Brakes for modified 3rd Gen?

Hey guys and gals, I wanted to get some input on what brakes people are using in their 3rd gens when they have added extra weight like armor, bumpers, racks and tents.

I know the previous owner had upgraded the brakes because of how sensitive they are, which is great for off roading. But I wanted to see what some of your suggestions are for a heavier tacoma when upgrading the brakes. Or maybe some of you think the oem brakes work just fine with added weight. Any suggestions?

 

Truck is designed to haul 1000lbs or tow 6000lbs with the stock brakes. Unless your replacing the bed with a swimming pool the stock ones should be more than enough.

 

The limiting factor of your stopping distance is your tires not your brakes. Unless you are racing your truck at the track or incorrectly riding your brakes on long descents such that they over heat, I’m highly skeptical you need larger brakes.

 

I wasn't happy stock with the stock brakes.. or the Powerstop Z23 pads. But have since swapped to the Powerstop Z36 pads and they are fantastic. I haven't add much weight, only suspension and 33's but they're designed for a vehicle that tows or has extra weight.

 

I think tinkerer’s adventure needs to update his 4 myths video with the larger brake myth.

 

I found this.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10316984/why-braking-is-all-about-tires/

 

z36 package + SS lines all around and you're golden.

 

On my 2nd gen with a snowplow I added a PowerStop Z36 kit and stainless steel lines to beef up the brakes a bit . Great improvement over stock, especially with the rigors of plowing.

For my new ‘21 with a 7.5’ Boss plow, Ive done the exact same thing with the same good results.

 

I’m confused why upgraded brakes would be required for plowing snow. The tires are barely gripping the ground and the ambient temp is low. Why wound the stock brakes overheat?

 

Main reason is the constant, repeated use of the brakes , especially having to stop the truck with the added weight of the 450lb plow+frame on the front end. This causes the brakes as well as the fluid to heat up rather quickly. Im doing repeated fairly abrupt stops from 10-15mph+.

Repeated stop , go , stop , go , several times a minute puts stresses on the system, making temps higher and eventually leading to some noticeable brake fade.

A robust brake setup will be able to handle the increased temps more adequately . And stainless lines resist heat and expansion better than conventional rubber lines . All that keeps the pedal firm when braking.

So yes for the average person driving in snow, it’s probably overkill, as the stock components are adequate.

The truck also carries 200+ lbs of sand ballast in the rear as well as snow blowers, shovels etc plus another person.

All that weight required some suspension upgrades as well as the brakes. This will be my 5th Tacoma I use for plowing and they last me 200k miles + . Rust is ultimately what puts them into retirement.
For the added heavier duty requirements of snow plowing, those upgrades help tremendously.

 

I don't believe you.

 

I could never plow in a brand new tacoma. Id be running some pos 2500.

 

Thanks for all your input guys! It helps a lot!