another seat question

[dybamx]

I did a quick search and saw the threads about using XJ buckets and Grand Cherokee buckets along with Dakota and Ranger seats. My question is this, are the bench seats really that horrible?

 

I am still in the planning stages and while I don't mind a bench seat, the 2 that I have seem pretty flimsy. i'm 250 lbs and I can't see the springs in that bench lasting very long. On the other hand, my 88 XJ seats were a little on the narrow side and tended to squeeze my hips on longer trips. the seats in the 2000 XJ I have for parts seem much nicer but it's a 4dr and they won't tip forward. My other reason for leaning to the buckets is being able to have a console. 

 

Has anyone ever swapped to buckets and regretted it?

[glundblad]

Some like the bench seat.  When I bought my truck new in '87  I remember thinking the bench was too soft and wore out even when the truck was new.  But in all honesty, it hasn't gotten any worse.  In my opinion, benches seemed flimsy when new even though they probably weren't.  My truck had only 87k miles on it when I removed the bench.  Other than a small tear, the seat and springs aged well.  My point is if you think the springs may not last, you may find they were always that way and may wear well for years.

 

 I am small framed and found some '87 XJ limited buckets that matched my interior.  I think they are some of the most comfortable buckets I have sat in but I can see why a larger framed person would prefer the bench.   Also, my bench came without headrests.  If I get rear ended, my head is going through the rear glass.  I have no regrets but it is possible you might be one that would.

[Incommando]

I just got an XJ bucket/console set for several reasons. #1 is that although it looks ok my 250,000 mile bench is broken down. It does not support my 250#'s anymore. #2 is that I want the console as I am converting to a RADesigns floor shifter combo. #3 is that I never have over 1 passenger and the buckets give me more versatility with custom mounting options.

[Dadinator]

 

Replaced bench simply because it was broken down.

 

Dakotas buckets with center console/armrest that is also a center seat for grandkid if needed.

 

Best of both worlds.

[ParadiseMJ]

If you swap from bench to buckets...remember to remove and SAVE the floor brackets from your MJ.  The XJ floor brackets will not work on the MJ.  When you get the buckets, remove the floor brackets and bolt the MJ brackets on the new seat.  You can modify from there.

[dybamx]

thanks everyone, this is a great forum