Replacing the seat bases with lower models for the swivels and air ride suspension seats
Replacing the seat bases with lower models for the swivels and air ride suspension seats
2 Replies to “Replacing the seat bases with lower models for the swivels and air ride suspension seats”
Hi,
I want to install after market swivels in a new 2016, 2500, 4×4,144″ high top (no longer available from MB) using either CTA or Sportscraft, both of which increase the height about 1-3/4″. I’m considering purchasing the lower bases from MB or cutting mine down. As you’ve stated, they’re available at about $200/each. but they aren’t able to give me height measurements. From your photo, they look to be about 3-1/2″-4-1/2″ shorter, which would indicate that the factory swivels were about 4″ tall, as opposed to the 2″ after market ones. I’ve read all the threads, but no one was able to do a direct comparison between CTA and Sportscraft for such things as strength and durability, location of pivot point, easy of use, interference with arm rest or door, etc. Have you been able to make a comparison between CTA and Sportscraft before or after your install? If so, your preference? Also, if I use the lower factory pedestal you show, do you think it will create interference problems because it lowers it an additional 2″ ? I’m guessing you didn’t have this problem because you used after market suspension seats. Any thoughts? Great site and information, many Thanks!
The factory swivels are indeed about 4″ tall. The aftermarket ones are closer to 2″. There’s a lot of emotion around the swivel conversation, so I’m not surprised you couldn’t find a direct comparison between CTA and Sportscraft.
When we were looking for swivels, Sportscraft had a wobbly roller issue (which they may have since solved). That pushed us toward CTA. I can’t comment on the strength and durability of the Sportscraft but we’re happy with how the CTA swivel is holding up. It’s dealing with a lot more weight than the stock seat. As a result it doesn’t turn smoothly – there’s some resistance.
Dropping the stock seats that additional 2″ might cause interference issues. The emergency brake is one area, but the door handle/armrest interference is also a potential problem. Our aftermarket seats have armrests on both sides of each seat. They don’t have too much of an issue hitting the door when they are pointed forward, but it’s close! Once the seat is swiveled, because we mounted the CTA swivels sideways, the offset moves the seat closer to the middle of the van and it clears the door fine.
Hi,
I want to install after market swivels in a new 2016, 2500, 4×4,144″ high top (no longer available from MB) using either CTA or Sportscraft, both of which increase the height about 1-3/4″. I’m considering purchasing the lower bases from MB or cutting mine down. As you’ve stated, they’re available at about $200/each. but they aren’t able to give me height measurements. From your photo, they look to be about 3-1/2″-4-1/2″ shorter, which would indicate that the factory swivels were about 4″ tall, as opposed to the 2″ after market ones. I’ve read all the threads, but no one was able to do a direct comparison between CTA and Sportscraft for such things as strength and durability, location of pivot point, easy of use, interference with arm rest or door, etc. Have you been able to make a comparison between CTA and Sportscraft before or after your install? If so, your preference? Also, if I use the lower factory pedestal you show, do you think it will create interference problems because it lowers it an additional 2″ ? I’m guessing you didn’t have this problem because you used after market suspension seats. Any thoughts? Great site and information, many Thanks!
Hi Chris,
The factory swivels are indeed about 4″ tall. The aftermarket ones are closer to 2″. There’s a lot of emotion around the swivel conversation, so I’m not surprised you couldn’t find a direct comparison between CTA and Sportscraft.
When we were looking for swivels, Sportscraft had a wobbly roller issue (which they may have since solved). That pushed us toward CTA. I can’t comment on the strength and durability of the Sportscraft but we’re happy with how the CTA swivel is holding up. It’s dealing with a lot more weight than the stock seat. As a result it doesn’t turn smoothly – there’s some resistance.
Dropping the stock seats that additional 2″ might cause interference issues. The emergency brake is one area, but the door handle/armrest interference is also a potential problem. Our aftermarket seats have armrests on both sides of each seat. They don’t have too much of an issue hitting the door when they are pointed forward, but it’s close! Once the seat is swiveled, because we mounted the CTA swivels sideways, the offset moves the seat closer to the middle of the van and it clears the door fine.
Good luck making a decision!