removing third row seat?

[fastrack625]

I'm looking into removing the third row seat from my 02 XLT. I haven't used it since I bought the vehicle. can anyone give me an idea how to do that and what to do after getting it out in order to use it for storage space?

 

[Number4]

I'd recommend finding a wrecking yard and replacing it with the pieces from a non 3rd row vehicle.
Along with the bottom pieces, you may want to replace the pillar plastic covers as well. Seeing as you won't need seat belts.
What's nice about no 3rd row, is how flat the back is. Far more useful.

 

[fastrack625]

I saw a post on here by someone who took it out and made his own floor out of some plywood and a rubberized mat. I thought that was a cool idea too, but what I need is some guidance on how to actually remove the seat. I'm not too worried about the seat belts at this point.

 

[Number4]

The seats are held in place by studs, nuts and bolts.
The studs with nuts have a male torx end, which can be used to hold the stud in place while removing the nut. However, you'll want the stud removed as well, so try just removing the nuts first. If the stud doesn't come out, then you'll need to use a female torx socket to remove the stud.
The bolts utilize torx as well. You will need a male torx socket to remove them. I suggest using one which is 1/2 drive. Also, depending on the amount of corrosion you can't see, they can strip easily. So you may want to soak them with BP Blaster or the like.
I had to drill one out. I you do so, just remember that the gas tank is under some of them. Don't drill into that. That would be considered a bad day. Luckily I avoided a bad day. Not by much though.

Ford uses a foil backed tar tape to seal the holes, you'll want to use something similar.

Just locate all the studs/bolts and it's fairly easy.