Driver's Seat - Question

[Fawnbuster]

Man, that weight belt alone would be enough for me. The stuff we do when we’re younger all seems easy enough and it sure can be a lot of fun when we’re doing it but we sure pay for it later, huh?

Indeed. It didn't seem all that heavy until you took it all off at the end of a shift. Three 18 round mags plus 19 in the glock, a good flashlight, 2 sets of cuffs plus the duty leather and keepers. Plus a level 3 vest and a ceramic plate to stop rifle rounds . At least Kevlar became softer and lighter as time went on but then they'd add layers for threat level increase and the weight came back. Some of my first few vests felt like plywood. Dog days of summer really suck. When I had a bad fall one day and broke 3 ribs the doc said luckily the vest spread the impact so I didn't puncture my lung.

Sponsored

 

[airline tech]

Well, I thought I would post an update.
Installed new cushion, cover & heater mat - out of pocket for parts
no physical defects in anything but installed anyway to allow me & upholstery shop to play with the cushion itself.

Noted: design issues I am dealing with

1. The Bucket Seat Base Design (Angle) - sloped down in rear, I can deal with that in itself.
2. The Spring Mat (Deflection) downward (rear section rotates downwards, thus creating the spring tension) (This adds MORE ANGLE) with weight applied
3. The seat cushion (foam density) is so low that when you sit it the cushion your rear end sinks into the cushion.

So, if you combine all 3 of the above designs, when you sit in the seat- no matter how the seat is adjusted your hips will ALWAYS be lower than your knees. This is what is causing my back pain.
My body needs to be more in a dining room chair position or at least close to it.

Now add in the Cushion & Cover attach points and the hem seams

So, with the Lariat Cushion and the extra gaps in the top of the foam, these gaps (channels) have a metal listing rod imbedded into them to attach the Leather Cover and builds up the extra rear bolster (ridge)
Now add the Lariat Cover itself: which has plastic listing rods attached to the cover; these attach to the listing rods in the cushion (for the purpose of attachment as well as give the detailed seams in the finished product.

So, you add the hem seams into the mix along with the plushy cushion when your but is in the seat and you are sunken into it, the tailbone feels the rear bolster ridge and those listing rods, and the backs of your legs feel the center hem / seam of the Lariat Cover.

This is what (my body) is dealing with.
To backup to day one of ownership, I have had this issue and just adjusted my seat (tilt) to full up to counteract the comfort issues. Made it less of an issue BUT still present.
In Jan I finally decided to find a solution to this issue, thinking it was a broken-down cushion or spring. (Faulty Parts)

Well, I can confirm it is NOT faulty parts, I am in the very small percentage of owners that do not find the Ranger seat comfortable - it is strictly in the seat design, mainly the cushion itself.

I have tried numerous attempts of adding foam, rubber - between the spring mat and the cushion - this does RAISE the cushion up to a level seating position; however, it compresses the cushion itself by doing this.
The compressed cushion highlights the hem seams and listing rods, and I can feel them plus it gives the cushion a (sitting on a waterbed) feeling when your body weight shifts in a turn.
You feel the foam squishiness greatly - feels like you are going to roll off of the seat.
I also tried adding a cover / foam over the top of the cushion to counter that feeling - no help

When I had the seat out last week, I added some cargo straps on the seat base as a Trial/Error
this allows me to pull the straps slightly taught and when you sit in the seat the spring mat deflection is lessened as the straps stop the rear attach point from rotating downward, gives it some support. I can ratchet them tight enough to actually raise the cushion to level.
This works in the slightly taught position and does help (Some) but due to the cushion sponginess you can feel where the straps are.
If you ratchet them too tight it pops the rear attach clips off the support bar
So, I am calling this an ERROR - Fail attempt for this setup.

Thanks to @fob63 who sent me a complete set of - Cloth Covers I have another option to play with, but unfortunately the cloth covers will not fit (hem / seam) attach points wise to my Lariat Cushions (OEM) and the rear bolster ridge is still on the cushion that the cloth cover does not take away (hide)

So, at this point I am locked in on - It's the Cushion Main issue and then the attaching cover playing a small role on my issue.

I have another cushion coming (be here today) that is a different part number, I am hoping that this P/N will match the cloth cover set from fob63, and I may a better solution avenue to follow with that setup.

