So I just recently purchased a 1997 XLT regular cab, 2.3 5 speed. From what I can tell its a great little truck. However the seat is worn out. Can I only use a 2nd gen seat? Or will other years work as well? Looking to most likely try and find one at a pull apart. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, any generation will work, also the Mazda B-series seats

Couple of articles here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/Seats.shtml

Rangers came with 60/40 "bench" seats or Bucket seats w/console between, you can convert to either

One heads up with regular cab, taller seats from extended cab may not go back as far

Explorer seats also fit but they will be buckets, and they don't have the "fold forward" seat backs, and are taller type backs

 

What do you have for seats now ?

Check to see if the tracks are bolted to the seat pan or welded, if bolted then you are ahead of the game already.

If you get Extended Cab Seat the tracks will need to be changed, they are longer than standard cab Tracks.

The tracks in my 2003 Std Cab, unbolted, and bolted up to the FX4 Bucket without a problem.

Explorer Seats can work but to me at 6'2", they were too tight at the steering and little higher up and a little wider than the OEM Seats, and the Tracks need to be modified to fit.
AND Ex Seats are electric seat and need power.

Also, if the track unbolt, and you aren't fussy about built-in lumber supports, passenger bucket seats are the same as the driver's side BUT the seat pans need to be swapped to get the levers and ***** out the correct side.
Buying a set of bucket seats will eliminate any problems... if you can find some.

Luck in your search !

 

Thanks for all the info! I currently have the 60/40 seat and I actually think I may wanna stick with it. Just because my 6 Year old can sit in the middle in a pinch if my wife wants to ride in the truck. Would the buckets be substantially more comfortable? I mainly use the truck to commute and its 45 min 1 direction. So the main thing I'm looking for is comfort. I'm 6'1" with long legs so the explorer seats probably wouldn't work for me either. Ill have to check if they are bolted or welded.

 

1997 will be bolted on
around 2001 and up they are welded but can be cut and tapped for bolts..............IF the frames don't bolt in
If its a Ranger or B-series 60/40 then it should just bolt in

If you are getting cloth seats then you won't slide side to side much, so while buckets can be more comfortable its not that big of an issue, IMO

 

I don't think the Bucket rode that much better than the 60/40 they replaced.
At least you have options.
One thing to keep in mind, if you are planning keeping the truck, and you can't find a good replacement, think about putting some Upholstery on the old seats.
I have been reading about people not be able to locate decent seats; maybe locate a decent frame that fits your truck and then have it covered with new foam (not available from Ford) and Upholstery.


Just something to keep in mind, my 2003 has bolt in seat tracks.


Check out some JYs, see what is out there, then decide where you want to go !
I don't have need for a center seat so the Buckets were a good idea.
I had a set of Explorer Seat, didn't like them, a friend had some FX4 bucket seats, swapped with him.
I do like the look, depends on what you want/need !

Ltr