Muddy Boots / Small Brake Pedal

I was confronted with often having muddy boots while trying to apply my brakes. The brake pedal on my 2011 Tacoma is small. I sought aftermarket solutions. While many replacement pedal pads are nice looking, none were any larger or offered a clear advantage over the stock pad. None were cheap either.

I was about to have a oversize custom brake pedal machined from 3/8 aluminum by having slots milled across it when I came onto "Slip Resistant Metal Flooring". The metal I chose is similar to a 80 grit surface. I cut the metal into 3"X6" and merely drilled two holes through the aluminum and the steel brake pedal. Two 10X32 screws and nylock nuts hold it firmly in place.

 

keep a clean shoe in the truck?

 

Maybe your feet are too big.

Pics?

I'd be concerned about the oversize pedal catching on something.

 

pics of the pedal and muddy boots as per mob-spoken forum rulez

 

I have driven several hundred miles since installing the new pedal, there is no interference and you can cut or make it any size you wish. I started with 3X6 with the idea I might need to trim. I have not found the need or reason to.

I use my truck as a truck, I am not planning on carrying another boot so as to keep it tidy. I am merely encouraging everyone to think beyond what the aftermarket suppliers offer and build what you need.

 

Isn't the brake pedal in the automatic transmission Tacomas already oversized??? I think it's about twice the size of a normal brake pedal.

 

On mine it was about 2"x3-1/2"

 

I wonder if the issue is more the boots than the pedal being small? I use hip waders to get the boat back on the trailer and i've had a couple times when i'm on the brake and gas pedal at the same time...quite the ass pucker! Rather than take the chance i never get in the truck with them on now. Those pedals are close enough as it is!!

 

This is going to turn into the thread a few days ago about the guy that kept getting tickets because he couldnt remember to turn on his headlights....

 

Try some of these:
http://www.gear-up.com/cart_showproduct.php?pid=11419

Add snow.
And 3 pedals.

I guess its what you call an aquired skill.

 

Well, the whole story is that I am a right leg amputee and use a left foot accelerator pedal and also brake with my left foot. Nor do I have toes on my left foot, so often the "toe" of my boot would strike the vertical bar of the brake pedal before the ball of my foot hit the pedal. This did not allow good pressure to be applied to the pedal. So I wanted and made an oversize brake pedal. I work construction, job site mud is VERY common.

I am able to adjust the height of the accelerator pedal so that it is lower in height than the brake pedal, avoiding having my foot on both at the same time. Actually, I have less "Snags" now that I have the new brake pedal than before.

 

Makes much more sense now. Good for you in finding a working solution to the issue, I must say I admire how some people like yourself overcome difficulties like this. Seriously, and sincerly.

 

This

I would have thought you would have a bigger issue with the throttle

Edit : just saw your post about your throttle , nevermind

 

Oz, The Accelerator pedal is pretty simple in design. I did have block of steel 3X10x1/2 cut into a "L" shape for mounting the accelerator pedal in this truck. I used two holes in the re-enforcing rib under the drivers feet to mount the block. I did not have to drill through the floor. The holes are already there.

I chose to make a thread about the brake pedal for anyone desiring an oversize brake pedal, for whatever reason. The Tacoma's flat instead of convex pedal easily lends itself to this.

 

Exactly, the original post makes much more sense now.

First of all, let me say good for you for taking matters into your own hands and overcoming your physical obstacles. I may have both of my legs, but I do understand that sometimes you have to adjust the world because it won't adjust for you.

Having said that, when I first read the post I had little sympathy -- as someone who has always owned manual transmissions by choice, it seemed strange to hear an automatic transmission owner complain of "small brake pedal". I may prefer the manual trans, but driving in winter boots can be a challenge sometimes with the 3 smaller pedals so close together.

Also, you should post some picks of your mod; I think some folks may find it useful!

 

This is the first truck I have had to do this on. I think the angle/location of the vertical arm on the brake pedal was a large part of my need to do something just a little different. But, I felt a need to address it and change it. The oversize pedal lets my foot strike to the left of the vertical bar now.

I will have to work on getting a digital camera, then take some photos of both the accelerator and brake pedals.

 

Just catching up on the thread, Wolftree.

So you had what I would call significant mods to your controls to begin with. Interesting!

 

Squisha, Yes and no. The left foot pedal is a simple crank that uses two bolts to mount it to the floor.

There is an example in my "Gallery" just under the number of posts.