Tacoma: 231mm Tundra Brake Upgrade - Looking for some advice

In the process of updating my 2004 Tacoma's brakes with the 231mm Tundra package...Have acquired the following...

Toyota OEM:

$92 04465-35290 Front Brake Pad Set

04465-35290 Pad Kit
04945-35120 Shim Kit

$114 43512-0C011 Toyota Genuine Parts - Disc, Fr (43512-0C011)

43512-0C011 Rotors

Aftermarket:
Calipers - Napa Remfd 13WL (Eclipse Semi-Loaded)

My question concerns the brake lines...Should I go with:

LCE Performance's Tundra Brake Upgrade Kit - Brackets, Hard Lines & Soft Lines

or

Wheeler's Off-Road Stainless Brake Line Kit

I had made the decision to go with the Wheeler's kit, but started second guessing myself as I read a number of threads concerning sealing problems (leaks at the banjo bolt)...I contacted LCE and asked about the fitment of their kit with the WL calipers as the description of said kit specifically calls out the 13WE calipers...LCE confirmed that the kit is indeed designed to interface with the WE and not WL calipers...However, this is contradicted by a number of posts were upgrades to the 13WL calipers used the LCE kit...My first question, will the LCE kit work with the WL calipers...Second question, is there any compelling reason to use one of the solutions (Wheeler's / LCE) over the other...Cost is not a factor, simply want the safest, most reliable set-up...Thanks

 

Not sure what the LCE “kit” offeres, but I can tell you my wheelers lines work beautifuly with my Napa calipers. I just made sure to debur the face where the copper washer sits. Sealed just fine. Someone else can probably provide some more technical input.

Either way, you’ll definitely enjoy the upgrade.

 

I went with the Wheeler's lines. Work great. Here's my write-up - went with the same parts you're going with:
New-to-me tires and Tundra Brake Upgrade (BFG KM2 255/85 R16) [Brake Bedding and First Impressions]

 

I went with wheelers lines and advanceauto calipers with no issues at least 2 years ago.

 

One more thing to consider, is the caliper mounting bolts. If you re-use the Tacoma bolts,
they might bottom out in the spindle, and you won't be able to torque them down properly.
Tacoma bolts are a bit longer than the Tundra bolts .



I purchased OEM Tundra calipers from the wreckers, and insisted they include those bolts.

 

Appreciate all the replies...Had not considered the caliper bolts, first time I have heard these might be an issue...

 

LCE kit supplies all the factory hard lines and brackets like the OEM setup. Plus the flexable lines. This is the route I'm going. I already have the hard lines and brackets.

 

I used the OEM bolts from my Tacoma with no problems.

 

I just received my parts today. I went with LC line kit. Speaking with LC they stressed the lines are for the we castings. I have the bigger wl's. Waiting to get wifes bimmer out of the body shop, then I'll hit the Tacoma. I don't feel like walking to the parts store if I need something after I start the brake job.

 

Same here. If they're to long just face grind the end of the bolt off.

 

The sealing surface on some calipers are not surfaced smooth were the line has to seal. The original line was a tapered flare seat. Not a banjo type fitting. If you went with LCE kit you'll have no problems

 

Bottom of post #1 shows the difference in the caliper castings.

 

Great discussion...Looks like I am going to go with the LCE setup...Seems the least problematic...Re the hard lines, I have read a number of posts were the OP used 2002 4Runner lines / spindle brackets (hard line to flex) with the WL calipers...

 

I ran into an issue when I went with Wheelers lines and Napa WL calipers.

The brake lines were designed to mate with a machined surface. BUT the WL calipers used a hardline with a flare on the end.

I didn't notice it the first time around, but I would get a very slow leak at the mating area between the caliper and the copper washer.

I ended up using a rasp file to smooth out the surface where the copper washer sat and haven't had any issues since.

 

i ordered the Wheelers lines and they worked great with the "tundra caliper kit" off rock auto.

 

I think this is an issue primarily with non-OEM calipers, they have a rough surface for the banjo bolt to mate with. I installed used OEM calipers, and the surface around the brake port was fairly smooth. I didn't do anything to the calipers and used the Wheelers brake lines. No leaks. I made sure to use 2 copper washers on both sides of the banjo fitting.

BTW, I also bought an OEM caliper rebuild kit from the dealer, to ensure the calipers were in good shape.

 

Excellent choices OP. I used the exact same parts except I did not use different brake lines. I simply drilled out the banjo bolt. Been problem free for 3 years now

 

Same here. I installed OEM Tundra calipers w/ the same exact Wheelers brake lines and copper washers. No leaks here.

 

At least on my 2004 4x4, I'm like 99% sure the spindle has through-holes for the caliper mounts, so bolt length doesn't really matter. OP, I'd double check that on your '04...