stange issue with brakes

So I've noticed over the last several months that when I have to stop suddenly by slamming on my brakes I don't stop nearly as quickly as I used to. If i just brake normally there is no problem. I have no leaks in the lines because my fluid hasn't gone down since I redid my pads and my rotors last year.

I did make a new off-road plate bumper with a swing away on it... so I have about another 200lbs of steel on the back and I have also put some new 33's on too. Is my problem just from those 2 changes or should I be looking for a mechanical problem?

 

Added weight makes a difference, but 200 pounds should not be that dramatic.

Bigger tires? Yes. More leverage against the drums and rotors... makes for a significant difference and is why TRD makes a "big brake kit" designed to be used with larger rims.

 

I experience the same issue slaming on my brakes. Can hear a nasty noise as well I normally can't recreate unless I actually am in the instant I need to slam.

 

Nasty noises?
Are you feeling a vibration in the pedal and the brakes seem to let off for a sec? That's the ABS kicking in, and it can be a killer on snow and ice.

 

Possibly the abs.

 

Oh and I forgot to mention I don't have ABS (pretty sure i don't anyway... I didn't see any sensors and I have no ABS light when i start the truck)

 

This is probably what you're feeling Cody.
I personally hate the ABS, i wish there was a way to make it less sensitive, i'll probably disable it this winter.

 

I believe that ABS was standard by 02.
Is there a fuse for ABS under the hood or under the dash?

 

I was referring to Cody.

Yours is likely just the larger diameter tires.

 

The bumper on the back combined with the larger tires will decrease braking strength and distance noticeably. That bumper is a lot of ballast weight holding down on the rear. When you slam your brakes on it takes more for the weight transfer to the front which holds 70% of your braking power.

 

New/replacement 33's?,,or you went to a 33" size tire?

If it was just a extra 200 lbs, it would have a effect on overall braking distance, but not as dramatic as it seems from your post.

If you have never had the two meet at the same time,,then yes, it's going to feel like a brake issue.

You are putting more heat on the system in a ebrake situation after those changes, no matter if it is 200 extra lbs or bigger tires. It can be slight or dramatic,,depends on the truck.

Add in ABS(if you have it) and it feels pretty mushy when you slam the pedal.

New pads and rotors last year. I take it the rear brakes were looking really good when you did the fronts.

 

Possibly old brake fluid and to much water in the brake lines. Brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs water over time diminishing the brakes.

 

It was not! I have an 02 and no abs.
Sounds like what rich said, 33's and weight make a difference. Did you use cheap pads? And how's the fluid look? Sometimes 33's can overheat the fluid and make it go bad quicker. Sounds like you need a tundra brake upgrade to me..

 

Moisture in the fluid causes it to over heat faster Dot 3 & 4 have different boiling points as well. Moisture brings down those boiling points.

Boiling point ranges [2]Dry boiling pointWet boiling pointDOT 3205 °C (401 °F)140 °C (284 °F)DOT 4230 °C (446 °F)155 °C (311 °F)DOT 5260 °C (500 °F)180 °C (356 °F)DOT 5.1260 °C (500 °F)180 °C (356 °F)

 

FYI, ABS was standard on all models for the 2004 year, not sure about 2003.