Imagine the convenience of effortlessly sliding your Ford seat back and forth to accommodate different drivers or cargo needs. Installing an extra Ford seat L track can transform your vehicle into a haven of customizable comfort and versatility. This comprehensive guide will empower you with step-by-step instructions, ensuring a seamless and successful installation. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or an adventurous DIY enthusiast, prepare to enhance your driving experience with this valuable upgrade. Embark on this journey to unlock the full potential of your Ford seat’s mobility and personalization.
Before delving into the installation process, let’s gather the essential tools and materials. You’ll need a set of metric wrenches, a socket set, a drill, drill bits, self-tapping screws, and of course, the extra Ford seat L track. With your arsenal of resources ready, you can proceed with confidence. The first step involves removing the existing seat from your vehicle. Carefully disconnect the wiring harness and unbolt the seat from its mounting points. Once the seat is removed, you’ll have clear access to the area where the extra L track will be installed.
Now comes the precise installation of the extra Ford seat L track. Position the L track onto the seat base and align it accurately with the existing track. Secure the L track firmly using the provided self-tapping screws. Ensure the screws are adequately tightened to prevent any movement or rattling during use. Once the L track is securely fastened, carefully reinstall the seat into your vehicle. Reconnect the wiring harness and bolt the seat back into its original position. With these steps meticulously followed, you’ve successfully installed the extra Ford seat L track, expanding the range of seat adjustments and elevating your driving comfort to new heights.
Locating the Existing L Track
To begin, locate the existing L track in your Ford vehicle. This is the track that the seat rails slide back and forth on. It is typically located under the seat, and it may be covered by a plastic or metal trim panel. If you are having trouble finding the L track, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or search for diagrams online.
Once you have located the existing L track, you will need to determine how much additional track you need to install. This will depend on the type of seat you are installing and the amount of adjustment you want. Generally speaking, you will need to add at least 12 inches of track to each side of the seat.
Here is a table of measurements and suggestions for how much additional L track you may need:
| Seat Type | Additional L Track Needed |
|---|---|
| Standard bench seat | 12 inches per side |
| Bucket seat | 18 inches per side |
| Racing seat | 24 inches per side |
Once you have determined how much additional track you need, you can purchase the appropriate track online or from your local auto parts store.Assembling the Extra L Track
Step 1: Gather Materials
You will need the following materials:
- Extra L track
- L track mounting bolts
- Socket wrench
Step 2: Prepare the L Track
Measure and mark the locations for the mounting bolts on the L track. Drill pilot holes for the bolts using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the bolts.
Step 3: Install the Mounting Bolts
Insert the mounting bolts into the pilot holes and tighten them using the socket wrench. Ensure that the bolts are tightened securely, but do not overtighten them.
| Tightening Torque | Bolt Size |
|---|---|
| 10-12 ft-lbs | 1/4-20 bolts |
| 15-18 ft-lbs | 5/16-18 bolts |
| 20-25 ft-lbs | 3/8-16 bolts |
Step 4: Attach the L Track to the Vehicle
Align the L track with the mounting holes on the vehicle. Insert the mounting bolts into the holes and tighten them using the socket wrench. Ensure that the L track is securely attached.
Aligning and Attaching the L Track
Once the L track is cut to the correct length, it is important to align it properly before attaching it to the floor. Use the following steps to ensure accurate alignment:
- Position the L track on the floor along the desired alignment.
- Check for alignment using a measuring tape or straightedge to ensure it is parallel to the vehicle’s frame.
- Mark the location of the mounting holes using a pencil or marker.
For secure attachment, use the following procedure:
- Drill pilot holes at the marked locations using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mounting bolts.
- Align the L track with the pilot holes and insert the mounting bolts.
