goes through the floor so if I real bad, drill and put a nut underneath. If you weld, spot the nut on the underside for convenience. Never miss a chance to repair something you see that needs it!

 

[1allspub]

I appreciate the advice to fix the wonky bolt, but I don’t have a welder… and at the moment just need to get my new seat foam and suspension/spring in so the seat doesn’t suck so bad. I’ll go back and eventually fix that wonky bolt when I can get access to a welder and have the time to do it right.

But for now I’d like to just stick to fixing what I can, if possible… so I’ll ask again, is it possible to leave the base installed and just remove the seat via the 8 bolts that hold the slider to the base? Thx!

 

[hear]

I appreciate the advice to fix the wonky bolt, but I don’t have a welder… and at the moment just need to get my new seat foam and suspension/spring in so the seat doesn’t suck so bad. I’ll go back and eventually fix that wonky bolt when I can get access to a welder and have the time to do it right.

But for now I’d like to just stick to fixing what I can, if possible… so I’ll ask again, is it possible to leave the base installed and just remove the seat via the 8 bolts that hold the slider to the base? Thx!

It's possible; but Ive only ever removed the base with the entire assembly out of the jeep. From memory there are only 4 bolts that hold the seat to the base. Getting at those bolts is probably not impossible, but likely involves you being upside down in the back seat for part of the adventure.

 

[1allspub]

It's possible; but Ive only ever removed the base with the entire assembly out of the jeep. From memory there are only 4 bolts that hold the seat to the base. Getting at those bolts is probably not impossible, but likely involves you being upside down in the back seat for part of the adventure.

Thanks… my 97 has 4 bolts on each side (per the pic I posted above)… maybe different for different year TJs?

 

[LONGJP2]

IIRC, that's also your seatbelt bolt.

 

[lBasket]

IIRC, that's also your seatbelt bolt.

I think you're right, the one by the console is bigger on both sides.

My jeep has had quite a few welded on nuts that are pretty far from level though, maybe it's just like that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[hear]

Thanks… my 97 has 4 bolts on each side (per the pic I posted above)… maybe different for different year TJs?

IDK, i've swapped in seats to my 97 & 02 and used seats from various years but I've never had 8 bolts per seat. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Dave Kerr]

I appreciate the advice to fix the wonky bolt, but I don’t have a welder… and at the moment just need to get my new seat foam and suspension/spring in so the seat doesn’t suck so bad. I’ll go back and eventually fix that wonky bolt when I can get access to a welder and have the time to do it right.

But for now I’d like to just stick to fixing what I can, if possible… so I’ll ask again, is it possible to leave the base installed and just remove the seat via the 8 bolts that hold the slider to the base? Thx!

Very simple to remove the seat itself with 2 bolts in the rear and 2 up front. These hold the spring frame onto the base.
You may have to deal with the seat belt.

 

[LONGJP2]

IIRC, that's also your seatbelt bolt.

I guess I assumed it was like the older (CJ) jeeps.
I recently had my seats out and noticed the seat belt is attached to the seat assembly.
I'm surprised a larger bolt is still warranted in that location.