M35A2 / M35A3 - Lets Discuss Civilian Seat Options

[Wondering_Alaskan]

Hello,

So first off, I will start out by saying that I have extensively used the search function to try and find information on this with zero success. Both here and on google. I am ready to rebuild the cab of my truck (1999 M35A3) and am looking into seat options, more specifically, one large bench seat for both the passenger and driver to sit on. Preferably, something with a flip down middle console, lumbar support (manual or power), high back or with removable head rests, etc. I don't have my eyes on anything specific, just exploring options and hoping someone has some pictures of their setup and maybe a bit of a how-to. Whether they're 60/40 split, 40/20/40, whatever, what have you successfully executed?

While I am really trying to find a bench seat as described and would like to keep this thread based around that subject, others are likely interested in your alternative swaps as well. Such as using the MRAP seats, or HMMWV high backs, or whatever else you're running, however, let's try to keep this based around civilian seat options please.

Pic of my 1999 M35A3 that I daily drive added for funsies.

Also, if there is a thread already discussing this option, feel free to add the link and we can shut this one down. I just could not find that information to save my life.

 

[gringeltaube]

..... looking into seat options, more specifically, one large bench seat for both the passenger and driver to sit on.

Sweet dreams.........!
There would be hundreds of good options - if......... the cab was only 4 inches longer!

 

[Mrgior31513]

I'm going to try to use a back bench seat from a 2005 F350 Lariat. It's a split bench, with the smaller seat on the passenger side, which is not optimal, but the front of the seats are about 58" and seem like they are going to work. Seat tops tilt forward and lay on the seat bottoms, and the seat bottoms tilt up to the seat tops, so can have access to the back and bottom of the seats, and planning on building a better box under the drivers side seat, as well as a heater box and extra storage box under the passenger side. There is also a center part that comes down with cup holders in between the seats. No lumbar support, but they are pretty comfortable seats.

Haven't gotten to install yet, as I'm still in the middle of finishing an engine swap for it, but it's the M54A1 cab, which should be the same as the M35A2.

Seems like I may have to push the seats back a bit, and have them a bit less of an optimal angle, and it would still have them protruding an extra 2-4" past the stock seats. It will be close to the doors at the end of the seats, with plenty of room at the back.

I'm waiting on funds for a new turbo, so about 2-3 weeks out on my motor. I may try to do a dry fit later to see how it works.

 

[Wondering_Alaskan]

I'm going to try to use a back bench seat from a 2005 F350 Lariat. It's a split bench, with the smaller seat on the passenger side, which is not optimal, but the front of the seats are about 58" and seem like they are going to work. Seat tops tilt forward and lay on the seat bottoms, and the seat bottoms tilt up to the seat tops, so can have access to the back and bottom of the seats, and planning on building a better box under the drivers side seat, as well as a heater box and extra storage box under the passenger side. There is also a center part that comes down with cup holders in between the seats. No lumbar support, but they are pretty comfortable seats.

Haven't gotten to install yet, as I'm still in the middle of finishing an engine swap for it, but it's the M54A1 cab, which should be the same as the M35A2.

Seems like I may have to push the seats back a bit, and have them a bit less of an optimal angle, and it would still have them protruding an extra 2-4" past the stock seats. It will be close to the doors at the end of the seats, with plenty of room at the back.

I'm waiting on funds for a new turbo, so about 2-3 weeks out on my motor. I may try to do a dry fit later to see how it works.

Sounds like you’ve got quite a bit of work ahead of you. Whenever you get around to attempting the seat install, I’d love to see the results!

 

[Mrgior31513]

The seat fits, but the original box under drivers seat is way too high to keep it in place, the bottom seat is too long to fold up, but as the storage box is going to be removed, defeats the purpose anyways. Will likely have to move the parking brake, but that's not a big deal, will see when I get it actually situated. I might be able to adjust the seat a bit towards the passenger side for clearance. I'm about done with it today, it was a lot just to get it in place with just one person. Might be able to get help on it in a few days, I'll get a few pictures when I get the box removed and the seats shimmed.

