Upgrading Brakes

I guess I was more thinking about the master cylinder being compatible but that's also a good point

 

Better pads is all you need

 

Discussing this in another thread and @Jeff Lange confirmed that the 3rd gen Off-Road and 4Runner use the same master. And since the foundation brakes are identical on 3rd gen Tacoma's regardless of model, that means the 4Runner brakes would work with any 3rd gen Tacoma master. Add better pads and slotted rotors to make it that much better.

 

I been rocking powerstop drilled and slotted rotors on both my trucks and cars. We've also installed them on many other vehicles, everything from sport cars to big lifted trucks. So far we've had nothing but positive feedback from the customers. I personally love them, almost no brake dust on my wheels and if I'm messing around and hard braking repetitively i dont really notice any brake fade

 

My TRD Sport brakes stop GREAT, guess I'm just lucky....................

 

My stock brakes stop great too! Hopefully no one is taking my post as thinking that the stock brakes suck. I'm very satisfied with them. Its just time to replace the pads, so while I'm at it, thinking its a great time to upgrade if there's an alternative out there in the same budget that's better.

 

Wouldn't you want to see actual stopping distance improvements before spending money? I see a lot of people throwing around big money on fancy rotors, pads, and calipers going on nothing more than 'feeling'. Seems kind of odd.

 

Under normal circumstances bigger brakes don’t decrease stopping distances. The tires are the limiting factor. Bigger brakes are only needed when you at the track. Under racing conditions under sized brakes can heat up too much and loose their ability to cause enough friction.

You can be pretty sure that Toyota designed the stock brakes to be sufficient because they are an obvious safety item.

 

I also see people doing that. Thats why I'm here, creating a thread for open discussion, weighing the pro's and con's of each suggestion.

 

I agree; but theres always room for improvement/customization.

 

My reason for bigger brakes is not about stopping distance. I know the limitations. It's about improving the feel and heat sink abilities of the system. A larger rotor will hold more heat, a larger surface area will expel the heat quicker. A larger diameter rotor will improve the feel and allow better modulation. It also increases brake leverage. A larger caliper fluid capacity increases feel and improves temperature stability. I also realize I am still driving a truck and not a Ferrari but if I can make some improvements at the same cost as a normal brake job by switching to 4Runner rotors and calipers, why not...

 

The one thing I noticed about the 4Runner rotors which nobody seems to be talking about is, not only is the rotor a greater diameter, it is also thicker; the larger the diameter AND the thicker the rotor the greater thermal mass, this in turn means reduced brake fade, especially say, when towing in the mountains.

 

Check this out,

 

replaced my original pads with toyota OEM pads at 65k and still had another 10k at least and have never replaced brake fluid on any of the 30+ cars i have owned and driven for over 40 years.

 

If I’m not planning on lifting the truck will extended SS brake lines be too long? I can’t see to find regular length SS lines for the Tacoma.

 

Read up on proportioning valves. Increasing surface area in the front without properly balancing with rear is going to alter proper proportioning.

I see it as a waste of money with decreased performance when needed most.

 

With the 4Runner upgrade, the difference isn't as great as a 6 piston Stoptech BBK so well within the proportioning valves balance setting. And if you are replacing components already, the price is already built in. The only extra is the dust shield. And they are factory components available at any dealer or parts store....

 

i go from sea-level to 10000ft 5 days a week so a stock set of pads last about a year, went through 2 sets before switching to powerstop carbon ceramic pads and rotors for towing, been running same set for 2 years and have at least 6 more months worth of meat on the pads. brake fade was drastically lessened. just mho.

 

IDK, I really like the stock Toyota pads and brakes. Changing out old fluid is a big upgrade in itself though. If I really wanted to 'upgrade' I might look at a slightly more aggressive EBC pad and stainless lines. I would not change anything else.

 

I’ve used EBC pads before. They worked very well but the lifespan was short. Performance trade off. I’m a fan of stainless brake lines and run them on our vehicles and my sport bike. Opinions seem to vary here but I feel they make for better feedback. I flush brake systems at each pad change. Brake fluid is hydroscopic and attracts water. By the time the pads are worn, the fluid has degraded.