Prado 150 GXL 3rd Seat removal

Submitted: Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 20:04
ThreadID: 85365 Views:28973 Replies:2 FollowUps:0
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Just had to remove my 3rd row of seats to make a little extra space for a camping trip in WA, no instructions available so here are a couple of tips from doing it the hard way.
1: Remove the two tie down anchors in the cargo area (lift the tie down, insert a small screw driver and lift the cover flap to expose the bolts and remove each bolt with a 10mm socket) The hinged cover will now lift away.
2: Pull out the left and right side covers(next to the side wall, these just pull out)
3: Loosen the 6 silver bolts that hold down the cover frame (10mm socket, 2 left side to base, 2 right side to base and two on top of the centre of the 3rd row of seats).
4: Loosen the 3 black bolts that attach the cover frame to the plastic rear ledge.
5: Lift the 3rd row seats into their open position(ready for passengers).
6: Loosen the 3rd row seats rear 4 tie down bolts (2 per seat at the rear , 14mm socket)
6: Use a screwdriver to open the flaps at the front of the 3rd row of seats and remove the 4 tie down bolts (2 per seat at the front , 14mm socket) Seats are now loose.
7: Move the seats forward 50mm and lift out the back of the vehicle.
8: Replace the 8 seat tie down bolts(14mm socket) and 4 cover frame bolts (10mm socket) to keep the vehicle dust proof.

Re-installation is the reverse of this process and remember to torque the bolts correctly as per the specs as the seatbelts anchor to these seats when re-installed.

Space created by this is significant. I used a rubber cargo mat insert to give some body protection and to cover the bare metal that is exposed by the seat removal. The rear tailgate plastic cover is painful as it has three lugs that stick out but its a small price to pay for the extra space and weight reduction for camping trips. Total removal/re-installation time approx 60 minutes, easy task if you follow this process. I have some photos available showing the process so if you need them send me your email address and I will flick them through to you.

Regards Fritz
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Reply By: ss--ss - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 21:40

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 21:40
Thanks for the write up.. I thought about doing this but figured it would take half a day to do &another half day to reverse.. But 1hr isn't too bad as when you return from camping it can be put back to a 7seater which we use...
AnswerID: 450020

Reply By: Member - Phil 'n Jill (WA) - Saturday, Apr 02, 2011 at 17:15

Saturday, Apr 02, 2011 at 17:15
Pity they didn't have a look at the Pajero setup Fritz - you can whip them out in less than a minute - quicker going back from memory - rarely use them but the simplest system I have seen yet.

The only time involved in the changeover is finding room in the shed for all that 'must have' recovery gear that seems to accululate in its place...;O)

Happy travelling - regards, Phil
Phil 'n Jill (WA)

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AnswerID: 450101

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