Grand Cherokee Seats?

[karter74]

Has anyone swapped newer grand cherokee seats into their XJ? I ask this because I would kill for heated seats and I feel that if they fit correctly I could make a switch for it to work in my XJ. Any ideas?

[Lou]

Do you really need heated seats...in Texas?

[sweetjeep]

Shop around, there are a couple of companies that make add in seat heaters. Super easy to install and not too expensive. About $80 a seat if I recall correctly.

[shimmy]

someone put in some WJ seats and it was a direct bolt in... i think it was in this forum? do a search and see what comes up. I'll take a look on JU and post what i find.

brandon

[nate]

Don't they have those $30 taxi driver pads at Walmart with the built in seat heater/vibrator, etc... just plug into the cigarette lighter.

[Ivan]

someone put in some WJ seats and it was a direct bolt in... i think it was in this forum? do a search and see what comes up. I'll take a look on JU and post what i find.

brandon

It was on JU... But it was using WJ seats, on 97 and later XJ seat rails. The WJ seats were a direct bolt on to the XJ seat rails...

Ivan

[sweetjeep]

I am actually more curious how you plan to wire the seats up. I actually got a set of heated XJ seats for my XJ. I have some of the wireing but not all of it. The factory switches have a heat sensor and a hi/low temp sensor. I have yet to entirely figure out how to wire it up.

I'd like to create up a simple switch (toggle or potentiometer or something) so I can run them on my own. But I am still concerned about overheating the seat elements.

[PapaPump]

will '97 plus brackets bolt into the earlier models? 99+ seats and 97+ barackets?

[01-XJ]

I would like to know about this aswell, as I got stuck with some WJ seats off of ebay that the guy said were out of a Cherokee. He never mentioned the "Grand" part. I even asked him if they were out of a Cherokee (not grand).

~Jeremy

[Ivan]

I would like to know about this aswell, as I got stuck with some WJ seats off of ebay that the guy said were out of a Cherokee. He never mentioned the "Grand" part. I even asked him if they were out of a Cherokee (not grand).

~Jeremy

Just take out your Cherokee seat (frame rail and all), remove the frame rail from the XJ seat, and bolt up the WJ seats. The WJ seats should bolt up to the XJ seat rail. Then just install it in your XJ.... It should only be about a 15 minute operation per each seat....

[JEEPZZ]

I am actually more curious how you plan to wire the seats up. I actually got a set of heated XJ seats for my XJ. I have some of the wireing but not all of it. The factory switches have a heat sensor and a hi/low temp sensor. I have yet to entirely figure out how to wire it up.

I'd like to create up a simple switch (toggle or potentiometer or something) so I can run them on my own. But I am still concerned about overheating the seat elements.
I've done this conversion to my 97 XJ with heated leather seats from a 99 XJ Limited. What year is your XJ and what trim level is it?

[zith]

It was on JU... But it was using WJ seats, on 97 and later XJ seat rails. The WJ seats were a direct bolt on to the XJ seat rails...

Ivan

When did the seat mounting change? I was always under the impression that it was changed in 95 or 96 to the newer design.
Since mine is a 96, I'd LOVE to have WJ seats just bolt onto the brackets.

~Brian

[JEEPZZ]

95 was the first year of the new design.

[zith]

95 was the first year of the new design.

So that means even though everyone is talking about the WJ seat swap on 97+ cherokees, it'll really work on 95+.
Good to hear! Now it's time to find some cheap WJ seats. :D

[Big Red]

Will ZJ seats work as well? So you need can only bolt the Grand Cherokee seats to the Cherokee seat brackets and not swap in the complete seat with bracket from the Grand Cherokee to the Cherokee? I'm looking to do this conversion to make my wife happy so I can sell my 96' Limited and keep my more gas friendly 98' 2 dr 5 speed XJ.

Troy

[JEEPZZ]

Will ZJ seats work as well? So you need can only bolt the Grand Cherokee seats to the Cherokee seat brackets and not swap in the complete seat with bracket from the Grand Cherokee to the Cherokee? I'm looking to do this conversion to make my wife happy so I can sell my 96' Limited and keep my more gas friendly 98' 2 dr 5 speed XJ.

Troy

yes

[96_Busted_XJ]

Oh yea ZJ seats are cheap i'm gettign some tomorrow !!

[Big Red]

So you can bolt in ZJ or WJ seats and brackets into a 95'+ XJ? I see people only bolting WJ seats and reusing their stock XJ seat brackets. I'm looking to get power leather ZJ or WJ seats in my 98' XJ 2 dr Sport.

Sorry to be redundant, but I want to make sure before I spend $250-400 on Grand Cherokee leather seats.

[Kittrell]

So you can bolt in ZJ or WJ seats onto the 95'+ XJ brackets?

Yes (corrected for proper intel)

[96_Busted_XJ]

okay edit*

I saw the new post.
anyways does anyone know if the rear seats bolt in too ?? got to have matching ZJ seats.

