Aftermarket seat options? Do they even exist anymore?

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Are there any companies that make aftermarket seats?

I love everything about my 2018 F-150 - except the driver's seat is killing my sciatic nerve on any trip longer than about 30 minutes. This is basically from about my right butt cheek all the way down to my right knee.

Weird thing is I didn't notice this on my initial "shake down" cruise of 500 miles but since then it's been getting worse. I've tried adjusting the seat every possible way: Up, down, forwards, back, tilted forward, tilted back: No change. I've even tried a thick "memory foam" pad. No change.

There just seems to be something about the contour of the F-150 seat that is putting pressure on that nerve. I'm to the point now where I don't even like to drive it much because of this.

I know back in the old days there were lots of aftermarket seats you could bolt into a truck but I think that market disappeared when manufacturers started upgrading the quality of their factory seats.

At this point I'm considering seeing if a driver's seat from a different trim level of the F-150 would work (mine is an XLT) or if I could have an auto upholstering company somehow re-stuff the seat do a different contour or different material.
 

yfarm

Observer
go sit in some other trim levels of 18 f150s on car lots to see if you notice a difference. My wife has had several back surgeries for radicular pain and is most comfortable on long trips in my Raptor compared with some high end German cars and SUVs
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
I had the same problem with mine. I bought a 3/4" spacer for the rear seat mounts and it fixed 90% of the problem. You can find them in 1" also.



You can also messsage mrproduxn over on F150 forum you can get them custom built.

Also, try sitting in a Raptor. Their seats are more supportive than a regular F150.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Regcabguy

Oil eater.
There are plenty of aftermarket seat companies. Do you think the Baja racers use factory seats? Or any serious racer for that matter. Be prepared for sticker shock.


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The Baja race seats have huge bolsters and can be tough to get into and out of for "mature" drivers.
 

ITTOG

Well-known member
I had the same problem with mine. I bought a 3/4" spacer for the rear seat mounts and it fixed 90% of the problem. You can find them in 1" also.



You can also messsage mrproduxn over on F150 forum you can get them custom built.

Also, try sitting in a Raptor. Their seats are more supportive than a regular F150.
I didn't know these existed and are exactly what I need. I too have lumbar and sciatica problems and the way the bottom seat leans back aggravates it. I have been using a wedge to make the seat flat and it has helped. This will allow me to eliminate the wedge. Thanks for sharing.

OP, since you were talking about trim levels I thought I would let you know mine is a platinum and isn't any better.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
I didn't know these existed and are exactly what I need. I too have lumbar and sciatica problems and the way the bottom seat leans back aggravates it. I have been using a wedge to make the seat flat and it has helped. This will allow me to eliminate the wedge. Thanks for sharing.

OP, since you were talking about trim levels I thought I would let you know mine is a platinum and isn't any better.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk


You're welcome. They pretty much solved my problem.
 

rayra

Expedition Leader
Scheel-Mann




The new F*rd truck seats are very medieval in adjustment. I've spent many work hours in the 2013- present SD lineup. I'd rather stand next to the truck if it's not moving.
Yep, @Stryder106 's recent feature article right here was a good writeup. I've sat in his (briefly) and found them comfortable and somewhat firm under my large posterior. He sings their praises and has a lot of miles on and off-road in them.
Should ask @pappawheely too, as much as he is on the off-road racing circuit he should have some insights.
 

Axlesup

Member
I find the mastercraft sportsman is a great seat for my back problems. i landed flat on my butt from a two story fall when i was 12 so i've been dealing with this a loooong time. i drove my 78 k5 from seattle to memphis with those seats. i put one in my SJ as well. night and day difference in comfort/pain.


20130524_194004[2325].jpg 20200523_225126.jpg

the current model mustang GT premium seats are pretty comfy too. i find that the firm/rigid seats with the bolsters are the best since they hold me in place and keep me straight.
 

phsycle

Adventurer
Are these aftermarket seats equipped with airbags? I’d venture to say no. And if they were, they’d be fairly expensive. I’d try out a factory option in a different trim or the cheap spacer option jnich mentioned.
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
You need to do some stretching/yoga/pt.

I've fought lumbar disk issues for 20 years.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Yes, I've come to this conclusion as well. Wondering if an ortho or a chiropractor would be a more appropriate specialist to discuss this with?
 

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