What I did yesterday:

Well, I test drove a 2024 Chevy Colorado (ZR2), not for the trim or color, I just wanted to do a drive compare for seat comfort. Drove it for about 30 minutes or so.
Well even in that seat - to me better and defiantly firmer (maybe to firm) still had a sinking feel to the seats. (GRRRR) x 1000

It is better than the Ranger (Seat Wise) only - but not OMG this seat is comfortable. Do I have an alternative (I give up solution) IDK, I want to drive a Z71 or LT trim to compare.
BUT it's hard to get a good (true) Comparision as my Rear End (Tailbone) is sore from my seat already. So, I have to account for that.

I also paid a visit to an Upholstery Shop and took my now spare (play with) cushion with me.
he thinks he can work with it and get it more supportive for me.
Cut out the (marshmallow) foam and add a higher density foam in the cushion, get rid of the rear bolster ridge and the center listing and then add a piece of foam over the top of that to give the cushion some cushiness, he will also alter the seat cover (resew) to keep the OE look on the modified cushion.

So this sounds like it may be my only option - again this will be trial & error for me, he stated he can adjust as needed to help me get it to my comfort level.
I held off pulling the trigger on this until I physically see the alternate P/N cushion coming.
This way I have (EVERY) possible solution on the table and find what will work the best.
I do not actually expect the alternate part number cushion to be the saving grace, but seeing as its already ordered and will be here (now today - Friday) I want to have all possible solutions here.

I think the Upholstery shop modification is going to be my final solution, I just HOPE it is a one and done and not have to TRY This, Try This, Try This set up to get to the finish line.


Occupant Sensor Mat - designed for the passenger side (with the actual sensor removed)
Just using the plastic and fabric padding as a support for the cushion so it does not compress down and past the spring mat assembly.
Helps some in comfort but not greatly

Temp install of cargo straps over the top of the rear support bar. Raises the cushion but you can feel the straps. This was a BUST.

Straps catching the downward swing of the spring mat to stop it from dropping so low.
Raises cushion some but feel the plastic on the support clips or the rear listing rod of the cushion.

NOTE: if you pull the straps too tight you can pop the clips off of the rear support bar and possibly break the spring mat assembly itself.
So, this is a possible BUST, as I and the Upholstery shop have concluded that this is a possible addition (if needed) to be included with the seat cushion modification. just keep it slightly taught to catch - but using a wider webbing

Cloth Cover difference over the Lariat cushion attach difference

Moves the attach point forward about 1 inch, so alter the sew hem point of the cloth cover or get a different PN cushion.
Plus, the cloth cover eliminates the rear attach point that the Lariat cushion has for the rear bolster ridge, but that bolster ridge is still present.
So, a cloth cover over this cushion would be a BUST. Unless cushion / cover is modified.

My cushion, if you take your fist and press here you can press all the way to the floor, I know not a perfect way to test density, but this is what I feel on my tailbone and hips. It is almost like a pillow top mattress in softness.
If you flatten out your hand and press here it does not sink to the floor, but your hand will sink into the cushion, and it will have a springy feel to it.
This is precisely why some of you have a LEANING FEEL to the cushion and the roll feeling when in a hard turn. The body weight is shifting on that springy soft cushion.

Now another issue in addition to that soft springy feel is the location of the rear listing rod and rear bolster (ridge) this presses into my tailbone, and I catch the outer edge of the ridge of the rear bolster with my but.

Compile that with the sinking cushion, now the center hem / seam is pressing into the back of your legs.


Cushion Soft / Springy Feel (Press Here) - BLUE
Rear Listing Rod and Bolster (RED)
Center Hem/Seam - (YELLOW)

So, there it is, now just down to a FINAL solution, narrowed down to 3 options.

1. Use the cloth covers on a different PN cushion and add support as I was attempting to do with the Lariat cushion but hitting roadblocks from the listing rods and rear bolster.

2. Use the Cloth Covers and have upholstery shop modify my existing cushion to fit the cover
as I have not ruled out (yet) the Pleather Cover playing into the comfort level mix.

3. Use existing cover and cushion and let upholstery shop modify as needed.

and add webbing support (if needed) to the spring mat assembly for all 3 options as a secondary addition. I do not think this will be needed, it's all in the cushion itself.


