SUPER Grabby brakes - TRD/OR electronic booster

I have a new to me 2013 TRDOR with the electric booster and my brakes grab like crazy. First fraction of pedal pressure seems like it's taking up a small amount of slack, Then right about the point pressure would be right for casual stopping they grab hard.
I have to have a very light and careful pressure to not squeak the tires and send me into the windshield. Pedal travel seems normal. Any sort of sudden braking maneuver just about locks up the brakes. Vehicle balance seems normal, not like it's just the fronts or rears grabbing. No pulling to the side.

I've done a fair amount of vehicle maintenance and work. I've replaced and blead a wide variety of brake components on various vehicles.

-My girlfriend has a 2007 FJC with the same style brake booster and her brakes are linear and work like I would expect. Typical strong Toyota brakes. I've driven lots of Toyotas, but this is different.

Things I've tried
-basic brake bleeding with vacuum bleeder
-Replaced front pads
-rear shoes seem fine and have roughly the right amount of adjustment

I've purchased the MINI VCI cable for techstream but my old laptop is having issues running it. I probably need to get a slightly newer Windows 7 laptop and try again. I know it's not terribly easy or straightforward to install.

I did just learn about the brake bleeding procedure with the key on, pedal pressure, and crack the bleeder and let the electric pump push fluid. I might try that?

 

You get used to it.

 

I was hoping to not get this answer.

I've driven a wide variety of Toyota vehicles. I know they have strong brakes. My girlfriends FJC has the same style brake booster, and it's strong, but not nearly like mine.

This is excessive.

 

I had a 2011 TRD OR and can agree, the brakes are a little aggressive. It took some getting used to but eventually I came around to the feel. I was impressed by how the electro unit handled trac control at each corner independently. Great truck for winter driving because it would not let you get sideways or slide around. I'd trade my mushy vacuum brakes for your setup in a heartbeat.

Check the rear shoe adjustment. Is the parking brake snug or do you have to pull it all the way out?

 

Rear shoes seem decent, but I've not paid close attention to adjustment. The drum fits on snug, and there is no lip so I assumed it was fine. I can double check.

Parking brake pulls the same as the other trucks I've owned.

 

I just about put the saleman through the windshild on the test drive for my 2015. Don't even think about it now haha.

 

This. You will get used to it and you will learn to love brakes that are there when you want, not like the spongy shit that is the vacuum boosted stuff of the other non 09+ TRD OR 4x4's


Your girlfriends FJ also has rear disks and a different master cylinder piston size (and caliper sizes).

 

Good that means the shoe adjustment is likely OK.

You got the better version of Tacoma brakes, you'll get used to it

Maybe put some weight the bed

 

Hopefully when I switch to 35s here in a few weeks that will help.

 

OP, you may want to take a look at the following thread. Starting at Post #14 I started contributing because I have been finding an intermittent code in the hydraulic actuator. The code has of yet tripped a CEL but bugged me enough to start chasing a possible electro-hydraulic issue. I have ordered and received a complete new unit but have not yet done an install.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/intermittent-brake-issue-trd-off-road.599796/

FWIW, there is a new part number for the solenoid/ECU/master cylinder for '12-'15 models and the part(s) were just released; I had to wait a couple of months for the unit. It may be coincidence but I tend to see more comments appear on the '12-'15 TRD OR models and Toymoco changed the parts for some reason.

 

My 2nd gen Off Road was and my 3rd gen Pro are significantly more grippy than my wife's '17 4Runner. That doesn't mean you don't have an issue, just that you may have to get used to it.

I only had one situation where I had to slam on the brakes in my 2012, and I was impressed at how fast it stopped.

 

What frustrates me is it seems like I put my foot to a comfortable amount of pressure and braking and the braking force drastically increases as time goes on, without me moving my foot. It almost feels like the pump is coming on (although I can't hear or feel it) and adding brake pressure without my input.

Maybe I am crazy. I really need to try and drive another truck and see if this is normal.

 

You will then wish you had these brakes back. Trucks heavy, big tires, bigger rotors. calipers (other scenarios there) and I miss my stock setup.

 

I remember when I first test drove my truck. The first stop coming out of the dealer lot my wife almost hit her head on the dash lol. I had just drove there in a Corvette with a pretty grabby aftermarket big brake kit but this truck takes that immediate grabbing feeling to a whole other level. As others have said you will get used to it for the most part. There are some days though, (often after I get new shoes) where the contact points of the sole are in a slightly different place then what you're used to and you go to grab some brakes and boom, lol.

 

My 2013 has this "problem" too. Took it to the dealer after having it for six months of trying to get used to it and they couldn't find anything wrong with it, even sent me an an email trying to buy it from me! First Toyota for me so I'm glad to know it's not just my truck and I'll just have to keep getting used to it!
My '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee is right the opposite, super squishy brakes that seem normal after driving the Taco, but I Love the Taco and will adjust accordingly!

 

haha yah the on the Off Road the rear has a power booster or what not on it which is what you're getting. That sucker will slap you forward. Now I hope the truck stops on a panic. Downright scary at times.

 

They are pretty grabby. I had a similar experience when I bought mine, about put the wife through the windshield when I first drove it. You really do get used to it.
You might try the bedding procedure like you do when you install new brakes. I don't know that this WILL help, but it couldn't hurt. I do it on mine pretty much every year and they seem pretty predictable. Plus, if you have a little oil on things, it'll burn some of it off???
Give it a try. Just MAKE SURE you drive for a while after the process to let things cool off before you park it or come to a complete stop with your foot on the brake.