[Kittrell]

okay edit*

I saw the new post.
anyways does anyone know if the rear seats bolt in too ?? got to have matching ZJ seats.

They do not, too wide.

[96_Busted_XJ]

They do not, to wide.

You rock dude thanx.
Anthony

[tysonxj]

When I bolted 1998 ZJ power leather seats onto my '99XJ rails they raised the seat surface by atleast an inch. So, if you are tall, and don't like your head hitting the ceiling / overhead console it is not a "direct fit". (atleast it wasn't for me)

Also, adapting ZJ power seat rails to an XJ is a royal pain in the balls.

If anybody has any advice I am all ears.

Chris

[Big Red]

When I bolted 1998 ZJ power leather seats onto my '99XJ rails they raised the seat surface by atleast an inch. So, if you are tall, and don't like your head hitting the ceiling / overhead console it is not a "direct fit". (atleast it wasn't for me)

Also, adapting ZJ power seat rails to an XJ is a royal pain in the balls.

If anybody has any advice I am all ears.

Chris

It would be much easier to swap in XJ limited seats, you know those will work. The XJ seats already sit high. I'm 6' 3" and am crowded.

[tysonxj]

I agree, I couldn't find them for reasonable $$$.

Chris

[red_01_xj]

They do not, to wide.
i beg to differ with the WJ seats (never tried ZJ seats tho)

heres a couple pics to prove it

http://ndsu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021015&l=fd8d8&id=33801372

[96_Busted_XJ]

I found some 99 leather front grey the only bad part for 100 on craigslist? I guess i'm blessed to be in an area of 5 million plus cars withtin a 100 mile radius.

[Kittrell]

i beg to differ with the WJ seats (never tried ZJ seats tho)

heres a couple pics to prove it

http://ndsu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021015&l=fd8d8&id=33801372

I never commented on the WJ seats. Never really looked into it, just assumed the same. I'd like to see better pics of that setup though.

[red_01_xj]

ill try to get more tonight...it was a tight fit but 10x better seats and better looking

[Kittrell]

ill try to get more tonight...it was a tight fit but 10x better seats and better looking

What all was required to get them in?

[JEEPZZ]

ill try to get more tonight...it was a tight fit but 10x better seats and better looking
What all was required to get them in?
Looks like we are going to get off topic here but I too have got to know how you mounted up the WJ rear seat into the XJ. More pics and info PLEASE!!! :D

[red_01_xj]

i added more pictures to the same album

it requiers 10 bolts or so...

first remove back seat and mounting brackets then install the rear of the back seat using the Grand Cherokee brackets (do the outsides first and then the center brackets)
the center bracket is a bit tricky (you have to flip it backwards inorder to mount it)

the bench is a bit harder to fit becase of the wheel wells i took a dremel and cut off about an inch of the plastic around the wheel well in the seat (i did then glue the seat cover back to the base)
then you mount the bottom of the seats to the front of the bench support...and whalla...

honestly it was not that hard to do...but do be carefull because this requires drilling and cutting (plastic)...

you do gain about another 2-3 inches under the rear seat and it does sit up higher...the rear passangers do lose some leg room but my passangers have already comented on the comfort and height of the seats
the only other problem you have when doing this is the back is no longer level when the seats are folded (yes they do fold and i love the 40/60) when folded it sits about an inch higher not a big deal in my mind but may be for those who sleep in the back

[Big Red]

Thanks for the pics. Can you fold the rear seat down more than you have it? Can you take some pics of the front seats? While this is an awesome mod, I think most people will just do the front seats, but it's awesome to know that this works in a XJ, sure makes it look much more plush. You can tell people this is the super rare Ultra Limited Jeep Cherokee. :laugh3:

[red_01_xj]

Thanks for the pics. Can you fold the rear seat down more than you have it? Can you take some pics of the front seats? While this is an awesome mod, I think most people will just do the front seats, but it's awesome to know that this works in a XJ, sure makes it look much more plush. You can tell people this is the super rare Ultra Limited Jeep Cherokee. :laugh3:
yea there actually is a picture of them folded flat (the fronts are great i will get some more photos up tomorrow...)

yea the more i think about it my jeep wants to be a grand...zj disc brakes, zj v8 coils, wj control arms, wj seats, zj gas tank skid plate, and soon a zj v8 tie rod...i guess my jeep is a grand xj...haha or a cherokee laradeo

[Big Red]

yea there actually is a picture of them folded flat (the fronts are great i will get some more photos up tomorrow...)

yea the more i think about it my jeep wants to be a grand...zj disc brakes, zj v8 coils, wj control arms, wj seats, zj gas tank skid plate, and soon a zj v8 tie rod...i guess my jeep is a grand xj...haha or a cherokee laradeo

WOW, you sure do have a unique XJ there. How much lift did the V8 ZJ coils give you? I have a V8 ZJ, that I could take the front coils from. It is common in the ZJ world to bring the rear coils to the from for a 3.5-4" lift you just need to get new real coils. How did the ZJ gas tank skid work, much modification. What year XJ do you have? Thanks for the info. ;)

[JEEPZZ]

So other than the rear seat itself, what other pieces from the WJ will I need? Just the brackets??
I'm assuming that the mounting brackets will unbolt out of the WJ -or- are they welded in there?

