Brake Upgrade: StopTech Rotors + TRD Performance Pads

Power Stops this time around. Gotta have things coated with the deicer they’re startin’ to use here.

 

That's what I thought, the PowerStop Performance calipers were the ones I was looking at when considering doing the 4runner swap as well, before deciding on going with the StopTech BBK.

 

Just curious.. Why get new calipers, of the factory size? Is there a problem w/ the existing ones, or do these offer some sort of performance improvement?

 

While PowerStop calls them performance calipers, they are not. The calipers are just their most premium rebuilds and include powder coating. Performance is the same as stock. Typically you’d replace calipers due to corrosion or if your old OEM units start to stick.

 

Thanks.
I'm about to do my first brake job on this truck. New rotors and pads. I guess as long as it all comes apart and nothing is sticking, I'll keep my calipers.

 

No reason to replace the calipers if they are working fine.

 

Had a persistent problem with one of ‘em. Had it off several times & yes, it was still dragging. With Winter coming on I decided to do it now.

 

I've had PowerStop calipers freeze on me after a 2 winters up here (Northern NH). That's with maintenance every Spring to clean out all the crude/corrosion and partial flushes to replenish fluid in the calipers. Went back to OEM 'Yotas. YMMV.

 

NuGeon calipers are a decent option for rebuilt oem calipers. Napa and Rock Auto usually carry them.

 

Thanks again OP - I just ordered the stoptech sport slotted cryo rotors & TRD pads for my first brake job in 5 years of building and thrashing my truck. FYI tire rack was out of stock on the stop tech slotted sport rotors (non cryo) version. Can’t wait to have this brake upgrade though mine have treated me really well over the years.

 

Anyone know where to find these StopTech rotors in Canada? Shipping from TireRack is almost $100 + customs/duties...

 

Where are you guys finding TRD pads, I can’t find them!

 

eBay! Got one of the last few sets. You’ll find them just be patient

 

If you cannot find them, StopTech Sport pads are supposedly the same thing. Having run both, the performance characteristics are the same.

 

Ebay

 

Nice write up. I worked for Centric Parts/StopTech for 18 years.

What you noticed with the vane count was simply a consolidation. That rotor has been used since the 2003 4runner non-sport. There are very likely 5 or more different OEM part numbers that have slightly different features but the same critical dimensions. We would compare new sample parts to existing numbers to see what the difference was, if anything...many times they changed the coating or something trivial. Other times we see different vane designs, and typically chose the design that is the most robust/heavy duty. The rotor with the vane count and style of vanes that matches the stoptech rotor in your pictures is the OE rotor for a 2003 4runner (I know, because I have one sitting here).

 

Finally got around to install. 16 inch wheel kit with stoptech slotted rotors.

 

Nice! That is a lot of fanciness riding on those hubs!

 

I like those Stoptech calipers. Looks dope AF.

 

Delayed, but I ordered the pads directly from Toyota. Definitely not counterfeit. I really like the R4-S pad from Porterfield, I don't think I will ever go back to TRD pads after my experience. Must of been the high heat from descending some of the steep routes we took.