Reasonably priced brake drums

Am I having to replace my rear brake drums on my 06 trd 4.0. Not looking to spend a fortune because all the auto parts stores are asking like 100 bucks a piece so I’m curious if you guys have a cheaper option that you used . I found some on parts geek for 36 a piece but they look suspect. I’ll also be changing my front rotors soon so any advice on those would help too. I’ve dumped about 3K on this restoration and a lot of hours which I’ve enjoyed but I’m not looking to spend $100 on a hunk of metal.

 

Brakes are not something where I go cheap.

 

I agree ^^^
I just got some drums from Auto Zone with a 20% off discount. Made it more tolerable.

 

Well considering I bought ceramic pads and top-of-the-line spring sets I think I can skimp On a round piece of iron/steel..

 

I think it’s the only piece on the brake system that I’m willing to go a little cheaper on but that’s just me, Not really asking for advice on going cheap or not I’m asking if anyone has a website where they found a cheaper brake drum

 

https://www.autoanything.com/towing/20A56050A1.aspx

 

Lots of cheap Tacoma drums to choose from on RockAuto. 5% TW discount.

 

Look up Rockauto.com

I have think the most expensive one is less than $60.00 with most in the $30-$40 range

 

Yeah I’m looking for something around 50 bucks maybe each. I’ll probably go more expensive on the rotors but the drums I’ll skimp a little

 

Also one more question while I’m on here, the light above my back windshield obviously quit working months ago. I’m assuming that light runs at night when you’re going on the highway? Or is it just a parking light? I’m going to do some rewiring and attempt to turn it into a reverse LED light to help back into my garage when I have my extension ladders in the bed. It has three little bulbs that are all burnt out so I think I’m gonna convert it into a reverse light, easy “mod” But just curious if any of you guys have done anything with that light

 

I think you're talking about the third brake light on the top rear of the cab. It should light up when you step on the brake regardless if it's day or night.

 

Ah, never noticed because I’m always in the cab instead of behind the truck but that makes sense but I’m going to re-wire it or just install an LED mini bar under the bumper to help me Back in at night

 

Got both rear drums delivered from Rock Auto for under 40.00 ea.

 

Funny story, I do all my own maintenance on my yota but I have my own business and way too busy but need brakes done. Hired this “experienced “ mechanic that comes to your residence. I walk down to garage and ole boy is watching youtube walk through videos on how to do the back brakes, red flag but I needed them done that day and told him him I’d throw an extra 100 if the job was complete that day and they worked correctly. He fumbled around for an hour on one side so I decided just to try and help the guy, obviously didn’t know what the f he was doing. Finally after 9 hours he said it’s ready, we go for test drive and they were in the same shape as before. He says I guess your drums are worn down to a point where they won’t make contact with pad, I’m like dude a mechanic would’ve noticed that from the jump but I’m willing to give you half, I’ll order new drums and come back and finish and I’ll still give you the bonus, he cops attitude so I just paid him his original rate and he left. Basically he thought that I’d be content and pay everything and let him go but hell man I’m no better off so I’ll just order the drums and finish on my own. Most folks would’ve sat on their ass waiting on him to finish but I was basically helping him . Mistake on my part, rates were too cheap, should’ve been a red flag from the jump but at least he installed the pads, springs and shoes so I’ll just have to put the new drums on.

 

You must have found him on Craig’s list.

 

Bingo, I was in a rush and it was the only day I had free so my options were limited. Front brakes are working well enough to get to job site so I’ll just order the part and do it myself as I do in every aspect in my life. I’m not a mechanic but I’ve restored that truck myself so I figured a self proclaimed mechanic could run through a brake job in a couple hours. Can’t blame anyone but myself

 

Well, it wasn’t a complete failure. He shared his tricks with you. Just watch a few YouTube videos.

 

Ha true, I've used YouTube for repairs but I just expected a mechanic to blow through a brake gig but well, at least he installed my pads and springs.

 

Not hating on Craigslist btw , I've found several honest dependable services on there but just got in a hurry and picked the wrong one.

 

The next post will be, "I replaced the drums and the pedal still goes almost to the floor. Now what?"