Bucket Seat CONVERSION questions

[MikeT]

I have a 1997 extended cab Ranger with bench seats that are worn out. What other year Ranger bucket seats will fit? What do I need to do for the conversion? Will the seats just bolt in? Will I need to make any modifications for the center console? Also, will Explorer seats fit in? What years?

I Really want to do this conversion but am not sure what I need to do. Thanks for your responses.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

Common question with plenty of options.

There may be some direct posts on this so you would do well by using the search function on the site and play with that...someone might have a definite answer that suits your needs but usually there are slight variances that make every job a bit unique...like what seats you find as opposed to what you actually want...center consoles, seat belts, and bolting information can be very different...

The Tech Articles (link located at the top of the website page) are a fantastic resource that you will probably find to have information on just about everything...I have provided a link to the seats document and you will find more information at the bottom (blue links).

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Seats.shtml

As a personal note I have installed many seats from many different vehicles...main thing is that the seat brackets are suitable and using the factory drilled holes is not only a safer bet but also reduces frustration levels immensely...

But as you will find, there are quite a few seat options that bolt right in from both other Ford vehicles and some non-Ford vehicles.

I preferred the Tempo seats for my application for a few reasons...number one being they were high back and comfortable enough to suit my needs for over 14 years...

They are not the best cushioned seats and do not offer much for performance with the stock seat...such as preventing you from sliding around in tight corners...which Rangers don't do well without some practice...so research...read...and ask again if you need to clarify things...there are actually too many details to list sometimes.

 

[Slammin Sam]

Since you have an extended cab, I assume you have the 60/40 split bench seat. To keep things simple, buckets from another Ranger extra cab or the Exploder Sport are what you need. You need seats that have backs that "tilt" forward so you can still get in the back. If you do have the 60/40 seats, the original tracks will fit the new Ford seats, making the swap easy. The only downside is loosing any power features the replacement seats may have.

 

[ratdude747]

Seats from a 2000 ranger were a nice upgrade in my 1995. Although if I were to do it again I'd look for even later seats, as the wire seat frame broke in mine and a 2003 seat back had thicker wire in that area.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1548724&postcount=4

 

[stang99x]

I got tired of my ratty ranger seats and found a set from a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. The seats from the Mountaineer are incomparable to the stock ranger ones. It's like going from a wooden chair to a lazy boy recliner.