Monthly So Cal Off-Road Run

What options are out there that are more... budget friendly, but still an upgrade from stock?

 

As far as calipers go I don't think anything except bigger ones would really count as an upgrade, but putting in better brake pads and rotors can't hurt. And you've already got the stainless steel brake lines, those alone will help with better brake feel. At least they did for me

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...unner-bbk-upgrade-for-2nd-gen-tacomas.504234/

 

yea, I'm just not familiar with the options for calipers and rotors, so I'm wondering if anyone here has any recommendations, instead of starting research from scratch.

I don't NEED rotors right now, but if I get "upgraded" calipers now, and eventually get upgraded rotors when the time comes, that's a good plan for me.

 

Powerstop rotors are pretty good, love mine. Slotted and drilled, fancy fancy

 

I would just get a replacement stock caliper for now and not even open up the rabbit hole.

 

I found these DFC Brake Calipers, that seem good:

https://www.buybrakes.com/toyota-tacoma-trd-sport-2012/brake-calipers/dfc-brake-calipers

anyone have any experience with them? or buying from this site?

or any other recommendations for brake calipers or where to get them? A local place to pick some up would be cool too, I could pick them up on saturday, and install on sunday/monday.

 

I don’t know about that retailer.

I also don’t know if it’s worth it for you or how much of an upgrade it is over stock, but for a little more you could upgrade to the performance calipers from power stop. They make some good price-to-performance pads and rotors (cheaper than EBC green stuff), I’m running them right now with no complaints. And if I’m not mistaken, these are the same calipers as the “TRD” performance calipers that Toyota rebrands from powerstop. Idk if they even still sell those. They’re still 4-piston, I’m betting they just have better quality seals and components.

EDIT: Nope nvm, they’re not the same as the TRD kit, but not nearly as pricey either.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwr-s2984/make/toyota/model/tacoma

 

Thanks for the recommendation! I think I'll order those. I like that they're powdercoated already.

 

No problem. Yeah I just read the reread the desc. on them and indeed they look like an over-built OEM caliper. So same foot print, just better quality seals, boots, lubed pins, and high pressure tested. Plus that powder coat is nice. For someone looking for better durability on the trail like you, that should be a great buy. Like I said, very happy with my powerstop pads/rotors. When I sold my 2wd second gen taco, I actually swapped them over to my new truck because I like them so much. I had warped 2 pairs of pepboys rotors before and so far none of that with the powerstop drilled/slotted ones on two different trucks.

 

Yea, looks like a good upgrade, at a good price. I'm not going to change the rotors just yet, they're fine right now, but when I do, I'll take all that in mind! I ordered them, so thanks again for the recommendation! I think the red will look pretty sick behind my bronze wheels and black truck

 

Heading to Big Bear going to be heading down 3N16 today and tomorrow. And I might hit the squeeze tomorrow. Should be fun. If any one is looking to join hit me up. I know its really short notice. HAHA

 

Bro!!! It's gonna be ugly on the way up and back... Lotsa people up there goofing off this weekend. Be safe if you go...

 

Na, it won’t be that bad. Just be cautious on the trails for ass hats coming around blind corners, especially bicycles.

If you go into town then it’ll be packed!

 

Yea it's going to be rough. But I guess it's to be expected.

 

Not a trail run, but a meet up in south OC tonight:
I’ll be there was well as a couple friends I believe.

7:30pm

30721 Gateway Pl, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

 

So I'm having some issues bleeding my brakes. Made a post about it, if anyone has any help, advice, or insight, I'd greatly appreciate it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-bleeding-help.628264/

 

Weird, your bleeding process sounds on point...but the pedal going to the ground when the truck turns on is odd. Almost sounds like when the truck turns on air is getting back into the system somehow? I've never had that happen so I'm not sure.
I'm not familiar with bench bleeding the master but that might be what it needs, though I'd let someone more experienced in that confirm. I hear you can do it without removing it from the truck.

 

Yea that's what tripping me up. There's a hose that goes from the engine block to the booster/master cylinder it whatever it is. I think maybe air got up in that part of the system, since it was sitting with disconnected lines for so long.

 

I would bleed the whole system...sounds like the MC needs to be bled as well.