I will update when I get the other cushion, I may try that if it fits the cloth cover before I pull the trigger on the upholstery shop, this way I can confirm I have exhausted all options, before proceeding.
Cost is not the issue - it's my T/Shoot and find a solution - Trial & Error, as the Upholstery shop is about 150 to 200 (rough estimate) at this point I will pay any amount he wants if he can get my cushion to a OMG it's the most comfortable seat I have ever sat in level the vast majority of you feel.

 

[airline tech]

So, another update:

While waiting for the new cushion (Cloth Cover - Style) I did another (let's try this)

I added a 15 x 14 1/2 sheet of 1/4 in plywood and placed it on top of the rear frame bar - this basically eliminates the spring mat.
Now this gets the seat bottom level, but the cushion is compressed and have the seat bolsters pushing into my tailbone. - so, this idea is a BUST.

New Cushion - My roll the dice gamble was a WIN, it fits the cloth cover.
I now see why the Lariat cushion - has the extra pillow tops - on the top of the cushion itself.
It is for the Listing Rod / Hog Ring channels as this cushion does not have the extra channels and is more contoured in the back side of the cushion.

Note: The rear slope, this is my only issue with THIS cushion, it drops too low for me and I am like an old granny looking over the steering wheel.

New cushion with cover - cover just slid on - not attached hog rings yet

So, with this cushion and cover - I will say is more comfortable but still has the sitting low in the seat feel to me - now it does eliminate the sagging feel and the seam bolster in the backs of the legs.
I need to point out - IF I was taller this would be a WINNER
So, I attempted to add foam etc under the cushion to raise it up and then found I can raise it but again it compresses the cushion, and you feel the seam ridges in the cover as well as the extra foam that was added trying to reshape the natural contour of the cushion. (Not Comfortable)

Where I am at now:

Removed the Cargo Straps I had installed and left the attach points of the cushion undone to make any cushion I install a - Quick Change.
Now I can swap the cushions around quickly and I can slave in the cushion (In-Work) for testing.

I gave up trying to find a solution without an Upholstery Shop, so I dropped off my Lariat Cushion to get Re-Worked and Modified - hopefully be completed sometime next week.
He wants to try a progressive build up, so with a quick-change cushion, I can easily pop it in and try it and adjust as needed.

So, with everything I have tried, it boils down to the Cushion and anything you do over or under the cushion is just highlighting another issue and compresses an already spongy cushion.
The cushion itself needs modified - no other option for me.
I have a good feeling but still have some doubt if this will be my - OMG Moment
I never would have thought I would ever put so much time and effort into a simple seat cushion issue.
But I can now confidently say - I exhausted all options, except the Upholstery Shop Modification (Re-Work) of the cushion.
Fingers Crossed for a final resolution

 

[Chris M]

So, another update:

While waiting for the new cushion (Cloth Cover - Style) I did another (let's try this)

I added a 15 x 14 1/2 sheet of 1/4 in plywood and placed it on top of the rear frame bar - this basically eliminates the spring mat.
Now this gets the seat bottom level, but the cushion is compressed and have the seat bolsters pushing into my tailbone. - so, this idea is a BUST.

New Cushion - My roll the dice gamble was a WIN, it fits the cloth cover.
I now see why the Lariat cushion - has the extra pillow tops - on the top of the cushion itself.
It is for the Listing Rod / Hog Ring channels as this cushion does not have the extra channels and is more contoured in the back side of the cushion.

Note: The rear slope, this is my only issue with THIS cushion, it drops too low for me and I am like an old granny looking over the steering wheel.

New cushion with cover - cover just slid on - not attached hog rings yet

So, with this cushion and cover - I will say is more comfortable but still has the sitting low in the seat feel to me - now it does eliminate the sagging feel and the seam bolster in the backs of the legs.
I need to point out - IF I was taller this would be a WINNER
So, I attempted to add foam etc under the cushion to raise it up and then found I can raise it but again it compresses the cushion, and you feel the seam ridges in the cover as well as the extra foam that was added trying to reshape the natural contour of the cushion. (Not Comfortable)

Where I am at now:

Removed the Cargo Straps I had installed and left the attach points of the cushion undone to make any cushion I install a - Quick Change.
Now I can swap the cushions around quickly and I can slave in the cushion (In-Work) for testing.