[Chero-King]

WOW, you sure do have a unique XJ there. How much lift did the V8 ZJ coils give you? I have a V8 ZJ, that I could take the front coils from. It is common in the ZJ world to bring the rear coils to the from for a 3.5-4" lift you just need to get new real coils. How did the ZJ gas tank skid work, much modification. What year XJ do you have? Thanks for the info. ;)

Front ZJ coils give around 1-2"s of lift in an XJ. V8 ZJ coils give around 3"s I assume...

[Big Red]

Front ZJ coils give around 1-2"s of lift in an XJ. V8 ZJ coils give around 3"s I assume...

Does it matter if they are from a V8 or straight 6?

Did you get the power seats working in your XJ? In order to make this work would you think you have to use XJ limited brackets with WJ or ZJ power leather seats? It would be a lot easier to swap in leather Limited seats from a XJ around the same vintage, but I'm sure they aren't as luxurious as the ZJ or WJ Limited seats.

[Kittrell]

Did you get the power seats working in your XJ? In order to make this work would you think you have to use XJ limited brackets with WJ or ZJ power leather seats? It would be a lot easier to swap in leather Limited seats from a XJ around the same vintage, but I'm sure they aren't as luxurious as the ZJ or WJ Limited seats.

WJ seats raise you up about an inch, XJ power bases raise you up about an inch. Depending on your height, that could be an issue.

[themangeraaad]

Is there any options or possibilities for running Grand seats for those of us with 2 dr. XJs? Didnt know if anyone had done anything fun with the seats to make it so the back seat was still accessable. I am considering replacing the drivers seat but leaving the passenger seat, but as much as I dont care about looks... or my passengers comfort so much as my own for that matter... I would like the looks. I have a 93 so I know it would be more of a process to install the seats already, but anyone have any ideas so my passengers dont have to climb in through the back? :D

[Chero-King]

Does it matter if they are from a V8 or straight 6?

Well the straight 6 Coils only barely give you an inch. The v8 coils I'm pretty sure give around 2-3"s

[Alienspecimen]

Do the Grand Cherokee heated seats come in non-leather version? I hate leather...
Thanks
Boris

[red_01_xj]

So other than the rear seat itself, what other pieces from the WJ will I need? Just the brackets??
I'm assuming that the mounting brackets will unbolt out of the WJ -or- are they welded in there?
all except the bracket between the seats (for the 40/60) are attached to the seat...and this one is bolted in as well...i believe the nuts are welded so you will not be able to get those

[red_01_xj]

Do the Grand Cherokee heated seats come in non-leather version? I hate leather...
Thanks
Boris
the heated do not...but cloth Grand cherokee seats are way more comfortable

[Kittrell]

Well the straight 6 Coils only barely give you an inch. The v8 coils I'm pretty sure give around 2-3"s

Nope, 4.0 coils give you nothing. V8 coils only give you an extra inch. If you don't already know this, it's easy enough to figure out. As the Rubicon 4.5" ZJ Coil is the same one they use as the XJ 5.5" Coil.

[red_01_xj]

Nope, 4.0 coils give you nothing. V8 coils only give you an extra inch. If you don't already know this, it's easy enough to figure out. As the Rubicon 4.5" ZJ Coil is the same one they use as the XJ 5.5" Coil.
up country ones will give you an inch more than stated above...my V8 coils gave me about an 1.5"

[lil98xj]

Anyone know if ZJ non-power cloth seats raise you up? I have a lead on some locally and am wondering.

Thanks!
Dennis

WJ seats raise you up about an inch, XJ power bases raise you up about an inch. Depending on your height, that could be an issue.

[Kittrell]

Anyone know if ZJ non-power cloth seats raise you up? I have a lead on some locally and am wondering.

Thanks!
Dennis

As far as I am informed, no, they do not.

[lil98xj]

As far as I am informed, no, they do not.

If they are in good shape I will let you know for sure on Saturday or Sunday.

-Dennis

[lil98xj]

As far as I am informed, no, they do not.

I am sure my original seats had some sag, but the seats I got(supposedly from a 98 ZJ) do raise me up at least an inch. My friend here at the office noticed it in the passenger seat also when I drove him to pick up his car.

They also seem to sit farther forward giving the backseat a little more legroom. I saw this as I watched my 5 year old climb into his car seat.

Just my observations.

-Dennis

[Root Moose]

They also seem to sit farther forward giving the backseat a little more legroom. I saw this as I watched my 5 year old climb into his car seat.

