Third row seats

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I got a a special service 2009 expedition XLT and it came without the third row. Anybody know if I can get any third row seats from 2007-2017 expy and they will be compatible? Any pointers are appreciated! Thank you in advance.
 

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Yes. There are actually quite a few threads on this subject but they aren't always easy to find as people use different terms to describe the Expedition SSV, sometimes called an "XL."

I almost bought one of these trucks last year and it didn't have a 3rd row so I did a good bit of research. I was researching the EL XL, so if yours is a "Shorty" some of my info may not apply. I discovered the holes are already there in the body but they aren't tapped. According to what I read, the bolts that go into these holes are designed to be self tapping.

Keep in mind, you'll need not only the seats but also the seat belts. Both the seats and belts are critical safety items so use only OEM parts and be absolutely sure to follow ALL specs laid out in the Factory Service Manual for your year truck. This means tightening all bolts to the exact factory torque specs.

Also, the EL and Shorty models have completely different rear shoulder belt installations for the third row. The Shorty routes the shoulder belts through a ring bolted to the "D" pillar. On the EL they go through rings attached to the headliner and then down inside the rear quarter trim panels. Don't forget there are curtain airbags up there! So, be very careful when installing this extra hardware. Nothing you do must interfere with the curtain air bag system.

I actually found pics online of an EL XL for sale where they added the third row seat but installed the shoulder belts using hardware from a Shorty. This was downright dangerous because it totally changed the geometry of the rear seat belts, likely endangering anyone strapped into those seats.

Here's the correct belt installation on an EL:

3rdRow--SeatBeltMounting--CORRECT2.jpg 3rdRow--SeatBeltMounting--CORRECT1.jpg



Here's how NOT to do it! Note they are using the mounting locations for a Shorty, but this is an EL:

3rdRow--SeatBeltMounting--WRONG1.jpg


3rdRow--SeatBeltMounting--WRONG2.jpg
 

star-art

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As for compatibility, the only difference I know of between 07-14 and 15-17 rear seats is the color choices. For example, Charcoal Black in 07-14 is actually a very dark brown color while Ebony in 15-17 is a true black.

Here are some pics of what the floor looks like showing the mounting hole locations:

3rdRow--SeatBeltMounting2.jpg 3rdRow--RearMountingHoles.jpg 3rdRow--FrontMountingHoles.jpg 3rdRow--Installation.jpg

NOTE: The diagram below is for Shorty models ONLY:

3rdRow--SeatBeltMounting.jpg
 

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I got a a special service 2009 expedition XLT and it came without the third row. Anybody know if I can get any third row seats from 2007-2017 expy and they will be compatible? Any pointers are appreciated! Thank you in advance.

Yes, Ive done it,

All of em and afaik all 2007-2017 lincolns navigators too. With power fold seats you'll have to jury-rig some wiring or scavenge it off the donor vehicle (switches are part of passenger side rear side panel), or leave them always up.... some XLTs apparently had manual seats, but theyre a bit rare.

You'll need left and right seatbelts, and interior plastics to mount em unless you want to cut holes in yours. Short wheel base and EL models use different spots to mount seatbelts.
 

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I'm not aware of any XLTs having PowerFold 3rd row seats prior to 2015. In '15-'17 models it became an available option as part of a package. "XLT Premium" is a different trim level, that one used to be the Eddie Bauer package but they renamed it. I believe these all had PowerFold 3rd row seats standard.

In order to do a proper retrofit of PowerFold seats, the wiring should be done to match what the factory provided. Power requirements are substantial and so the wiring needs to be safe and adequate to handle the current load. The relay that operates the seats should be powered through the SJB/Body Control Module so as to prevent the seats from operating unless the vehicle is in park and the rear hatch is open. This is an important safety feature.

Also, the rear quarter trim panel where the seat fold switches are mounted is very expensive to buy new and I had a difficult time finding a good used one. I bought the switches by themselves instead and was going to just cut a hole and mount those to my existing trim panel, but I ended up trading the truck so that project got cancelled.
 

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Ymmv.

Junkyard i bought from threw in all the plastics for pennies as a sweetener for buying the seats
 
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