1997 Center Console Replacement/Repair

Ericmx111 · #1 08-07-2015, 04:40 AM

The armrest/center console in my Ranger was a little loose and worn out when I got it, all the seats were pretty worn out actually. What I would like to do if I can is take the 60/40 bench seat out and put in two bucket seats from an Explorer and get a bigger center console or something because I've heard the bucket seats are interchangeable but I'm still looking into that. A few weeks ago my console disconnected from its pivot point so now it just flops around freely if that makes sense? You can see where it's connected to by the fabric so it stays attached but other than that it won't stay in place. I can post some pictures of it if anyone needs, I want to know if it's fixable or if I'll need to buy a part or console. Also if anyone has info about putting the 97 Explorer seats in a 97 Ranger it would be greatly appreciated.

tcbaklash · #2 08-07-2015, 10:38 AM

First off, is your truck an ext. cab? If you have a single cab, the seats will not fit.

If you have an ext cab, take the rails off your original seats and put them on your Explorer seats so that you can slide them forward to access the rear cab. As far as I have noticed on first-gen Explorers, there are three types of seats: Mechanical, mechanical with pneumatic lumbar support, and electric. If you want those extra features, you can make it work...

As for the center console, that will require some modification, but nothing is impossible.

Ericmx111 · #3 08-07-2015, 01:26 PM

I just took the arm rest out completely about an hour ago so I'm done with that for now. My truck is an extended cab, its a '97 Ranger XLT, with the arm rest out now I'm more interested in getting buckets in then I'll worry about the console. From a little research it looks like I can put seats from the same year Tempo, Escort, Topaz, Lynx, Mustang or Thunderbird in but I'm finding some saying the Explorer and Ranger can't swap out on the '97s. I'm not very mechanical so its a little confusing for me since I'm not familiar with working on vehicles

Grampybox · #4 08-07-2015, 06:23 PM

EricMX11,
This Link, has a wealth of information on putting an Explorer center console in your ranger.

This Link, will tell you what seats will work in your Ranger. There are also discussions on What you may have to mod, like changing seat tracks and such.
Some things require a little more work than others, and some you shouldn't do around children so as not to prematurely increase their vocabulary.

But in a nutshell, It CAN be done.

tcbaklash · #5 08-09-2015, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ericmx111

I just took the arm rest out completely about an hour ago so I'm done with that for now. My truck is an extended cab, its a '97 Ranger XLT, with the arm rest out now I'm more interested in getting buckets in then I'll worry about the console. From a little research it looks like I can put seats from the same year Tempo, Escort, Topaz, Lynx, Mustang or Thunderbird in but I'm finding some saying the Explorer and Ranger can't swap out on the '97s. I'm not very mechanical so its a little confusing for me since I'm not familiar with working on vehicles

I understand. The 2nd-gen Explorers have the same floor bolt pattern as any Ranger, but the rails on the bottom of the seat are going to be different. So you'll need to swap your seat rails. It might be easier for you to grab seats out of a 1st-gen Explorer, since the mechanical seats are more common on those. That's what I did on mine (until our weld job on the drivers' seat didn't hold up and I scrapped the seats). It is totally possible to swap in power seats if you want to. The guy who sold me my truck has an '89 STX with functioning power seats out of a Lincoln I think.

But yeah, just grab some good Explorer seats, swap on your ranger seat rails.

casey.mikl · #6 08-09-2015, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcbaklash

First off, is your truck an ext. cab? If you have a single cab, the seats will not fit. If you have an ext cab, take the rails off your original seats and put them on your Explorer seats so that you can slide them forward to access the rear cab. As far as I have noticed on first-gen Explorers, there are three types of seats: Mechanical, mechanical with pneumatic lumbar support, and electric. If you want those extra features, you can make it work... As for the center console, that will require some modification, but nothing is impossible.

Explorer seats fit in a 97 single cab.. I have them

casey.mikl · #7 08-09-2015, 11:06 AM

image-793891740.jpg

Explorer seats and full length console in a 97 single cab. All you need to do is take the seat tracks off your factory 60/40 seats and bolt them to the bottom of the exploder seats. Explorer seat tracks bolt directly to the floor of an extended cab truck.

casey.mikl · #8 08-09-2015, 11:54 AM

Your gonna want seats from a 95-2001.

Grampybox · #9 08-09-2015, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casey.mikl

Attachment 136968

Explorer seats and full length console in a 97 single cab. All you need to do is take the seat tracks off your factory 60/40 seats and bolt them to the bottom of the exploder seats. Explorer seat tracks bolt directly to the floor of an extended cab truck.

Looks good Casey

casey.mikl · #10 08-09-2015, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grampybox

Looks good Casey

Thanks. Still need to re-dye the side panels on the seats.