Excellent. How did it affect the driver's leg room?

Being long of leg and I can just get comfy with the seat all the way back. Does the extra height offset the leng room loss?

When my boys get bigger the rear leg room may be an issue for us.

[lil98xj]

Excellent. How did it affect the driver's leg room?

Being long of leg and I can just get comfy with the seat all the way back. Does the extra height offset the leng room loss?

When my boys get bigger the rear leg room may be an issue for us.

It feels like it is close to offsetting. I am really having trouble getting comfortable in the new seats as I am all torso. 6'1" and a 31" inseam. I was 1" from the headliner to begin with in a "normal" driving position. Now I have to recline the seat to drive. My wife says she is more comfortable in the Jeep as she likes the higher seating position. We have switched vehicles for a little while to see if the seats "settle" at all.

At this moment I am not happy with the switch. It has nothing to do with the actual modification, that was as easy as everyone here said it is. I am just bummed that because of my body's build this change makes the Jeep painful to drive for me.

-Dennis

[red_01_xj]

i hooked up the heated seats today...i was at the junk yard and they had a set of cloth seats with heated in them so i knew it must be aftermarket...they have this little blue box on them that is inline that must have a realay in it or something but the pads for the wj seats remained the same...for your info in a 2002 wj the heated seat wires that go in to the seats are yellow for power and black is the temp sensors... so what i did was find the same on the pads from the aftermarket kit and hooked them to the stock pads....they had a positive and negitive that i ran to the back of the cig lighter and walla they worked... it was probably the easeist way to do it...by finding or using an after market kit...if you have any questions i may be able to answer them.

[miketyson]

Nope, 4.0 coils give you nothing. V8 coils only give you an extra inch. If you don't already know this, it's easy enough to figure out. As the Rubicon 4.5" ZJ Coil is the same one they use as the XJ 5.5" Coil.


That doesn't make any sense, Aftermarket springs by companies like RE don't specify I6 or v8 so if youre saying the factory coil on a v8 is stronger then w/ aftermarket coils a I6 will always get an inch more lift which i do not believe to be true..

logically i agree the v8 coil should be stronger but this just doesnt make sense to me, anyone know for sure if theres a difference?

*i've looked into replacement springs and no one except the stupid autozone guys ask about engine size

[Kittrell]

That doesn't make any sense, Aftermarket springs by companies like RE don't specify I6 or v8 so if youre saying the factory coil on a v8 is stronger then w/ aftermarket coils a I6 will always get an inch more lift which i do not believe to be true..

logically i agree the v8 coil should be stronger but this just doesnt make sense to me, anyone know for sure if theres a difference?
Yes, I know for sure. Sorry, I didn't make it up. I said that the Rubicon Lift coils for the ZJ give the XJ an inch more lift. Which is why the Coils included in the RE 5.5" XJ kit are 4.5" ZJ coils per the part number. Not enough proof?

[miketyson]

i believe its the same spring looked it up myself, but that means everyone with a v8 is getting screwed on their lifts cause aftermarket companies dont account for the heavier engine is this right? or can you assume the factory coils are the same for both engines as well

[aroncull]

wow guys thanks for bringing this thread back... i guess it had been awhile since i had searched the whole grand seats thing... awesome ill do the rear bench Too!!!

[cklaus]

So i have 97 orvis power/heated ZJ seats that i want to swap into my 2000 classic with the standard manual seats. As i understand it, it will REQUIRE the frame rail from a XJ limited that had power seats??? How are you guys getting the frame rail off? I flipped over the ZJ seats and only see one torx bit on the bottom most portion of each side ( is that it), otherwise i see a lot of rivets and pressed fittings. I have the rear leather ZJ seats too which i would love to install. I have seen it done but would love to see a write up or any info you guys may have. You guys that have installed the ZJ seats, where they the power/heated 6 way seats. i'm wondering if these will fit b/c they are really big around the base. i have physically put them in where the drivers seat was and hooked up the power and as you would slide the seat back the left rear base of the seat would jam into the plastic shroud that covers the pillar that seperates the front and rear doors. Any assistance and guidance is heartily appreciated.

[1bolt]

Yeah this is probably the 10th thread I've read about WJ/ZJ seat swaps into 95+ XJ's Over the past three years. I ended up adapting passenger car leather seats into my XJ. and I'm still not sure what years of grands fit and whether the XJ base needs to be retained or the wrole grand seat bracket bolts in. Now I got a 97 for my Wife with power everything but cloth manual seats... looking to change that.

BTW on the whole V8 Coil debates... the 4.0 is as heavy as most iron block Small block V8's. It's nearly a hundred pounds heavier than SBF and Chevy all aluminum motors (such as the late 5.0, DOHC 4.6 and the LS1)... Just some food for thought, there should be little if any difference between an I6 and V8 Grand cherokee springs...

