2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How to remove driver seat recliner mechanism?

[srtdiesel]

Guys and Gals,

I have had a failure in my driver side recliner and need insight on how to remove it to fix or replace it. Currently the beast is still in the truck because I have found that the driver seat may be attached to the console which may be attached to the passenger seat. I am trying to figure out how to repair or replace the recliner for the truck as it is driving me crazy. Please advise me as to how to continue with this situation. Thanks.

Brock

 

[SRath]

I know nothing except my '96 seats, and they seem to have been two different styles that year from photos I've seen. I know mine well, having fixed them and having removed the center jump seat/console, which is attached to both the passenger and driver seats, but removes easily. It is the doggone sharp-edged brackets that are left that require seat removal and rivet grinding to get rid of. But your seats may be different.

My seats (extended cab) had broken sliders and broken tilt-to-slide cables & latches along with cheese slicer damaged cushions. All fixed now and better than ever.

The recline mechanism on my seats would require removal or at least partial removal of the lower seat cushion upholstery to do much of anything to. That means removing the seats first.

Post some info about your truck and a specific description of what is wrong and what you want to accomplish. Photos are sometimes helpful, too.

 

[DavidC]

I just had the Drivers seat on my 99 removed for the dash top change. I removed the 4 bolts that go thru the floor on the drivers side, removed 2 bolts on the cross tube on the front lower near the drive shaft hump then removed the 4 right side rail bolts and the drivers side lifted right out. I found out like you that the right side rail mount to the floor is riveted to the center seat and I did not want to remove the whole front seat.



Dave

 

[srtdiesel]

Back to working!

Guys and Gals,

Thanks for the input. I took the seat out after taking out the center console. Next, I removed the seat back cover to expose the frame. Removal of the hinge boot retainers allowed me to see the recliner screw and spring. Next I unscrewed the upper recliner handle to pull the seat cover up further. I then unscrewed the locking mechanism that the recliner screw and spring rides in. I had to unscrew the upper handle mechanism and take the cable off of the lower handle to get the locking mechanism out. I found that it was stuck in the unlock position so I drenched it with PB Blaster (the best stuff on earth, after loc-tite) and worked it by hand until it quit locking up. It may take a few hits with a wrench or hammer to loosen up before you can cycle it by hand. After cleaning it back up, it reinstalled it in the opposite order. AMAZINGLY it works again. I have driven around town and actually put stuff in the back seat again. Anyway, thanks for the info provided and in hindsight I guess I should have used a camera. Next project I will get someone to take pictures.

 

[SRath]

Glad it worked out for you. Photos are often very helpful; but a little more info about the truck and more details about the problem can help a bunch, too. If you ever have either front seat out again, do yourself a huge no-cost favor and slip a piece of carpet between the bottom foam and the wire cheese slicers. It'll feel like a whole new seat.