XL Model -- Can I bolt in missing 3rd Row, any other quirks to watch out for?

[star-art]

Looking at an XL model for the first time. These have no center console, they're column shift, and there is no third row of seats. I happen to have a complete set of spare seats, so I am considering it. Does it come with tapped holes in the body for installing the 3rd row? If not, I would imagine it would be MUCH harder to get those safely installed.

For anyone who has or has had one of these models, is there anything else I should look out for? I currently have an XLT with basically nothing on it, so it doesn't seem much different.

Thanks!

 

[Muddy Bean]

I’m probably the only person on this forum who actually wishes my ‘15 EL Limited had column shift and no Center console. Because we travel so much as a family of four in our truck, my wife has to crawl back there while we are under way all the time and that huge console is a bear to climb over. In a lot of minivans there’s no console, just a tray that can drop down so you can walk to the back of the van. I do believe your truck has the holes for bolting the third row...from other posts I’ve read on here.


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[ebasista]

You have the holes, however they are not tapped. You can either buy the self tapping bolts or get a metric tap and tap them out. I bought a complete leather interior with bolts and belts and ended up using a tap from harbor freight to do it. One caveat is you'll have to install the shoulder belts in the rear so it requires careful cutting of the plastic

 

[Knox GSL]

I’m probably the only person on this forum who actually wishes my ‘15 EL Limited had column shift and no Center console. Because we travel so much as a family of four in our truck, my wife has to crawl back there while we are under way all the time and that huge console is a bear to climb over. In a lot of minivans there’s no console, just a tray that can drop down so you can walk to the back of the van. I do believe your truck has the holes for bolting the third row...from other posts I’ve read on here.


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No, I wish I had a column shift and bench in mine.

 

[star-art]

Thanks guys!! I knew you'd have the answer. I had some trouble with the Search feature because it wouldn't let me search for "XL." I had to get creative but I did eventually find quite a few other threads on this subject. Apparently, a lot of people like me are/were considering these SSV trucks and had the exact same question about the third row seats.

Fortunately, one fellow did the install and said it is actually very easy. Yes, the holes are there and yes, they are not tapped. BUT, Ford made the seat belt bolts to be SELF-TAPPING. I was very glad to hear this! It means you don't need to tap the holes in order to properly install the seats.

One thing to keep in mind: You must have ALL the parts and hardware to install the outboard shoulder belts. The way these install is different between "shorty" and EL models. I found an EL SSV truck for sale in Arkansas that obviously had a 3rd row seat installed after the fact because whoever did it installed the seat belts incorrectly. Don't be like this person!

Take a good look at the attached photos. Can you spot the problem? The shoulder belts are bolted to the "D" pillar. That's correct for a "shorty" Expedition. But, the EL models have the shoulder belts anchored much farther forward. The correct arrangement is also attached.

 

[star-art]

PS The area where the seat belt enters the lower quarter trim panel is a separate part that can be purchased new from Ford. So, there's no need to cut a "slot" in the existing panel. Doing that could possibly damage the seat belt anyway if you're not careful, so probably not a good idea. . .

 

[Dorzak]

No, I wish I had a column shift and bench in mine.

Add me to those who miss bench seats with or without column shift.

 

[Trainmaster]

I like the split bench seat too. It was last offered on the 08, with the column shifter but not available with a sunroof. I wonder how many of those they sold? Only saw one.

The SSV's were generally sold with the standard cloth buckets, no console and the column shift.

 

[Adieu]

Yup, self tapping & easy, best get seatbelts and trim pieces from donor vehicle. Dont forget the bolts.

Walkway is nice, putting in captains or bench without the middle seat in the 2nd row makes it even nicer