[red_01_xj]

Yeah this is probably the 10th thread I've read about WJ/ZJ seat swaps into 95+ XJ's Over the past three years. I ended up adapting passenger car leather seats into my XJ. and I'm still not sure what years of grands fit and whether the XJ base needs to be retained or the wrole grand seat bracket bolts in. Now I got a 97 for my Wife with power everything but cloth manual seats... looking to change that.

The XJ bases need to stay, any year ZJ (93-98) or WJ (99-04) will bolt to the XJ bases.

[1bolt]

That's been contradicted by someone with a 97+ XJ who posted pics of his Grey leather WJ seats installed, and said that they neither bolted in directly nor did the seats bolt to the XJ rails. That it required fabbing. I've lost the thread. I've seen someone with cloth WJ but no details on what was done. But I've yet to see anything from anyone who bolted things together without fabrication and thus no real 100% confirmation of any bolt-in swaps.

I had to weld brackets to get Ford Torus SHO leather seats into my XJ, and I had to completely rework the rear, and message the trans tunnel. So I'm looking for a simple swap for my Wifes. Unfortunately there seems to be gobs of misinformation surounding this topic. I still can believe that some range of years of WJ and/or ZJ seats have the same rails or can be bolted to the XJ's rails, but the only actual swap I've seen ruled both options out for at least the 99+ style WJ seats.

[red_01_xj]

I have some from a WJ in mine 00, and I have two buddys with a 01 and a 98 they all work. Please do some more research you will fine that it works. You should read the whole thread before you post and try to disagree.

[JEEPZZ]

That's been contradicted by someone with a 97+ XJ who posted pics of his Grey leather WJ seats installed, and said that they neither bolted in directly nor did the seats bolt to the XJ rails. That it required fabbing. I've lost the thread. I've seen someone with cloth WJ but no details on what was done. But I've yet to see anything from anyone who bolted things together without fabrication and thus no real 100% confirmation of any bolt-in swaps.

ALL 97+ XJ seat rails bolt up the same. ALL ZJ seats will bolt on to ALL 97+ XJ rails. ALL WJ seats will bolt on to ALL 97+ XJ seat rails. ALL=100%

[1bolt]

You should read the whole thread before you post and try to disagree.

In case you missed it because I posted it oh... two or three posts back on this same page, I've read the whole thread and a dozen more like it over the past three years, and there's at least one person with pics of WJ seats installed who says that power WJ seats are not a bolt in.

Maybe before you make yourself look silly again; you should take your own advise :) I am not "trying to disagree" I'm relating one post from someone who's got power WJ seats in his XJ that expressly stated it was NOT a bolt in operation. As soon as I find that thread again I will post a link.

On the other hand pics of installed ZJ or WJ power seats or writeups from people claimning they've done it "bolt in" have been few and far between.

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying there's very little proof that there's a bolt in power seat option that doesn't involve finding rare power XJ seats.
So instead of trying to put me in my place for daring to question the conventional wizdom why don't you be helpful and serve up some pics of your WJ seats?

[red_01_xj]

In case you missed it because I posted it oh... two or three posts back on this same page, I've read the whole thread and a dozen more like it over the past three years, and there's at least one person with pics of WJ seats installed who says that power WJ seats are not a bolt in.

Maybe before you make yourself look silly again; you should take your own advise :) I am not "trying to disagree" I'm relating one post from someone who's got power WJ seats in his XJ that expressly stated it was NOT a bolt in operation. As soon as I find that thread again I will post a link.

On the other hand pics of installed ZJ or WJ power seats or writeups from people claimning they've done it "bolt in" have been few and far between.

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying there's very little proof that there's a bolt in power seat option that doesn't involve finding rare power XJ seats.
So instead of trying to put me in my place for daring to question the conventional wizdom why don't you be helpful and serve up some pics of your WJ seats?
I did post pics back on post 25 or so of this thread. If you would have read the posts carefully you would see that the xj seat base is being used (either power or non) along with the WJ seats, now if you were to try to retain the grand seat bases you will not get it to work (power or non).

Your whole thing is that you haven't tried it, I have helped out with 3 installs so far of WJ seats in XJ's. IT ALL WORKS.

[JEEPZZ]

On the other hand pics of installed ZJ or WJ power seats or writeups from people claimning they've done it "bolt in" have been few and far between.

Too funny, I think that this is the first time that I read that someone said that it WOULDN'T work. I've seen at least a dozen different threads (with pics) showing the mod.

I think there's some trolling going on here :shiver:

[Tim_MN]

ALL 97+ XJ seat rails bolt up the same. ALL ZJ seats will bolt on to ALL 97+ XJ rails. ALL WJ seats will bolt on to ALL 97+ XJ seat rails.

