2017 Tacoma brakes suck?

In the year 2017 you can't defend a $40000 vehicle having rear drum brakes. They suck.

 

They just feel weird and non linear, they work fine for normal driving and the occasional panic stop. [especially the OR A-TRAC set up.] Are they race around the roads like speed racer decent, oh hell no, but for the vehicle they are designed for, they are fine.

However, if I jump from my flyweight 93 Miata and jump into the Taco, it feels like a pig dipped in grease and tossed down a hill of ice because I keep wondering when the heck are the brakes going to work. That is what that extra 2500 lbs of weight does for you on the road.

FWIW, as much as ALL pickups have been improved as far as on the road driving, they still suck absolute donkey rear when compared to a light [er] car with performance capabilities. Sure they will stop extremely well a couple times but after that, yeah, prepare to meet brake fade and disaster if you think it's some kind of track car.

 

^this is ultimately what it comes down to. You can't compare truck performance to car performance, you have to keep in mind how the vehicle was designed to be operated and not the way you operate it, and; yes, sometimes the most efficient method/application is not always used by companies when a sufficient version is available and costs less to produce.

 

Yes, on ice, slick snow, and loose surfaces like sand, the wheel should be allowed to skid more. The 4Runner and FJ have an off-road calibration for ABS that seems to work well. The Tacoma doesn't.

 

I haven't driven in adverse weather but so far the brakes feel good to me. We have a 2016 Acura MDX and the prior GX470 feels about the same as these brakes. Grabs better than my 30 year old E30. lol

 

I don't mind the rear drums at all. Two fewer disc brakes that will get rocks between splash shield and rotor while off reading in the mud. "Screeeeeeee!!!"

Having said that, haven't towed with this one yet. But aside from that best brakes I've had yet on a Toyota.

On my gen1 I had to upgrade to tundra calipers and rotors, and stainless braided lines before I felt like it would stop decently. I've yet to hear if that's an option on the gen3's for those that tow and want some beefier brakes?

 

I just used SOS performance for a big brake kit. Fronts only. Amazing so far. Huge difference over stock. I needed extra stopping power due to ARB brush guard, winch, lights, racks. Very happy with purchase and performance.

 

Here is factory 2017 TRD OFF ROAD vs the new kit

 

NICE !!