I gave up trying to find a solution without an Upholstery Shop, so I dropped off my Lariat Cushion to get Re-Worked and Modified - hopefully be completed sometime next week.
He wants to try a progressive build up, so with a quick-change cushion, I can easily pop it in and try it and adjust as needed.

So, with everything I have tried, it boils down to the Cushion and anything you do over or under the cushion is just highlighting another issue and compresses an already spongy cushion.
The cushion itself needs modified - no other option for me.
I have a good feeling but still have some doubt if this will be my - OMG Moment
I never would have thought I would ever put so much time and effort into a simple seat cushion issue.
But I can now confidently say - I exhausted all options, except the Upholstery Shop Modification (Re-Work) of the cushion.
Fingers Crossed for a final resolution

This has been painful to read along the way because I can see your effort and frustrations with failed attempts at some comfort. Today I thought about something you said in a fairly recent post about a kitchen chair position. I actually understand that, and here's why:
My most comfortable driving position/seats were in the road tractors I've driven over the years as a trucker. The seats adjust so you can put your feet flat on the floor and find a good balance and alignment of hips, thighs, and knees. Lumbar supports exist for lower back and of course the back itself adjusts to and fro. And of course the seat is air ride to individual taste too.
My guess is you'd really like something like that for your back and butt, but because the Ranger is what it is you're going to be relegated to the best your current efforts can produce without actually getting something you really like/want.
I hate that for you, as we all want to be able to be comfortable and enjoy driving what we drive.

 

[airline tech]

The odd thing is since we lost Bench seats as a norm in cars / vans - as that is all I have owned until I bought the Ranger, and my last car was a 2004 Grand Am GT which I drove as a daily driver for 13 years and never had an issue - unless the wife drove it and moved the seat - Grr

So, I am used to Bucket Seats - Ref online pic of a Grand Am seat

The BIG difference is how the seat is designed, and how the cushion is supported.
Note: No spring assembly - the seat pan/ base is a solid unit frame

So being that, when I (1st) sit in the Ranger seat - Its perfect for about 10 seconds, after that the air is being expelled (pressed out of the cushion) and I am sunken down into it.

So - (On-Paper) this design works but add in a non-supportive, cushion that will not hold its shape when weight is applied to it - Greatly Enhances that bucket design.

That is MY ISSUE, it is not so much needing a dining room chair (sitting position) (fully flat and level) its I need to have a stronger support in the cushion to STOP the extra deflection into the floor or a figure out how to get the back of the base more of a level position and have the cushion perfectly match it.

I am truly amazed that this does not affect more than a select few owners.

But honestly after driving the Colorado and checking its Parts IPC, it has the spring mat design as well, so my thought is that this is just the way - ALL SEATS are now designed, and I have to live with it, and it depends and relies on how the cushion itself is designed on how well it supports.

I still MAY need to revisit the addition of webbing on the spring mat assembly, but I will address that if needed - just focused on the Cushion for now and see how that goes.

 

[airline tech]

Update:

Still waiting on Upholstery Shop -Modification (He needs to get some HD Foam to complete the project) hopefully next week.
But in the meantime, it gives me time to try different options and pinpoint down exactly what is causing my pain.

Well so far, I have deduced it is a combination of the Seat Spring Mat (Downward Slope) and the density of the Seat Bottom Foam.

These 2 design issues create this for me:

1. Feeling like I am sitting in a (V) - (Tailbone in the center of the V) - This strains my low back and makes the tailbone sore as it is hitting to tops of the spring mat.

2. Add in both - (V) feeling Cushion (sinking) and the angle of the Spring Mat and I am not in a comfort height position (even with the seat fully up)

So, I added the Seat Jackers to the (Rear Legs - Full 3/4 in) - this takes care of the Height Issue (mostly)
But I still have the (V) feeling and strained back

I also made a NOTE than the rear support bar (Rotates) when the seat is raised or lowered, so this somewhat hampers any modification of adding webbing and securing it to that bar as I was thinking of adding a seat pan - Extension and eliminating the spring mat, I would have to create a way for support without attaching to the rear bar.

So, i decided to try this, being that I have tried all types of foam and rubber here with no help.
I wanted to try a more rigid base using scrap wood trim board from my house siding project.

