[schitty]

Alright, I've searched and read up some on this, but thought I'd join and just ask and see what y'all have to say. I am presently kicking around the idea of selling my Harley and getting something the family can enjoy. Convertible or something. I'd really like a Jeep Wrangler. Really would just use it to cruise around our little town with the kids, no crazy "Jeep" stuff. Deal is, I've got my wife and 3 kids (8, 5, 3) to get in there. What are my BEST options? Is there some type of aftermarket split bench for the front or should I look into setting the 3 kids in back? Open to anything. Presently looking at a 2002 Wrangler X. Not looking at spending a lot, so not looking at any 4 doors. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[12vtman]

I'm sure 3 kids in the back seat has been done but it would be a tight fit. My son at 12 takes up almost the whole seat himself. I have plenty of friends that went JKU (4door) in similar situations. Good luck!

 

[Atthehop]

Keep in mind there are only seat belts for two in the back of a TJ.

 

[Tony T]

Gonna be tight back there and you'll have to get a 3rd seatbelt installed back there:
See: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/3-sitting-back-row-87291.html
and: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/3-person-rear-seat-1204068/

And as the kids get older, its gonna get tighter back there.
For a family of 5, a TJ is really not the best option.

 

[CarolinaBound]

Can do two. Three is definitely a stretch as said before. If I remember correct you can put a bench seat from a Ford ranger up front if you can make a couple brackets. Downside is you lose the fold and tumble so you'd literally have to climb over with the top on.

 

[SurfKaster]

Guys round here have done it & it's possible, but you might be better off looking in the JKU territory. If not, I'd at least be looking at the LJ to mod. Just remember they get bigger.

 

[schitty]

Guys round here have done it & it's possible, but you might be better off looking in the JKU territory. If not, I'd at least be looking at the LJ to mod. Just remember they get bigger.

OK I'm a jeep idiot. What's the difference?

 

[schitty]

OK I'm a jeep idiot. What's the difference?

Figured it out. Its a little longer.

 

[SurfKaster]

LJ was 04-06 Unlimited that provided about 10" extra length. JKU is the 07+ 4 door model. I suggested the LJ to mod because of the extras leg room. JKU's shouldn't be a problem, but you're moving up in the $$$ category pending year.

 

[SurfKaster]

Figured it out. Its a little longer.

Well alright then. Either way welcome.

 

[TrumpetRider]

A very good friend of mine stuffed a third row bench seat in his JKU for his 3 kids, a bit older than OP's.
Space is a bit tight, but it serves it's purpose well. Also uses one of those hitch mounted shelf things to make up for storage.