Here are some WJ seats mounted on the original XJ seat-base/slider in my 2000 XJ. No mods needed, simply bolt on. The WJ power seat switches are nonfunctional until I find an XJ power adjust seat-base/slider to swap in.

http://www.fototime.com/59C91BE6EF690AB/standard.jpg
.
http://www.fototime.com/AC3C04F3F326048/standard.jpg

[Big Red]

Here are some WJ seats mounted on the original XJ seat-base/slider in my 2000 XJ. No mods needed, simply bolt on. The WJ power seat switches are nonfunctional until I find an XJ power adjust seat-base/slider to swap in.

http://www.fototime.com/59C91BE6EF690AB/standard.jpg
.
http://www.fototime.com/AC3C04F3F326048/standard.jpg

Do you still have the XJ seats and would you sell them or are they long gone? :wave:
I'm in Northern IL.

Troy

[krelja]

I didn't see how the power bases would bolt to the XJ bases and still have all the power options work. I just chopped the brackets off of the WJ seats and made some that would lower the seat a little and let the seats go back farther. The back took a little work but they are in and work great here are some pics I have no real write-up or anything and I can snap some pics if you want more
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220632.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271375)
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220634.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271376)
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220631.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271374)
click to enlarge

[XJBANKER]

I didn't see how the power bases would bolt to the XJ bases and still have all the power options work. I just chopped the brackets off of the WJ seats and made some that would lower the seat a little and let the seats go back farther. The back took a little work but they are in and work great here are some pics I have no real write-up or anything and I can snap some pics if you want more
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220632.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271375)
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220634.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271376)
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220631.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271374)
click to enlarge



I would like to see some more pictures of your mounts that you built so you could use the power in the front and how you got the power wired. I picked up my seats on monday and would like to get them installed. I think that I will start with the rear and the front passanger seat so I can still drive to work and back.

(2000 XJ)

[XJBANKER]

I would like to see some more pictures of your mounts that you built so you could use the power in the front and how you got the power wired. I picked up my seats on monday and would like to get them installed. I think that I will start with the rear and the front passanger seat so I can still drive to work and back.

(2000 XJ)

[nonnie]

What about my '96 2 door?

[jk333]

So that means even though everyone is talking about the WJ seat swap on 97+ cherokees, it'll really work on 95+.
Good to hear! Now it's time to find some cheap WJ seats. :D


do you guys know if 95-01 seat brackets (no seats included) will bolt into the stock holes in the floor of 87-94 Cherokees?


thanks

[bajacalal]

Quick answer:

IIRC the earlier Cherokees (from the AMC era until Chrysler changed it) do not have the same seat attachment pattern on the floor. I do think the late 80s ones had better seats though.

[jk333]

Quick answer:

IIRC the earlier Cherokees (from the AMC era until Chrysler changed it) do not have the same seat attachment pattern on the floor. I do think the late 80s ones had better seats though.

thank you :)

[Hudson Bend]

I took my tracks off my old xj seats and directly bolted them onto the base of some zj seats out of a 98 grand cherokee. Nice seats. The
only drawback was that they were out of a four door and would not lean forward enough for me to access my back seat in my 96two door sport. Fortunately it has only been a problem rarely but if I were to do it again, Wait a minute, they don't make two door grand cherokees, do they. If I had kids going in and out or gave rides to friends with a waist larger than 26 inches, then it would be a problem. Still love those seats however.

[88xjchief]

Is there any way to modify the seats so they can tilt forward?

[ehall]

I took my tracks off my old xj seats and directly bolted them onto the base of some zj seats out of a 98 grand cherokee.
Were the seats powered? Did you move the motors?

[Hudson Bend]

Sorry for delay. Seats were not power ones.

[XJBANKER]

I have the back part of the 60/40 installed, need to find some time to get the project done. It really looks good so far.

[TazXJ]

I have '96 ZJ limited front leather seats that are 100% functional (power, heated, lumbar), AND '98 ZJ rear leather seats in my XJ

[red_01_xj]

I have '96 ZJ limited front leather seats that are 100% functional (power, heated, lumbar), AND '98 ZJ rear leather seats in my XJ
yes but you did not retain the factory mounts

[TazXJ]

yes but you did not retain the factory mounts

XJ factory front seat bases/tracks?

[red_01_xj]

XJ factory front seat bases/tracks?
yep didnt you use the ZJ bases/tracks, then yours woudnt be bolt in

[cklaus]

So does anyone have any pics or a writeup of how to get the XJ tracks attached to the bottom of the zj seats. When i compared my XJ and ZJ seats side by side i didn't see any obvious way to get the two swapped. Please forgive my ignorance if its a simple procedure. I have power 97 ZJ orvis seats and standard 2000 xj manual seats. I thought i was told in the past i would require XJ power leather base rails.

[red_01_xj]

Do the ZJ seats have power recline, if so they wont work, they need to have the manual recline

[Plays For Jeeps]

I didn't see how the power bases would bolt to the XJ bases and still have all the power options work. I just chopped the brackets off of the WJ seats and made some that would lower the seat a little and let the seats go back farther. The back took a little work but they are in and work great here are some pics I have no real write-up or anything and I can snap some pics if you want more
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220632.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271375)
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220634.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271376)
http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/8/22209220631.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=6271374)
click to enlarge

After reading all 6 pages I still don't know if I fully understand if the swap will work.