 

[HDN]

That truck is definitely in its element

Good luck with your seat project! My truck is my summer car so comfort isn't of much concern to me

Sweet dreams.........!
There would be hundreds of good options - if......... the cab was only 4 inches longer!

I remember seeing someone a few years ago selling what looked like an ESP truck prototype with a M939 cab on a M44 frame. It came designed with a generator connected to a PTO, a 20-30 kW unit. I would've loved to get that, but the guy had it in pieces but gave up on restoring it.

But the M939 cabs are all about the width and not the length, right?

 

[gringeltaube]

.... But the M939 cabs are all about the width and not the length, right?

That's correct. 1 foot wider but exactly the same length.

 

[Mrgior31513]

With the box removed and the seats shimmed up about 3" in the front from the bracket and 4" in the back it puts them in a pretty decent spot height wise. They are a bit far forward, but I can get an extra 2" if I cut out the gusset and notch the corner about 2". If I do that I'll have to make a reinforced corner brace to put in, but it's not a big deal for me. I could also grind out the relief on the side of the seats so they click into place a bit more up, which will get me an extra 1" moved back, that's the current placement of the seats in the picture, the little black handle should be vertical with the seats fully locked in.

Also have some clearance issues for the PTO and Gear box shifters, but I'd rather make some better handles anyways, so again not a big deal for me. I plan on changing the adjustment on the Brake pedal to lower it about 2"-3", it doesn't need that much travel. I am also going to take out about 1" of play on the clutch pedal that's a bit much as well. Feels a bit cramped as it is, but I think with moving back another 2" it will solve that problem.

Another idea for bench seats that should fit a bit easier with more clearance are Tacoma bench seats. I may go check one of the local junk yards before I start chopping into the truck any more, more comfortable seats may not be worth all the extra work, and it does feel a bit cramped without the extra work.

 

[Mrgior31513]

Also, I'm thinking about going with an 18" steering wheel and putting in a quick disconnect for added theft prevention. Mine has power steering in it, the 20" is a bit much, not sure it's entirely necessary. If I do that I could comfortably raise the seat up another 1 1/2 - 2" and it would make a pretty big difference.

 

[Wondering_Alaskan]

With the box removed and the seats shimmed up about 3" in the front from the bracket and 4" in the back it puts them in a pretty decent spot height wise. They are a bit far forward, but I can get an extra 2" if I cut out the gusset and notch the corner about 2". If I do that I'll have to make a reinforced corner brace to put in, but it's not a big deal for me. I could also grind out the relief on the side of the seats so they click into place a bit more up, which will get me an extra 1" moved back, that's the current placement of the seats in the picture, the little black handle should be vertical with the seats fully locked in.

Also have some clearance issues for the PTO and Gear box shifters, but I'd rather make some better handles anyways, so again not a big deal for me. I plan on changing the adjustment on the Brake pedal to lower it about 2"-3", it doesn't need that much travel. I am also going to take out about 1" of play on the clutch pedal that's a bit much as well. Feels a bit cramped as it is, but I think with moving back another 2" it will solve that problem.

Another idea for bench seats that should fit a bit easier with more clearance are Tacoma bench seats. I may go check one of the local junk yards before I start chopping into the truck any more, more comfortable seats may not be worth all the extra work, and it does feel a bit cramped without the extra work.

That doesn’t look to bad at all. What seat is that in the pictures?

 

[Wondering_Alaskan]

Also, I'm thinking about going with an 18" steering wheel and putting in a quick disconnect for added theft prevention. Mine has power steering in it, the 20" is a bit much, not sure it's entirely necessary. If I do that I could comfortably raise the seat up another 1 1/2 - 2" and it would make a pretty big difference.

In my A3 I went with an 18” steering wheel as the previous owner had a 20” installed. It made a pretty good difference for me and my size. 10/10 recommend.

 

[Mrgior31513]

That doesn’t look to bad at all. What seat is that in the pictures?

That's the rear seat from 2005 F350 crew cab Lariat