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Upgrading Brakes

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by milehighliving, Jan 25, 2012.

  1. Jan 25, 2012 at 9:55 AM
    #1
    milehighliving

    milehighliving [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've been shadowing this forum for a while now, decided it was time to make my first post.

    I have a stock 2003 Tacoma 4x4
    My front rotors are shot and need to be replaced. Instead of paying the stealership I want to replace the brakes myself. I did this on my previous car (jeep grand cherokee) and upgraded to slotted/drilled rotors and heavy duty brake pads. I definately noticed the increased stopping power.

    Before everyone gets on my ass about using the search button, I've already read several threads.

    I drive to the mountains about 3x a week to snowboard, and occasionally will take her out on some small trails. This summer I intend to do a little more serious wheeling.

    My question to you guys is should I upgrade to slotted/drilled rotors and heavy duty brake pads even though I'm running stock? I plan on lifting my taco and adding 33's to it eventually, probably this summer.
     
  2. Jan 25, 2012 at 10:08 AM
    #2
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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  3. Jan 25, 2012 at 10:12 AM
    #3
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

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  4. Jan 25, 2012 at 10:18 AM
    #4
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    You just need 16s or bigger. The stock 16 alloys on the 01-04 Tacomas also came on the Tundras/4Runners/Sequoias.
     
  5. Jan 25, 2012 at 10:28 AM
    #5
    alove0750

    alove0750 Well-Known Member

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    Icon coilovers, shocks and springs SPC Upper Control Arms SCS Ray 10’s w/ 265/70R17 BFG KO2’s Leer 100XR shell
    I got my rotors from brakeperformance.com they are a good bit cheaper and for the money are great quality! $117 shipped to my door. Then I got Carquest BCD grade pads. I have a lot of added weight with bumpers/winch, sliders, etc... these made a big difference in my stopping abillity.
     
  6. Jan 25, 2012 at 10:39 AM
    #6
    ManMan

    ManMan Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't spend extra on slotted or cross drilled rotors, not really any benefit for standard vehicles.

    Good pads on the other hand! I just put Hawk LTS and SS lines on my 2nd gen and they made a large difference!
     
  7. Jan 25, 2012 at 11:00 AM
    #7
    alove0750

    alove0750 Well-Known Member

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    Icon coilovers, shocks and springs SPC Upper Control Arms SCS Ray 10’s w/ 265/70R17 BFG KO2’s Leer 100XR shell
    I don't know... I didn't think they would have but I saw a noticable difference with them, but that's just me.
     
  8. Jan 25, 2012 at 8:40 PM
    #8
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    That's my understanding as well, which is why this upgrade is on my wish list. (I'm happy with my existing wheels.)
     
  9. Jan 25, 2012 at 8:49 PM
    #9
    1998tacoma4x4

    1998tacoma4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Deaver j59 pack 2.5 SAW coilovers, rear bilstein 5100's. Extened stainless rear brake line, deck plate mod, drop in K&N filter, Kenwood headunit & pioneer speakers, SnugTop Shell.
    I'm upgrading to ebc dura last rotors and green stuff heavy duty 7000 series pads this weekend. I'll post back my results!
     
  10. Jan 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM
    #10
    milehighliving

    milehighliving [OP] Well-Known Member

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  11. Jan 26, 2012 at 8:33 AM
    #11
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    As mentioned above, do yourself a favor and call Edwin at RaceShopper.com for prices on the Hawk pads.
     
  12. Jan 26, 2012 at 8:35 AM
    #12
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    I currently have slotted/drilled rotors (previous owner put them on) and Hawk LTS pads. Stops pretty well, given the size of the brakes of our trucks.

    Next upgrade will definitely be Tundra brakes though. Probably next year when the pads/rotors wear out.
     
  13. Jan 26, 2012 at 9:18 AM
    #13
    YotaDan

    YotaDan Dan

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    Cross-Drilled/Slotted Rotors will keep the rotor cooler and help prevent Rotor warping. I would recommend the Ceramic pads to go with the rotors.
    Tacoma Brakes:
     
  14. Jan 26, 2012 at 10:06 AM
    #14
    1998tacoma4x4

    1998tacoma4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Deaver j59 pack 2.5 SAW coilovers, rear bilstein 5100's. Extened stainless rear brake line, deck plate mod, drop in K&N filter, Kenwood headunit & pioneer speakers, SnugTop Shell.
    http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EBC-USR7235/
    These are the rotors I purchased. I preferred the black sinc coating compared to the gold. I have no experience with Hawk pads, but i have only heard great things. Post back the setup you end up choosing.
     
  15. Jan 26, 2012 at 10:07 AM
    #15
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Where in Colorado? And where do you wheel?

    On my Legacy (after reading about upgrades to rotors, etc on the forums) all I did was put on some Hawk pads and the performance was incredibly noticeable.

    I think you'd be fine with doing what the 2nd post says in his thread.
     
  16. Jan 26, 2012 at 11:31 AM
    #16
    Tail Chaser

    Tail Chaser Active Member

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    Autozone C-max ceramic pads are great, if there available for the Tacoma. I used these with great results on another vehical & lifetime warranty on them too.
    Those pads and some slotted rotors would be a good set-up, IMO.
    I don't recommed drilled rotors, they can crack, esp. if subjected to heavy braking.
     
  17. Jan 26, 2012 at 12:09 PM
    #17
    Boerseun

    Boerseun Well-Known Member

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    I have ceramic pads and I love them. They almost grab too tight - at slow speeds like pulling out of the driveway and I just lightly tap the brake it feels like they want to lock up. Great performance on the road, quiet, and no brake dust on your wheels. win-win.
     
  18. Jan 26, 2012 at 4:28 PM
    #18
    lil J

    lil J Well-Known Member

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    wheelers offroad has slotted and drilled rotors and ceramic brakes for your tacoma
     
  19. Jan 27, 2012 at 1:13 PM
    #19
    milehighliving

    milehighliving [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2nd Gen SC, Addicted Front Bumper, Allpro rear bumper, OME Full suspension lift, LR UCAs, Extended brake lines, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 285/75/r16 with level 8 wheels.
    I'm in Boulder. I just picked up my Taco a few months ago and really haven't wheeled her yet. I've dicked around a little up in Nederland with her. I've done most my wheeling in Tahoe with my Jeep.
     
  20. Jan 30, 2012 at 3:45 PM
    #20
    vantaco

    vantaco Well-Known Member

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    ya on race cars....they do nothing for street cars/trucks


    good quality blank rotors and good pads if you're best option other than a full brake kit upgrade
     

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