Apeman

I read through this thread a while ago and noticed that some thought these seats were uncomfortable. I had no complaints about the seats in my 2010 XLT and I really like the seats in my 2013 FX4. Then I hurt my back one day and my 25 mile drive to work became painful. I couldn't get comfortable at all. Once my back was better the seats were fine again

Kung

Ditto. I don't doubt that those on here are having real issues/real pain, but that said, having had an L5/S1 microdiscectomy in 2005, and having occasional lower back issues, I can definitively say that these seats are some of the more comfortable I've sat in.

cartmanea

I need to do something soon, just did 1200 miles over the last week and a half and was uncomfortable the whole time with intermittent sciatic pain.

Can someone post pictures of the process? I'm particularly interested in what the frame and springs look like with the cushions removed. I'll probably be doing some frame modifications.

kmaximus

Well, my dealership was nice and offered to change out the cushion, but I'm with most of you in that it's a design problem. In fact, I'm driving a 2014 Expedition Limited with the same seat features and design as my 2012 FX2 and they are equally awful in the exact same spots.

Before the Expedition was ready, I drove a 2014 Tahoe and the seats felt like a dream compared to the concave non-supporting seats of the 2 Fords. It felt much harder and less giving in the middle area.

as a trial, I folded over a blanket to the thickness of about 3 inches and wedged it on the middle are of the seat and it's already night and day more comfortable....

If weather and family events permit, I plan on taking the seat cover off and carving a 3" high-density foam addition. I think this has been stated in this thread, but I plan on carving the foam so the 3" bulk remains in the center of the seat to bring up the middle to align with the sides that are bolstered to high. Concurrently, I plan to investigate the spring strength, but based on what I'm seeing the most help will come with bringing the seat cushion more level with the sides. I have the heated/cooled seats so I'll have to plan for that as well.

I'll try and take as many pics as I can and will share once I get it completed.

A7B2FX4

Ford 's been cranking these seats out for years. They know a significant number of people cant stand the seats. Doubt they will change the design. I have to put a cushion between the bolsters on all my Ford trucks or suffer a lot of pain after an hour drive. And Ford if your listening I will never buy the fancy leather interior because your seats are poor!

DASeneca

Ditto the cushion trick, and I raised the back of the seat tracks an inch or so with spacers too. Made a significant difference, but it's still not right. Seeing the dealer Monday, but I have a feeling that I know the outcome already...

kmaximus

This turned out to be not as involved as I initially planned. It took me about an hour and half to get the foam cut and inserted to my liking. I did not have to remove the cover, just lift up between the original foam and springs.

items used:
1 high density automotive foam.
electric carving knife
box cutter

measuring tools:
square
tape measure
sharpie

I stopped by a local shop and asked if they sold any scrap or pieces of foam individually. They were very helpful and offered up the 1 inch piece for 10 bucks.

it seems similar to the Tough Luxury-Firm Foam - High Density sold online here: http://www.foamforyou.com/Open_Cell_Foam.htm

I have some rough measurements for anyone to start with, but ultimately I think the carving will have to be interpreted by the individual user.

Starting off with a 22x22 inch piece of the foam and began carving it to match the contour of the existing seat cushion. For me, I ended up with a piece that is 18" wide (from side to side) and 20" deep (front to back)

My focus to to use the 1" piece to lift up the middle section so I sliced the bottom to contour to the frame with the foam piece stopping where the bolster sides begin to arch up.

I cut a hole out for the cooling and was tested good after the foam insert was positioned.

Finally, just shove it in place and test. I drove around for a few hours looking at new homes with the wife and in our previous outings of the same type I would be squirming in 20 minutes....it feels fantastic, no more digging in my leg and sharp pain.

KILOFINAL

I traded in a 2013 Escape Titanium for my 2014 truck and appreciate how comfortable these seats are. I had more power seat functions on my 2012 FX2 but my STX seat is really comfortable nonetheless

General Pain

Yup, like I said about 15 pages ago, no point in telling us that your seats are "so comfortable". It's obvious to us, that are experiencing the discomfort, that we are in the minority or FoMoCo would had corrected this years ago. I had a 2006 F150 and it was fine. Something changed, or I got a messed up defect seat that's twisted or something. I've had about 3 different people drive my truck to see if it was just me and they all said it's the most uncomfortable seat they ever sat in. I started the Ford buy back program last week. We'll see what this brings....I'm not holding my breath. I'm looking at a Toyota Tundra Limited TRD tomorrow so maybe it won't matter anyway.

kmaximus

Agreed, I'm happy for the comfortable seated folks....but that's not us! Im sorry to hear its reached this stage for you General Pain. I hope you find a comfortable resolution. From your experience with these seats, I do fear the foam solution will be short lived, but atleast for now its feeling good.