Help please!

[Chrisb]

I have a 2008 Ranger extended cab, 3 litre engine, basic stock truck, I found seats from a 96 Ford explorer that I plan to swap out and will bolt in no problem, my issue is the electrical from the original seats, can I just disconnect the wires? The original seats are not powered at all. I know I have hookup the seat belt sensor. I can attach photos for clarification. Btw I'm a newbie at this. Thx!

 

[Dirtman]

The electronic connections in the seats on your 2008 are all tied into the airbags and supplemental restraint system which all run through the restraint system computer. The 1996 seats don't have the same electronics.

The passenger side seat of the 2008 has a weight sensor, unplugging that will disable the passengers side airbag and the airbag light on the dash will always be on.

Also, both passengers and drivers side seat belts on the 2008 have more than just sensors, they have small explosive devices in them that pull the belt down and lock the belts in an accident. Can't disconnect them either without being unsafe, and causing the airbag light to permanently be on. (Disconnecting them may even disable the airbags as well)

Basically the seats from the 1996 are not compatible with the safety systems on your 2008...

 

[Shran]

In addition to what Dirtman said... I am 95% sure that the tracks and seat frame are totally different between those two trucks. In fact, Ranger seats from 1998 up were changed significantly from 97 and older... Explorer seats were very similar to the older Ranger seats.

What you are intending to do is possible but it would be a LOT easier for you to use seats from a 98 up extended cab Ranger... otherwise you are in for a bunch of modifications just to make the Explorer seats fit.

 

[Chrisb]

Thanks for the info, the explorer seats bolt in the 2008 ranger no problem, the ranger seats are very uncomfortable its like sitting on a park bench so I may put up with the airbag not working and light on, I just hope the it doesn't hurt the restraint computer system.

 

[Dirtman]

Don't crash...

 

[Chrisb]

yes thx Dirtman , but will keep my 08 Sheats just incase i decide to sell it.

 

[Dirtman]

Just FYI 2008-2011 ranger extended cab seats will fit and have the necessary safety features but be more comfortable than the factory 2008 60/40 regular cab split seats. You can also remove the center extension from the driver's side seat and make your stock seats buckets then add new seat covers and other modifications to make them more comfortable. I added a head rest and lumbar support to my stock 2009 seats, with a new full length explorer console they are quite comfortable.

 

[Chrisb]

They look great! Thx for the info I will see if I can find some. Thx again!

 

[Chrisb]

Hey Dirtman this might be a stupid question but what about removing the sensors from the 08 seats and reinstalling in the 99 explorer seats. Whar trouble could I run into? Thx

 

[Dirtman]

Never done it so no idea what would be involved. The passengers side weight sensor is basically just a pad that straps under the foam so that could probably be done. The tricky part would be the female end of the seatbelts that bolt to the seat frames. You'd somehow have to remove the entire assembly from the 2008 with the exploding bits to put them on the 97 seats since I doubt they are in any way compatible. I believe there are also sensors on the seat tracks.

 

[Dirtman]

This is the exolodey part.

You'd have to get that whole assembly to mount to the 97 seats.

 

[Chrisb]

Yeah I had problems with the seat belts, thx for the picture it helps! I'll do some more research.