What seats fit Explorer? Heated Seats quest as well.

[FirefighterJose]

So I'm picking up my 02 xlt this week and am making plans on what all
I'm going to do.

My question is, with leather power seats I'm happy but with winter approaching I'm wanting heated seats.

So, my question is what seats from other models fit the 3rd gen explorer?

Of course sourcing out Explorer Heated seats will work but I want to make
sure I'm not losing out on something possibly better.

For example, With the expedetion seats have the same bolt holes? If so
are they nicer? More comfortable with more power seating positions and heated?

While at the junkyard there are lots of expeditions, navigators etc.. that
all have great looking more luxurious seats and I was curious if anyone knew what could be swapped.

Of course I found some Heated seat Pads and harness with buttons
that allows you to install them into any seat but I'm making sure I know
all my options before committing to a decision.

Too bad the interiors weren't offered in black.

 

[FirefighterJose]

So after researching it looks like my best option is a universal kit.
Like this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-gear-sing...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27cb300fdc

Still curious about seats fitting different models.
Maybe I need to spend a day at the yard measuring bolt holes...

 

[Joe in NY]

go to amazon. You can 2 seat butt and back with hi/low setting from amazon for $60!

 

[FirefighterJose]

Yeah, but I like the one I linked that gives 5 settings.

So, still wondering about what will swap over other models.

 

[Joe in NY]

the explorer seats are small as the cabin of the explorer is small. I doubt you will find any seat from a bigger truck or suv that will fit. Why not just buy that universal kit?

The explorers with heated seats have a butt and back heater. Only option is on. and that is only for 10 maybe 15 min. Really annoying... I am going to put a lo/hi switch on the driver seat so I dont have keep pushing that stupid button

 

[FirefighterJose]

I'm going to get that kit that has the dial for 0 to 5. But I was still curious about the other options as far as seats. Figured it was worth a shot.

 

[1996EB]

I agree with Joe- you won't get seats from another vehicle (Expedition, etc.) to fit. You would need to stay within 3rd gen Explorer for a proper fit. Take a look at how the front seats bolt to the floor. It's a peculiar set up and nothing else will match up to the bolt holes (basically 2 bolts are horizontal and 2 are vertical). Also, the seat "track" and seat are integrated, unlike 1st and 2nd gens, making it even more difficult to use anything but a 3rd gen seat. I've had mine out and repaired my heated seats, so I took a good look at how they are assembled. Also, Limiteds have black leather, I've got it in mine.

 

[Joe in NY]

I'm guessing while you had yours apart you say no ability to further lower the seat height did you? I'm only 6ft and my head is just shy of hitting the headliner with the seat all the way down...

 

[1996EB]

No, you really can't adjust these seats for anything outside the original factory mounting or positioning. My son is 6'4"+ and doesn't have any headroom issues. Do your seats have the separate headrests or are they more like the 2nd gen "sport buckets"? 2002 seemed to offer both styles and I'm wondering if yours sit higher than mine.

 

[Joe in NY]

I have removable headrests. When ever I go from our suburban to my explorer I keep trying to put the seat down. I feel very cramped. Its weird because it looks like a big car, but the occupants space is tiny. I had far more room in our previous 2005 amanti and still have far more room in our 2014 optima. Its really weird. The optima is small but occupant space makes it feel big, no cramping up at all... It just baffles me every time I drive how small the inside of the explorer is...

 

[ccm2001]

Try a 03 explorer sport. My heated seats only have 1 setting and burns my ass after 10 m lol

 

[Joe in NY]

The trouble is that the heated seats use a module that is up under each side of the dash. Each seat has its own module to control the heat and frustratingly turn the heat off after 1 min

 

[FirefighterJose]

I'm going to purchase the heated seat kit I linked with the harness and 5 dial switch.

I'm still interested in the limited black leather front power seats.

Also, I'm 6'5" 220lb and find the seat to sit a little high, I wish it sat a little lower
like you're talking about. I don't think mine are the bucket style, but they don't have head rests.

When the yard gets new limited's in with black/dark gray leather I'll snatch them
up and then have a the heated seat kit installed.

 

[1996EB]

These are the Limited seats. Sort of in-between a really dark grey and black color. The flash probably makes them look a little lighter.

 

[FirefighterJose]

Yeah I like dark interior way more than light.
I'll probably slowly start picking up limited interior.

 

[1996EB]

Good luck and remember to get both sides of the wiring connector, if possible. Don't just unplug the seat and go. I've done enough work with swapping power options to know that it's always a good idea to get both parts of the connector. You never know when you might have to do a little rewiring to make things work. It also makes it easier for testing purposes, even if you don't end up using both sides of the connector. I was very glad that I pulled both sides of the connector when I installed the Aviator mirrors on my Ex...I did end up using them.