Author Topic: Ranger passenger seat removal. (Read 851 times)

Hawklore · « **on:** February 05, 2007, 08:58:26 PM »

To remove the passenger seat in a '98 Mazda B4000 (98 Ford Ranger),

Besides unhooking the battery, even though the passenger airbag is turned off.

What kind of tool do I need, where can I find it?

And is it legal/safe to drive without a passenger seat?

Planning a trip with the K9, and if I could remove the seat, she'd be alot more comfy, and out of my field of vision.

nirvana · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2007, 10:12:43 PM »

I wouldn't see why it'd be illegal or unsafe so long as you don't have human passengers (obviously). Otherwise I think it is probably just a few bolts or nuts attaching it to the floor and some plugs if it has anything electrical. You'd be good if you had an air ratchet but you can probably get them with just hand tools if need be just be sure to have a "persuasion bar"

Take a look underneath and if you have any questions, take a picture and PM me, I'll try to guide you through it. Seats are typically fairly easy to remove especially on trucks.

Atoon · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:12:20 PM »

Here in Ca the law basically states that you must have a seatbelt for all passengers, if the vehicle came with them as original equipment. So, taking the seat out will only limit you from carrying people.

I also think you will find the seat to be bolted in place w/ common hexhead bolts- im bettin its gonna be 4 ofem per seat.

storch · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:16:41 PM »

what is the bed for?

DiabloTX · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:23:43 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by storch
what is the bed for?

Beer cans. Duh.

Meatwad · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:30:40 PM »

Mine has assorted cans, bottles of fluids, an old drive belt, and a dryrotted tractor tire thats been there for the past year

hubsonfire · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2007, 12:25:39 AM »

IIRC, the only wiring for the seat will be the sensors for the seatbelts. Airbag circuit should be independent. Probably just 4 bolts for the pass side. Be sure to get underneath and spray some penetrating oil/kroil/liquid wrench/wd40 etc on the exposed threads, probably wouldn't hurt to give them a quick once-over with a wire brush.

Hornet33 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2007, 01:00:50 AM »

Your going to need a large TORX set. 4 of them hold that seat in place.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2007, 01:30:15 AM »

Yep. Ford loves to make things that require special tools to remove. And then change them next year so you need yet another tool that fits nothing else. Mazda is learning from them. Cultural exchange at its best.

storch · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2007, 07:47:27 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by DiabloTX
Beer cans. Duh.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2007, 09:14:46 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by StarOfAfrica2
Yep. Ford loves to make things that require special tools to remove. And then change them next year so you need yet another tool that fits nothing else. Mazda is learning from them. Cultural exchange at its best.

Actually, GM created the TORX head screw. Just FYI.

SIK1 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2007, 09:57:33 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
Actually, GM created the TORX head screw. Just FYI.

Yep, and I don't consider the TORX a special tool. It is just another tool that needs to be in the toolbox.

SIK1

hubsonfire · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2007, 10:17:04 AM »

Does Mazda actually manufacture their trucks, or are they produced with the rangers down in, whereever the Ford light truck plant is? (Down in Kentucky, is it?)

Having worked on numerous Mazdas (4 RX7s) and Rangers, I grew to love Mazda's use of only metric fasteners. My Jeep, Sonoma, and both Rangers had a nice assortment of various types of fasteners, something which always intrigued me. I do like the Torx stuff, haven't really had any problems with stripping them or rounding off the tools.

Benny Moore · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2007, 10:19:29 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Atoon
Here in Ca the law basically states that you must have a seatbelt for all passengers, if the vehicle came with them as original equipment. So, taking the seat out will only limit you from carrying people.

Wait, I thought dogs are considered people under California law. Or have the brilliant Californians not thought of that one yet?

Atoon · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2007, 11:51:48 PM »

Oh we thought of it, but we realized such a decission would render our precious commute lanes useless.

So how did it go hawklore? Did ya get the seat out? I'm always curious how these car advice threads work out.