30 minutes and slightly more cargo space in your WJ

[theksmith]

an ez way to gain some storage space in the WJ...

all you need is:
- a socket set
- a torx bit
- (4) wire lock pins 5/16" x 2 1/4" (2 1/4" useable, 2 1/2" total length ussually)
- a drill and 21/64" bit (next step up from 5/16")

read on for details...

when you flip the rear seats down, you have to flip the bottom part up, and you end up with this:

take the rear seat bottom out including the brackets, i think it was a 10mm:

you might could do the next steps without removing the brackets, but i found it easier to just take the brackets off, can't remember which torx bit it was:

drill out the end of the bracket hinge that is pressed over like a rivet:

after you drill it, you may still need to use a punch to remove the hinge:

drill out both parts of the bracket to 21/64" and verify the lock pins will fit, then repeat everything for the other bracket:

bolt the back portion of the brackets back to the floor:

now you have an ez to remove lower back seat, here it is installed:

and here it is removed only on one side, demonstrating how much space you gain:

 

[Tanto]

Isn't that clever! A mod that won't cost me more than a few dollars to do.

 

[motomech]

Kool free tech tips....my suburban seats fold up the same way im going to look at them and see if it would work for me(because we all know there is not enough room in a suburban)The way my seats are i could possibly gain a foot easy!

 

[Harald Hansen]

Good one! I'll have to see if it is possible in the Discovery, and then I have to figure out what a wire lock pin is called in Norwegian for my trip to the store.

 

[theksmith]

Good one! I'll have to see if it is possible in the Discovery, and then I have to figure out what a wire lock pin is called in Norwegian for my trip to the store.

well i certainly don't know what to call them in norwegian, but they are also called "safetly lock pins" in english and some people incorrectly refer to them as "cotterless hitch pins", or "snap pins"... but those terms actually mean slightly different items

 

[gprsdlyt]

well done! with the front seats moved forward, that might be enough room to throw bag in the back with room to sspraaawllll!!
i will without a doubt do this in my dub! ive come up with a few of my own for the wj, i will pass them on soon!
-jason

 

[theksmith]

ive come up with a few of my own for the wj, i will pass them on soon!
-jason

yes, please share, maybe we should start a "cheap XJ/ZJ/WJ/XK/WK mod thread"

 

[troy]

Excellent mod. '97 and newer XJs came from the factory with a quick realease for the lower portion of the seat and I always thought it was handy. It will be even nicer with the 60/40 split option in a WJ.

 

[theksmith]

Excellent mod. '97 and newer XJs came from the factory with a quick realease for the lower portion of the seat and I always thought it was handy. It will be even nicer with the 60/40 split option in a WJ.

that's where i got the idea i have an XJ too!

 

[JIMBO]

:archaeolo Thats the way the Xterras come, with quick disconnects,

makes for over 7 ft of sleeping space

:safari-rig: :safari-rig: JIMBO

 

[gprsdlyt]

yes, please share, maybe we should start a "cheap XJ/ZJ/WJ/XK/WK mod thread"

sure thing. picture taking is one of my tasks this weekend. starting a thread soon!

 

[theksmith]

:archaeolo Thats the way the Xterras come, with quick disconnects, makes for over 7 ft of sleeping space :safari-rig: :safari-rig: JIMBO

ZJ and XJ both have removable seat bottoms, probably only a cost reason to stop doing it with the WJ... darn accountants

 

[davis38]

Sleeping room

I'm curious: how many in the Jeepin crowd sleep in the back of your rigs? I have the itch to build a sleeping platform and was wondering how you guys like it. Is it worth the trouble with changing clothes and things like that? I like the idea, but how is the practicality? Any thoughts? (BTW I go camping with my GF and 50lb. Belgian Shepherd)

 

[BigDaveZJ]

I'm curious: how many in the Jeepin crowd sleep in the back of your rigs? I have the itch to build a sleeping platform and was wondering how you guys like it. Is it worth the trouble with changing clothes and things like that? I like the idea, but how is the practicality? Any thoughts? (BTW I go camping with my GF and 50lb. Belgian Shepherd)

I did it by myself in my ZJ once. Never again. But I'm 6'5". A more average height person should be able to do it easily. The big issue is you take up all your cargo space with sleeping space, so you gotta find something to do with your gear.

 

[Maximus Ram]

I'm curious: how many in the Jeepin crowd sleep in the back of your rigs? I have the itch to build a sleeping platform and was wondering how you guys like it. Is it worth the trouble with changing clothes and things like that? I like the idea, but how is the practicality? Any thoughts? (BTW I go camping with my GF and 50lb. Belgian Shepherd)

It can be done, but it will be very cramped. You may want to look into an suv tent.....here are a few different ones
http://www.tentsontrucks.com/SUV-Minivan.htm

:safari-rig: :tent: :campfire: :1888fbbd: