New seat for the XJ

[OlJarhead]

So I've been driving on a MasterCraft Baja RS Suspension Seat (recliner) for about 4 or 5 years now and after breaking it once (and fixing it) and wearing it in I can no longer drive the XJ for long distances (like to the cabin) in comfort.  So, since my rear end is a wide one and since I need to be able to walk after driving to the cabin I replaced the seat with a Rugged Ridge XHD Reclining Seat.  I'd seen some poor reviews on the mounting hardware but only a few so took the chance and bought one......well here is my review and then some pics of the new seat.

Right off I was disappointed. Here are a list of problems:

1. Hardware (nuts and bolts) must have been made in China to poor standards. A 13mm nut might well be a 13.5mm nut so expect to use a 14mm driver for a 13mm nut!!! Some hardware required chasing the threads and straightening. VERY POOR QUALITY.

2. Instructions were useless -- toss them out it will save you the headache.

3. Fitting the XJ seat riser to the seat took 1 1/2 hrs of fiddle farting around (and scrambling to find better bolts to use etc).

4. The recliner 'knobs' suck (broke one partially trying to get the seat sit up and had to use pliers to finish the job) and stick out too far causing it to be nearly impossible to adjust the seat back in the vehicle....ya, that's right, they SUCK.

5. The seat itself seems shorter then stock and feels like there isn't enough seat for your rear and thighs....might be ok in the long run but odd first off....seems the seat was made for little people with wide butts.

On the good side, the seat feels good once installed and adjusted (see above) and I think I'll like it more or less....time will tell but I will NEVER buy another one!!!! Yes they are only $250 plus shipping but I think it would be worth spending another $100 to get a Corbeau or similar seat....the Rugged Ridge just doesn't impress me but I've got it now so I guess I'm stuck with it.

Oh yay.

[OlJarhead]

Here's the seat pulled forward for a better look.


Hard to see but the adjuster is clearly in a tough spot to use.


Ya, it's THAT tight in there!


It does match the interior pretty well for an aftermarket seat and it isn't uncomfortable and doesn't hurt to sit in, but it's no Mastercraft that's for sure!

In truth, is the Mastercraft Baja RS was 3" wider I'd keep it and be happy with it but I'm a big guy and it got to hurting (sitting on the steel side bolsters doesn't help the comfort level much).

So there you have it -- mounting sucks, reclining knobs almost useless but otherwise the seats 'ok' I guess.

I'll let you know what I think after putting 500+ miles in it on my next trip to and from the cabin.
Erik

[OlJarhead]

So if you are a jeep guy and want a new seat take my advice:  If you buy this one toss out the bolts etc and get new ones locally -- they are total crap.  Also, expect the seat to be a one person seat -- meaning you won't like adjusting it much between drivers.

Otherwise, I think it's 'ok' enough to use until I break it....then I'll go back to more expensive seats and be happier!