Question About 40/20/40 Split-bench Front Seats

timmerk · March 5, 2008

Anyone have any close up photos of the lockable in-seat storage of the 40/20/40 Split-Bench Front Seats in the 2008 GMC Sierras? There is only one stock photo on gmc.com. Also, can the center part be used as a seat when the armrest is flipped up? (i.e. is there a seatbelt, is it padded, will a person sitting there crush the in-seat lid?)

Also, do dual glovebox's come on all trims? I've found conflicting information on this.

Last question.. is it possible to install a center console on these trucks without them? How would I go about doing this?

Thanks!

HawkeyeOC · March 5, 2008

Regarding the split bench front seats:

There are 2 photos up on the GMC website and another 2 different ones on the chevy website

The center can be used as a seat (with belts) when the armrest is flipped up. Though I have heard some complain that the padding is a bit thin.

The dual glovebox comes in all the lower trims except for the top GMC SLT/ Denali /Chevy LTZ which has the Tahoe/Yukon dash. I have an SLE which has the dual glove boxes.

Last question:

A center console can be installed although it is going to be expensive unless you can get parts from a salvage yard/ebay/etc. www.jpcustoms.com sells the console conversions for $500 and up.

Hope this helps!

timmerk · March 5, 2008

Thanks! I now have decided on buying a SLE1!

2017HD · March 5, 2008

I went with the LT2 package - having had a bench seat in my Tahoe I really wanted the true buckets with power adjusters on both sides - DW likes it too. I also wanted a better set of cup holders which the console does offer. While the storage compartment in the console is not as big as the under seat one - it is quite large and does have a power port. I also find that I don't use the second glove box all that much.

unit731 · March 5, 2008

I went with the LT2 package - having had a bench seat in my Tahoe I really wanted the true buckets with power adjusters on both sides - DW likes it too. I also wanted a better set of cup holders which the console does offer. While the storage compartment in the console is not as big as the under seat one - it is quite large and does have a power port. I also find that I don't use the second glove box all that much.

I understand and accept your views on bucket seats. The trend in cars has been and continues toward a center console with two front bucket seats. In fact, try to find a new car without center console. All cars had a column shift at one time.

I grew up in an era with no center consoles. I find that setup much less clausstrophonbic. And I like the option of three across. I don't think manufacturers want three people sitting in front. Only two front airbags.

With trucks, the manufacturers want to keep the 'traditional' customer and also get the 'car' person and 'techie' person to purchase a truck and use like a car. My guess is, that is one of the reason for the two dash setup. And, of course, putting all that electronic in dash.

I sat in a Hummer - H1. In my opinion, there was no room for such a large vehicle. The center console was huge.

Just my $0.02