I want the above leather seats, both front and rear. I have a 96 4 door.

Is it a direct, bolt-in swap both front and rear?

What year and model are the pictured seats from?

Is there a way to hookup the heat and power form these seats in my 96?

Thanks guys!

[cklaus]

The Orvis ZJ seats are six way power seats with motorized recline :(
guess they won't work. http://www.jeeporvis.com/1996-7-orvis-info.html

[red_01_xj]

The Orvis ZJ seats are six way power seats with motorized recline :(
guess they won't work. http://www.jeeporvis.com/1996-7-orvis-info.html
at least to my knowledge

[TazXJ]

yep didnt you use the ZJ bases/tracks, then yours woudnt be bolt in

OH....yeah I see what you mean, I got confused there for a min. you would be correct, they aren't exactly a bolt in deal, I had to re-drill a few holes.

that reminds me, are your WJ seats 100% functional like my ZJ seats are? my heat/recline/lumbar/power slide/etc works like factory.

[red_01_xj]

OH....yeah I see what you mean, I got confused there for a min. you would be correct, they aren't exactly a bolt in deal, I had to re-drill a few holes.

that reminds me, are your WJ seats 100% functional like my ZJ seats are? my heat/recline/lumbar/power slide/etc works like factory.
mine had manual recline, and non power slide, the heat works, there was no lumbar

[bn6339]

Read this thread a bit...does anyone know whether grand seats will fit an MJ? Im willing to do some fab work, just nothing horribly beyond my (non)welding skills...TIA

[red_01_xj]

Read this thread a bit...does anyone know whether grand seats will fit an MJ? Im willing to do some fab work, just nothing horribly beyond my (non)welding skills...TIA
if you add the channel like in the 95 plus and then used 95 plus seat frames and grand cherokee seats you should be able to do it

[IslanderOffRoad]

if you add the channel like in the 95 plus and then used 95 plus seat frames and grand cherokee seats you should be able to do it

channel?

what channel?

have a picture? I've got a late 94, so I'm wondering if I possibly have 95 seat brackets.

[88xjchief]

Read this thread a bit...does anyone know whether grand seats will fit an MJ? Im willing to do some fab work, just nothing horribly beyond my (non)welding skills...TIA
You would need to use the MJ seat brackets. The xj ones are different.

[red_01_xj]

non channel
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h230/bnewsky/P1010031.jpg
with channel
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/anodyne33/DSCF0034.jpg

[IslanderOffRoad]

Thanks! How hard is a channel to add?

[red_01_xj]

no idea, however I have heard of people using some u shaped or L shaped steel and making them, the two holes on the back side or left side in the picture are where the nuts are for the bolts on the front

[Modsquad]

From the looks of the pics, it seems the bottom of the WJ/ZJ seats offer no more support than the XJ seats. Granted they probably have more comfortable backs, what is uncomfortable to me is the fact that there isn't much leg support & I have a bad knee, so on long trips it makes my knee ache.


Edit: I love my XJ....new to them & just got this one, but I'm coming from a crew cab Duramax daully with the premium cloth captain seats....it's a big step back in comfort. Anyone else have other seats they have put in with any success? I need seats that have a bit more depth to support my legs.

[omega1300]

Hey guys, i'm looking to do exactly this, rear seat only for the 60/40 split. I have a 97 XJ and from reading through this thread it looks like WJ rear seats would go in relativley easy? If anyone who has done this could provide me with a write up or some specifics (list of parts needed, steps taken, which exact seats i need etc.) it would be really greatly appreciated. Throughout the thread there appears to be some contridictory information.

thanks!

[omega1300]

anyone? :)

[XJBANKER]

I did the conversion in mine (2000). The seats were out of a 2004 Grand Cherokee and it is not an easy swap. It is not really hard, but it is more work than bolt in.

If you are not doing power seats in the front, than it is bolt in, but if you want the power, be prepared to do some fabricating.

The rear seat goes in ok, but it does not lay flat there is about a 1" difference in the floor when the seats are down. Also you need to come up with something to support the weight in the center on the rear seats so they do not sag. I used a 2" peice of metal and it works great. I am happy with the swap, but I am short and dont need as much leg room as others do.

[RichP]

Going to revive this a thread a bit. those of you who put either the ZJ or WJ seats in a 97+ XJ, how much leg room did you loose ? I'm 6'6" 32" inseam and with the stock cloth SE seat all the way back am super comfortable with the seatback straight up, when I move it forward one bump for my daughter in the back it puts my right knee at just the wrong angle. The other option I'm looking at is the Corbeau Moab in spice cloth but I'm hesitant buying them without putting my ass in one first.