Tried (1) board - better but still had (V) feeling
Doubled it up to equal (1 1/4) total thickness and now I have a non-sinking cushion
Board is cut 15" x 7 1/4"

Feels firm and solid, I still need to drive it for a long-term drive feel for comfort.
But I think I am at least getting it narrowed down


Note the amount the rear attach point of the spring mat - drops down (The Ledge)
Also note the bar where the plastic clips attach (This bar ROTATES) so you cannot attach anything to it. - The bar rotates inside of those dog ear attach points of the spring mat assembly.

If I had a wider board, I would have tried extending it all the way forward, to the front pan. But this pan also moves (with the Front-Tilt). So, I need to allow clearance for that.
I will try this and if I feel the drop off from the boards. I may have to tweak this somewhat and extend it farther forward.

Boards help get the seat base to a more level position from the OEM design and it flexes the spring mat (Uniformly) and (Evenly) - Eliminates the (V) feeling

So, it's just the matter of (if needed) adding a thin layer of foam over this to eliminate feeling the wood.

At least I have another avenue to go, if the Seat Cushion - Modification is a bust.

So, to sum it up - right now I have this board and the seat jackers on the rear legs, I may try pulling the jackers back out and see how that feels as well. But for now, I will try this setup and add some foam to hide the feeling of the wood (if needed)

 

[ATX-ranger]

Man I really appreciate all the thorough details and effort put into these posts.

Any updates on the mods and how it's going / went?

Got a 24 Lariat and the seats and my back / backside do not get along so well.

 

[Dereku]

I put a double layer of super cheap moving blanket over the springs. The center sag is gone and comfy now. PM me if you want pictures, I will remove my cover and take pictures for you if you want them.

 

[ATX-ranger]

I put a double layer of super cheap moving blanket over the springs. The center sag is gone and comfy now. PM me if you want pictures, I will remove my cover and take pictures for you if you want them.

Oh man that's a great idea ! No need o pull the cover, but I really appreciate the offer. I'll give that a go.

You cut to roughly the size of the springs just to cover them over?

 

[Dereku]

Oh man that's a great idea ! No need o pull the cover, but I really appreciate the offer. I'll give that a go.

You cut to roughly the size of the springs just to cover them over?

Basically yes. It was 3+ years ago so not 100% on size. Think I went to the edge of the springs where they attached to the frame. I got the idea from the passenger seat, it didn’t sag. The passenger weight sensor does the same thing for that side.

maybe if my ass filled the whole seat it would be better lol. But at 200lbs in the buff I thought I was big enough….

 

[Dzrt_80]

I'm curious to hear the latest on your seats.
I have the same problem as you, across the board!
I'm coming from a 1996 Land Cruiser with upgraded seats from Germany, courtesy of Scheel-Mann. The most expensive upgrade to the truck in 22 years of ownership, but an amazing outcome. Unfortunately, there's no plug-and-play option to drop them into a Ranger.
Like the sport seats in our Audi, the foam is firm and well supported across the bum. I've driven all around the country in both vehicles with zero issues. Now I have a shiny new Ranger, that I have big plans for, and I'm suffering. I currently have a thin seat cushion that has some plastic backing that keeps things more taught but it is not a solution. I can't go much thicker because I'm 6'-7" and almost at the limit of the cab.

 

[Fawnbuster]

I'm curious to hear the latest on your seats.
I have the same problem as you, across the board!
I'm coming from a 1996 Land Cruiser with upgraded seats from Germany, courtesy of Scheel-Mann. The most expensive upgrade to the truck in 22 years of ownership, but an amazing outcome. Unfortunately, there's no plug-and-play option to drop them into a Ranger.
Like the sport seats in our Audi, the foam is firm and well supported across the bum. I've driven all around the country in both vehicles with zero issues. Now I have a shiny new Ranger, that I have big plans for, and I'm suffering. I currently have a thin seat cushion that has some plastic backing that keeps things more taught but it is not a solution. I can't go much thicker because I'm 6'-7" and almost at the limit of the cab.

When it come to seat comfort I feel your pain!

