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I think I need more leg room

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Old 09-19-2011, 01:52 PM
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Default I think I need more leg room

I dunno why, but lately it seems I don't fit in the XJ any more. Could be because my DD is so much roomier, but now the XJ seems pretty cramped in the leg area. I'm 5'9" and not growing any more & have never been over 150 lbs all my life.

The XJ has power seats & we all know they only go back so far, unlike manual seats that slide back further. If memory serves, these are bolted to 4 bolts that are welded thru the floor of the Jeep. The wires don't seem as if they'll stretch back much either. Has anyone extended their power seats further back? Fabbed up some type of bracket?
Old 09-19-2011, 02:01 PM
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I'm 6' and while I don't feel cramped, it is uncomfortable sometimes. I really wish the seats went back farther. Also my foot is always at an awkward angle on the gas pedal and on long drives my foot will begin to cramp up.
Old 09-19-2011, 02:21 PM
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You have power seats? Long legs? (I used to work in a uniform establishment & I learned that there are a lot of 6' guys with short inseam. I have long legs ...) But I digress.

Is there a mechanical solution?
Old 09-19-2011, 02:24 PM
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might be the commercial ride being roomier. my FORD F250 work truck is real spacious, my old K5 was real spacious, my XJ feels like a soda can.... but after i while i got used to it and now it just feels.... right.
Old 09-20-2011, 10:29 AM
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Not commercial ... it's my Durango.

So no one has modified the mounts for an XJ with power seats? I guess I'll have to do it then & post the write-up. I already have an idea brewing in the ol' coconut ...
Old 09-20-2011, 10:46 AM
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im guessing a seat mod might be just the thing. extend the wiring harnes and relocate the seat. sounds simple right? (it never is when doing what i call explority mofication)

Good luck
Old 09-20-2011, 10:50 AM
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I redid the mounts on mine. Just redrilled holes making sure they were through the frame rails.

Used stainless bolts, washers and nuts. Worked great.

I could use the factory holes if I wanted to I guess.
Old 09-20-2011, 11:32 AM
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Im just shy of 5'11 (Im over it if I go in the docs first thing in the morning) and I hover around 205lbs. I LOVE the way my XJ feels around me. It "fits" me. I wear a 33" pant (inseam) and although I do put the seat back, the XJ just feels right. Whenever I get into something "roomier", I always feel awkward, like its too big. I hate having to reach for something. Im my XJ, everything is right there. LOVE HER! I do notice other people think she's kinda cramped, but I think its something you get used to. I know I HATE riding with my mother in her van. Feels like a bus. And my buddy has a huge Ford Super Duty and that thing is like a semi-truck.
Old 09-20-2011, 11:36 AM
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6'1" 165lbs, 33" inseam.

I only moved my seat less than an inch, and only because the original holes were rusted to crap.
Old 09-20-2011, 07:33 PM
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http://misch4x4.com/bigboy_brackets.html

ive seen these in a tj, maybe they could fit in an xj with a bit of work?
Old 09-20-2011, 08:21 PM
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I'm 5'10" with 30" inseam, fits me perfect. My step mom's 2006 Impala goes way far back, I can't put the seat all the way back because I can't reach the pedals comfortably.
Old 09-20-2011, 08:54 PM
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Guys, thanks for all the "I'm tall with long legs & fit in the XJ" testimonials. My mileage varies.

I still need to get an ideas about moving the seat back some more. With my power seats all the way back my legs are almost at a 90 degree angle on the pedals. taythegibs thanks for the link. It seems the brackets are for non-power seats? I can't really tell what it looks like or where/how it is installed. Not so sure it would work for me ...

My idea is simple enough: onto the stock locations bolt a pair of extended bars that reach a few inches back into the rear. They will need similar protruding threaded bolts to accommodate the seats. In theory it seems like it will work. But there are a cluster of wires under there & it won't be fun trying to splice them all. G.O.D. are your seats powered? Is this what you did? Any pics?


GreenClassic you would trip over my jeans
Old 09-20-2011, 09:01 PM
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I'm 6' 6", and i have no problem at all, and im not a small guy... my XJ is too comfortable for its own good....
Old 09-20-2011, 09:22 PM
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I think a simple seat swap to manual seats or maybe even grand seats would solve your problem.

I'm 15, 5'10 and weigh 200lbs(linebacker) and I find my power leather seat fit me well, but just not comfortable at all. I plan on finding a set of leather gc seats or just some manual cloth xj seats and swapping them for comfort and more room soon.
Old 09-21-2011, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by _StationWagon_
Guys, thanks for all the "I'm tall with long legs & fit in the XJ" testimonials. My mileage varies.

I still need to get an ideas about moving the seat back some more. With my power seats all the way back my legs are almost at a 90 degree angle on the pedals. taythegibs thanks for the link. It seems the brackets are for non-power seats? I can't really tell what it looks like or where/how it is installed. Not so sure it would work for me ...

My idea is simple enough: onto the stock locations bolt a pair of extended bars that reach a few inches back into the rear. They will need similar protruding threaded bolts to accommodate the seats. In theory it seems like it will work. But there are a cluster of wires under there & it won't be fun trying to splice them all. G.O.D. are your seats powered? Is this what you did? Any pics?


GreenClassic you would trip over my jeans

I cut the studs off, and took a titanium drill bit to the floor. I needed to punch holes anyway as I was welding in new floor pans.

Its REALLY simple, but I don't have power seats. If your wires reach, no bracketry will be needed. That's too much work. Just set the seat where you want it, mark where the new holes should be, and start drilling. Get stainless steel nuts, bolts, washers and lock washers.

If your wires don't reach, make an extension for them. It can't be that difficult.
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