2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Broken/ limp seat back - help!

[Rhondasway]

Here's a new one: my driver's seat back in my '98 suddenly went limp! I'd just flipped it forward to put something behind the seat and when I went to put it back it wouldn't latch. It's still spring-loaded forward and the base is working perfectly, but the back can just go all the way back.
The upper lever on the seat back is totally limp too, but the bottom one functions, at least moving the cable visually.
I pulled off the plastic side cover and pushed the boot up, but cannot find anything that looks like it latches. There were to small springs (pictured) lying in the metal trough, , each has an end broken off, but I can't see what they're supposed to go to. And there were a couple of broken rubber bands, but I hope that's not the issue, haha.
My seats are in great shape and I don't want to replace if not necessary.
Oh, and not power seats.
I'd appreciate some guidance, thanks!

 

[Timd32]

I checked my 96 Factory manual and it does not seem to show the internals of the seat mech. I'm not sure if they are even the same type of seat as nothing in there looks like your pic. Section 23 page 12ish.

This is one of the only pics it has, there are a few other pics arou d page 43 in that section.

It does say the lumbar adjustment is easy to break and make sure one is available before removing the seat cover.

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks, though I also don't think they're the same. I did take my seat cushion off and still can't see inside the hinge mechanism. I have the good manuals for my truck and it seems to only address power-seat specific issues.
This must be fixable!

 

[Timd32]

Found this thread. Looks like hardware store match up the springs. Found same answer on Google. There also are a bunch of threads on the release cable breaking and folks making new cables in case that ever happens.

www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/64482-Need-help-with-seats?p=576071#post576071

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[Timd32]

If you happen to figure it out and have good pics, try to post some, it looks like a issue that could use some good follow up photos.

 

[Rhondasway]

If you happen to figure it out and have good pics, try to post some, it looks like a issue that could use some good follow up photos.

Will do. I can't believe I'm the first...

 

[Timd32]

There are 3 dead posts with no response I found.

 

[BillBaker]

Will do. I can't believe I'm the first...

Did you ever get this figured out? Both my lever cables broke (sounds like your upper cable broke). These are a discontinued Dodge part. I searched out on the good ol internet and found 2 different people (one had lower cable, the other have the upper cable) and I ended up switching these cables the recliner mechanism and it fixed it.

 

[Rhondasway]

Did you ever get this figured out? Both my lever cables broke (sounds like your upper cable broke). These are a discontinued Dodge part. I searched out on the good ol internet and found 2 different people (one had lower cable, the other have the upper cable) and I ended up switching these cables the recliner mechanism and it fixed it.

Fantastic! I've not had time to deal with it. Do you have helpful instructions and/or pics? Did you have to remove all the seat foam? I may try to get a junkyard seat to pull parts out of, but as you know it's a rare seat so not sure how that will work out...

 

[BillBaker]

Fantastic! I've not had time to deal with it. Do you have helpful instructions and/or pics? Did you have to remove all the seat foam? I may try to get a junkyard seat to pull parts out of, but as you know it's a rare seat so not sure how that will work out...

It's usually the cable that snaps, has a ball on one end and an elongated s shape hook on the other end. I don't have but one picture of the mechanism when I pulled it. If I recall I had to remove the top seat cover, remove a pivot bolt that runs through the frame and the recliner mechanism and some mounting screws to remove it all. If you want to replace with original you'll have to search for those cables at a junkyard or someone who has used ones that are good. I paid $50/each to 2 different guys one who each had a cable (one had the lower and the other had the upper one). All you have to do is get that recliner mechanism out and replace the cables. Was a medium as far as being a PITA job.

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks so much for the information and pic! I've wondered if I can get these out of an earlier seat since the pre-98's were all extended cabs so even though the interior is different the seat function is similar (though the lever is different). My pal Jason Burton of Northwest Custom in Spokane also suggested taking the seat to an interior guy who can fabricate cables. I need to poke around and decide what to do. Driving around with a cooler behind my seat to keep it from flopping back just isn't ideal, lol.
Also feeling pretty "special" for choosing a rare model vehicle, as seems to be my way.......