Have you tried a visit to a local auto upholstery shop? Maybe one who specializes in restomods or stripping an old seat down like a vintage Mustang and rebuilding it? Maybe they know of an alternative or a way to use an adapter? I mean if a guy can build a custom 4x4 using a full frame from a dodge with jeep axles, a Chevy motor and a Ford transmission there has to be a way. Ive seen adapters sold to marry up a Ford motor to a 350 Chevy. Someone with a handheld 3d scanner should be able to draw something up.

 

[airline tech]

I'm curious to hear the latest on your seats.
I have the same problem as you, across the board!
I'm coming from a 1996 Land Cruiser with upgraded seats from Germany, courtesy of Scheel-Mann. The most expensive upgrade to the truck in 22 years of ownership, but an amazing outcome. Unfortunately, there's no plug-and-play option to drop them into a Ranger.
Like the sport seats in our Audi, the foam is firm and well supported across the bum. I've driven all around the country in both vehicles with zero issues. Now I have a shiny new Ranger, that I have big plans for, and I'm suffering. I currently have a thin seat cushion that has some plastic backing that keeps things more taught but it is not a solution. I can't go much thicker because I'm 6'-7" and almost at the limit of the cab.

Its not exactly perfect - yet, better than the OE (YES), I had a Upholstery guy cut out and add a firmer cushion, it made it better but not perfect so I have been slowly playing with adding layers of scrim on top of what he did.
I have determined the MAIN issue is in the design of the seat pan itself and the way they attach the seat spring assembly - the only real way to fix that is to redesign the seat pan, get something underneath the spring mat to catch it vs letting it sag.
I did try cargo straps for a bit but decided it needs a actual metal pan to stop (ALL) flex downwards.

For now it works, have gotten used to it and just live with it, I still have it as quick access change as I do not have it all the way installed.
Only have (1) front clip holding the cushion on the pan, and I do not have the hog rings back on it yet either - I will eventually get around to getting it back together, but been busy - Last Room of the upstairs to remodel (Kitchen)

 

[Fawnbuster]

Its not exactly perfect - yet, better than the OE (YES), I had a Upholstery guy cut out and add a firmer cushion, it made it better but not perfect so I have been slowly playing with adding layers of scrim on top of what he did.
I have determined the MAIN issue is in the design of the seat pan itself and the way they attach the seat spring assembly - the only real way to fix that is to redesign the seat pan, get something underneath the spring mat to catch it vs letting it sag.
I did try cargo straps for a bit but decided it needs a actual metal pan to stop (ALL) flex downwards.

For now it works, have gotten used to it and just live with it, I still have it as quick access change as I do not have it all the way installed.
Only have (1) front clip holding the cushion on the pan, and I do not have the hog rings back on it yet either - I will eventually get around to getting it back together, but been busy - Last Room of the upstairs to remodel (Kitchen)

Would a piece of thin spring steel about an inch or so wide work under the seat pan? Like what they use to strap bundles together but wider?

 

[airline tech]

Would a piece of thin spring steel about an inch or so wide work under the seat pan? Like what they use to strap bundles together but wider?

Something like this - an actual pan, eliminate the springs or give the springs support under them so they will not sag downwards.

This IPC is from my last vehicle which I drove for 15 years, Note Item #8 is the seat pan, the cushion itself provided all the needed support, the Ranger has a combination of a cushion and spring , I tried the cargo straps (x2) and interweaved them in the springs, you feel the straps.
The main issue is that the center of the spring mat inherently forms a V when you sit in the seat, so your tailbone always sits lower than your but cheeks. that is what I have found to be MY ISSUE with comfort.

Its hard to explain unless you actually open it up and place you hand on the springs.

Example: If you were to place your hand on the RH Side of the spring mat - it creates a slope downwards on the RH side - so if you picture you sitting in the seat, now you are sitting sideways (Uneven - Unlevel), this strains the back, so in a turn (roundabout) when your body weight shifts it feels like you are sitting on a uneven seat.

So I may revisit this someday and come up with a way to dump the seat spring assy or fabricate a seat pan that will stop any deflection (a solid surface)
or I may try - a cargo strap (Horizontally) across the back side as I only tried placing them vertically.

Now I am brain storming ideas again and may have to sidetrack my remodel project - Grr
May try a (Ace Bandage) temporary and wrap it tightly around the back side of the spring mat - Simulate webbing

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