[alwaysready]

going to revive this thread also..
I have factory heated power seats in my XJ( 2000limited)

1.can i get heated WJ seats and will they bolt on to the XJ bases (since they are power, everyone talks about manual)
2. is the heated plug the same or just splice it in?

[pqrSTUVWxyz]

Anyone know of a seat or modification that will actually give you more room? I dont care if its a stock seat or a ZJ, or WJ, just as long as I can get it to at least sit lower and if possible slide back farther.

Any ideas?

I have a 96 4 door xj.

[red_01_xj]

going to revive this thread also..
I have factory heated power seats in my XJ( 2000limited)

1.can i get heated WJ seats and will they bolt on to the XJ bases (since they are power, everyone talks about manual)
2. is the heated plug the same or just splice it in?

1. you will still need the manual recline unless you wanted to splice in the power recline
2. just splice in the heated plug...it will be that much easier

[red_01_xj]

Anyone know of a seat or modification that will actually give you more room? I dont care if its a stock seat or a ZJ, or WJ, just as long as I can get it to at least sit lower and if possible slide back farther.

Any ideas?

I have a 96 4 door xj.
you will need to cut and rebuild the frame...but i spose it could be done

[pqrSTUVWxyz]

you will need to cut and rebuild the frame...but i spose it could be done

From what I've read in this post, it seems like any upgrade in seating from a VJ or WJ will increase the overall height of the seat by at least an inch, correct?

If thats the case, what seats would you recommend puting into my 96 xj just to increase comfort? I imagine that there are some models of xj's that had cushier seats than others.

[red_01_xj]

From what I've read in this post, it seems like any upgrade in seating from a VJ or WJ will increase the overall height of the seat by at least an inch, correct?

If thats the case, what seats would you recommend puting into my 96 xj just to increase comfort? I imagine that there are some models of xj's that had cushier seats than others.
Yep some did... check with 96+ Classics, Countrys, and Limiteds for better seats...The wj seats have far better support and i didnt nottice a loss in headroom only leg room (not for me but it doesnt go back as far)

[Ultradriver10000]

Hey guys I am in am currently installing some 98 heated leather ZJ seats into my XJ and was wondering if anyone had the wiring diagram for them? I already spliced in the power so the power recline will work, but I can't seem to figure out how to get the heat to work. I really really want the heat to work!

If anyone has the wiring diagram that would help me a lot. Thanks.

[Dundy]

x2 on the wiring diagram for the heated seats.

[Jeepm@n]

Wow I had to do a search in Google to find this thread. Tried searching six times through 5 pages on each search and did not get this thread. Looks like my 96 will be getting WJ seats front and rear. I could use some pics for the rear. I'd like to see what others have done for the seat swap. My biggest complaint for the rear XJ seats is no head rest.

[Jeepm@n]

hasta
Guess that's what I get for trying to revive an old thread.

[Bdiddy11]

Theres a thread around here somewhere that someone added head-rests to the rear seat Jeepm@n. Not sure if it was here, or on Go-jeep's website.

[winkosmosis]

There might not be room to fold down the rear seat with headrests

[kastein]

There might not be room to fold down the rear seat with headrests
Definitely won't be, since the bottom of the rear seat flips up and the back of the rear seat actually pushes against it. You'd have to make the headrests removable I think.

[winkosmosis]

BTW for the people looking for another option, Corbeau makes seats that are supposed to work in the XJ. I think they are called Moab or something. You can get them in vinyl, but leather is much more expensive.

I might get a set in beige vinyl because cloth is too hard to clean

[Shoveller]

Ok, so I'm confused, probably due to the sinus meds...

I have an 88 with no power/heated seats. I would like newer front & rear seats. I don't really care about the power/heat, my goal is leather and more comfy.

So would a 97+, ZJ or WJ front and/or rear seats fit into my 88. Which are direct bolt ins, which need a little mod (maybe some brackets/hinges/etc).

[601cherokee]

Ok, so I'm confused, probably due to the sinus meds...

I have an 88 with no power/heated seats. I would like newer front & rear seats. I don't really care about the power/heat, my goal is leather and more comfy.

So would a 97+, ZJ or WJ front and/or rear seats fit into my 88. Which are direct bolt ins, which need a little mod (maybe some brackets/hinges/etc).

Only direct bolt-ins will be pre-1995 xj seats or mj seats. See post #96 on page 7 of this thread to see why.

[Jeeper84]

I have my rear ZJ seats installed and I'm going to modify the front ZJ tracks to keep the power controls. I don't know how to post pics up here, but if someone can tell me how I will.

[OverlandXJ]

I have my rear ZJ seats installed and I'm going to modify the front ZJ tracks to keep the power controls. I don't know how to post pics up here, but if someone can tell me how I will.

Link from a photo hosting site like Photobucket. You cannot upload directly from your harddrive here.

[truckntractorhick]

heres the rear im working
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51977521@N06/5122273016/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51977521@N06/5121669545/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51977521@N06/5121669473/in/photostream/