- Tighten the bolts using a wrench or socket, ensuring they are securely fastened.
| Material | Quantity | Length |
|---|---|---|
| L Track | 2 | As per vehicle requirements |
| Mounting Bolts | 8-10 (per L track) | 1/2 inch |
| Drill Bit | 1 | 1/4 inch |
| Measuring Tape | 1 | N/A |
| Wrench or Socket | 1 | N/A |
Tightening the Carriage Bolts
This is the final step in the installation process. Once the bolts are tightened, the seat will be securely fastened to the L-track. To tighten the bolts, you will need a socket wrench or a box wrench. Start by tightening the bolts finger-tight. Once the bolts are finger-tight, use the wrench to tighten them further. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this can damage the threads.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for tightening the carriage bolts:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tighten the bolts finger-tight. |
| 2 | Use a wrench to tighten the bolts further. |
| 3 | Be careful not to overtighten the bolts. |
Reinforcing the L Track
Reinforcing the L track is an essential step to ensure the stability and durability of your aftermarket seat installation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you reinforce the L track:
Materials Required
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1/4″ x 1″ Steel Flat Bar | 2 |
| 1/4″ Bolts | 8 |
| Washers | 8 |
| Nuts | 8 |
Procedure
- Locate Reinforcement Points: Find the existing weld nuts or mounting points on the vehicle’s floor where the original seat track was attached. These points will serve as the reinforcement points.
- Measure and Cut Flat Bars: Cut two pieces of 1/4" x 1" steel flat bar to a length that corresponds to the inside width of the vehicle’s floor.
- Position Flat Bars: Place the flat bars along the inside edge of the floor, parallel to the existing L track. Ensure that they align with the reinforcement points.
- Secure Flat Bars: Using 1/4" bolts, washers, and nuts, bolt the flat bars to the reinforcement points. Tighten the bolts securely.
- Attach to L Track: Place the L track over the flat bars and secure it using bolts, washers, and nuts. Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque specifications.
- Additional Considerations: In certain circumstances, such as for heavy-duty applications or for installing aftermarket seats with a large weight capacity, you may need to add additional support by welding the flat bars to the vehicle’s floor. Consult with a qualified automotive professional for proper welding instructions.
Installing the Seat on the L Track
Once the L track is installed, you can begin installing the seat. To do this, you will need to:
- Align the seat with the L track. Make sure that the seat is facing the correct direction and that the front of the seat is aligned with the front of the L track.
- Lift the seat onto the L track. Carefully lift the seat onto the L track and make sure that it is securely seated.
- Slide the seat forward and backward. Slide the seat forward and backward to make sure that it moves smoothly along the L track.
- Tighten the seat bolts. Tighten the seat bolts to secure the seat to the L track.
- Reinstall the seat covers. Reinstall the seat covers to cover the seat bolts and give the seat a finished look.
6. Adjust the Seat Position
Once the seat is installed, you can adjust the seat position to your liking. To do this, you can use the seat adjustment levers to move the seat forward and backward, up and down, and tilt the seatback.
7. Install the Seat Hardware
The final step is to install the seat hardware. This includes installing the seat belt buckles, the seat belt retractors, and the seat belt anchors. The seat hardware is typically included with the seat, but you may need to purchase it separately if you are installing an aftermarket seat.
Installing the Seat Belt Buckles
To install the seat belt buckles, you will need to:
Installing the Seat Belt Retractors
To install the seat belt retractors, you will need to:
Adjusting the Seat Position
To adjust the seat position, follow these steps:
- Locate the seat adjustment levers. These are usually located on the side of the seat.
- Pull the lever forward to move the seat forward.
- Push the lever back to move the seat back.
- Raise or lower the seat cushion. To do this, pull up on the lever located at the front of the seat cushion.
- Tilt the seatback forward or backward. To do this, pull up on the lever located at the rear of the seatback.
- Adjust the lumbar support. To do this, turn the knob located on the side of the seat.
- Adjust the headrest. To do this, pull up on the lever located at the top of the headrest.
- Save your seat position. To do this, press the “M” button on the seat adjustment panel.
Here is a table that summarizes the seat adjustment features:
| Feature | How to Adjust |
|---|---|
| Move seat forward | Pull lever forward |
| Move seat back | Push lever back |
| Raise or lower seat cushion | Pull up on lever at front of seat cushion |
| Tilt seatback forward or backward | Pull up on lever at rear of seatback |
| Adjust lumbar support | Turn knob on side of seat |
| Adjust headrest | Pull up on lever at top of headrest |
| Save seat position | Press “M” button on seat adjustment panel |
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the installation process, it is imperative to prioritize safety by adhering to the following precautions:
- Wear Protective Gear: Don safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes to minimize the risk of injury.
- Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent electrical hazards during the installation.
- Park on a Level Surface: Park your vehicle on a flat, stable surface to ensure it remains stationary throughout the process.
- Support the Seat: Utilize a jack stand or other suitable support to prevent the seat from falling while disconnected.
- Use Proper Tools: Employ the appropriate tools for each task, including a socket wrench, torque wrench, and drill.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or a reputable online guide to ensure proper installation.
- Check Tightness Regularly: Once installed, periodically check the tightness of all bolts and screws to maintain safety.
- Secure L Track: Ensure the L track is securely attached to the floor or brackets using the specified bolts and torque settings.
- Reattach Seat: Carefully reattach the seat to the L track, ensuring it slides smoothly and locks into place securely.
9. Check Alignment and Tighten Bolts
Inspect the alignment of the newly installed L track to ensure it is parallel to the existing track. Use a measuring tape or ruler to verify the distances and angles. Tighten all bolts and screws to the specified torque values using a torque wrench. This step ensures the L track remains firmly in place and the seat can be adjusted smoothly and safely.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while installing the extra Ford seat L track, check the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Track Alignment
Ensure that the new L track is properly aligned with the existing one. Misalignment can prevent the seats from sliding smoothly.
2. Bolt Tightening
Verify that all bolts are securely tightened. Loose bolts can cause rattling and instability.
3. Debris Removal
Inspect the track for any debris or dirt. Clean it thoroughly to prevent interference with seat movement.
4. Seat Compatibility
Confirm that the seats you intend to use are compatible with the L track system. Incompatible seats may not fit correctly.
5. Rail Extension
If you need to extend the track length, use compatible rail extension brackets. Improper extension can weaken the track strength.
6. Lubrication
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the track to reduce friction and improve seat sliding.
7. Wiring Obstructions
Ensure that there are no wiring harnesses or cables obstructing the track path. Avoid damage during installation.
8. Safety Precautions
Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
9. Tool Requirements
Have all necessary tools available, including a socket wrench, drill, and appropriate fasteners.
10. Seek Professional Assistance
If you encounter any persistent issues or have any concerns, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance from an experienced mechanic.
How To Install Extra Ford Seat L Track
To install extra Ford seat L track, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Socket wrench
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 15mm socket
- 18mm socket
- T40 Torx bit
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- New seat L track
- Bolts (4x M10x1.5, 4x M12x1.75, 4x M14x2.0)
- Washers (4x M10, 4x M12, 4x M14)
- Lock nuts (4x M10, 4x M12, 4x M14)
Once you have gathered all of the necessary tools and materials, you can follow these steps to install the new seat L track:
1. Remove the old seat L track. To do this, you will need to remove the four bolts that secure the seat L track to the seat frame. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the seat L track off of the seat frame.
2. Clean the seat frame. Once the old seat L track is removed, you will need to clean the seat frame. This will help to ensure that the new seat L track is installed properly.
3. Install the new seat L track. To do this, you will need to place the new seat L track on the seat frame. Make sure that the new seat L track is aligned properly.
4. Secure the new seat L track. Once the new seat L track is aligned properly, you will need to secure it to the seat frame. To do this, you will need to insert the four bolts into the holes in the seat L track and tighten them until they are snug.
5. Test the new seat L track. Once the new seat L track is installed, you will need to test it to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, you will need to sit in the seat and move the seat back and forth. The seat should move smoothly and easily.
People Also Ask
What is a seat L track?
A seat L track is a metal track that is mounted to the seat frame. The seat L track allows the seat to move back and forth.
How do I know if I need to replace my seat L track?
If your seat is not moving smoothly or easily, it may be necessary to replace the seat L track.
How much does it cost to replace a seat L track?
The cost to replace a seat L track will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the parts and labor.
