Uncomfortable 3rd Gen Tacoma Front Seat / Headrest Solutions

I’ve seen a number of threads on front seat discomfort on the 3rd gen Tacoma but am still looking for the right solution. One of my biggest complaints is the headrests are tilted so far forward that I can’t sit up straight. My neck kills me on long drives… Does anyone know of alternate headrests that allow you to sit straighter?

Was already thinking of reupholstering my seats, but now I’m thinking about getting a little crazier with the upgrade to make them ergonomic… Open to all solutions here!

Main consideration is I want to retain any OEM safety features like airbags, durability, etc..

Thanks!

 

My father inlaw had the same issue with his Rav4. He ended up turning the headrests backwards which took care of the issue. Might be worth a try.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/help-with-the-uncomfortable-drivers-seat.760116/#post-27100058

 

Just lean the seat a little further back that way the headrest is not touching you head all the time

 

I used 2008 scion tc headrest. They are black and match my seat covers. Think it cost me 40 on ebay. All good now.

 

Scheel-Mann

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/seat-upgrade.737227/#post-26249569

 

I did this. It helped and quick no extra cost solution.

 

The reply above about turning the headrest around worked for me. Cheap solution. Others complain about height, they have spacers for tilting and our just raising .

 

for headrest problem that pushes your head forward, you might want to check this out
https://youtube.com/shorts/9cFDLE6j8d0?feature=share

 

I can adjust the power seat to suit me fairly well. Head rests aren't an issue with me.

 

Is it possible to just "bend" the attachment shafts to reduce the angle? I would not try to do this with the headrest in the seat, but rather in the garage.

 

Bump because these stupid seats/headrests are constantly killing my neck.

They push your head so far forward. I just want a normal vertical option.

I'm going to attempt this, but would like a more legitimate solution I trust in an accident.

Has anyone else had any luck with other vehicles/years or generic parts that fit?

Worst case scenario I'm going to try to figure out a way to do this, but I messed with it a little in the past and bars feel fairly solid.

 

Actually, after posting I just found some examples on YouTube of people doing this...

https://youtu.be/Y1DNKQgcpQw?si=gEv1_lLMWRJL5kib

https://youtu.be/sg3xB2JC1-s?si=93009b1oMR_w_PTs

Gonna try it and will report back when I do. The Toyota headrest angle is insane.

 

I tried the couch method of bending them, but the posts are a larger diameter than in the video. Instead, I was able to slightly bend them by laying the headrest down on the concrete garage floor and evenly push down on it with my body weight. I imagine you could devise a jig and add plate weights to it too. Just enough to keep it from digging in my head, but also to act as its intended purpose.

 

Did you try flipping the head rest backwards, or using one of the rear head rests? I'm about to buy a '24 and I'm curious to know if either of those are doable. I don't want to bend them if I don't have to

 

Yes, I tried flipping them around. It makes it super awkward, and no support at all. I don’t think the rear headrests fit in the front. I just bent them ever so slightly, so it didn’t dig into my head, but not enough to warrant any fears of it not working in the event of a crash.

Mind you, I’m also torso tall 6’4”, so even at its highest setting, the top angled part hit me mid-head.

 

Reverse headrest. Blow up an inflatable lumbar support an inch or two to give some support on bumps or worse. Wrap long velcro strapping around headrest. Adjust for altitude or heat expansion.

Have four sets of these in use for 30 years.. Two vehicles, one for rentals/flights, one spare. I have yet to get stuck to the velcro....
Also use these for camp pillows, door and window solo install leveling aids, bum knee kneeling pad, and more.

Occasionally they will slip down and need to be reset while not driving.