Brake Upgrade: StopTech Rotors + TRD Performance Pads

LOL. Brembo does make aluminum steel hybrid drums where the drum housing face is aluminum and the braking surface cast iron, similar concept to StopTechs Areo rotor for weight reduction. But they don’t make it for the Tacoma.

 

Are there any calipers that are better than stock and don’t require going to 17” wheels?

 

Not that I am aware of. The usual caliper upgrades are either big brake kits or larger 4Runner calipers, both require 17” wheels.

 

Yeah same here that’s why I asked if anyone has info I don’t know about such as 6 piston or larger piston... not willing to get 17” wheels cuz IMHO they don’t look good unless you have at least 35s

 

I like my 17s. But to each their own, it’s 0.5” sidewall difference. 17s also allow for more lighter C-load tire options.

 

That looks like 32” tires so there’s plenty c-load options in 265/75/16 anyway but yeah, to each their own

 

I have some FJ steel wheels, i should look into doing this.

 

l


Excellent information. Thank you

 

sub'd

 

@crashnburn80 Wow! Another great write up. When I’m in the research cave I stumble along and find little bread crumbs of great information from you. Finally they have led to the mother lode of your threads.

 

That list is missing this one:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-northstar-agm-battery-voltage-booster-upgrade.604478/

 

Brembo makes rear shoes, I have them on the rear of my Tacoma with PowerStop drums

 

How hard is the install of rear brake shoes?

 

Sweeeeeet!
Part numbers?
Where did you source your spring kit?

 

Depends on how many miles on shoes as before 100k doubt the shoes are very worn as they don't do a lot except as the parking brake - I use them a lot on the boat ramp (note adjust cable is under the center console). You may need to back off adjuster to get the drums off (big hammer/mini sledge handy) and rusted on studs. Buy brake spring tools 1 for round retainer clips and 1 for springs on/off posts (this 1 is must have to save fingers and cursing). Do one side at a time so you have a reference. Need a can of brake cleaner and the dust is a mess so do outside or cardboard under work area.
Powerstop also has a shoe set I used. Note that stock drums have balance weights tack welded on which may fall off from rust so look at them - turn drums or buy new and I turned then bought new after a weight dropped off later and way out of balance. I painted the drums with several coats of black Rustoleum as they rust fast if not coated by manufacturer.
Finally if the rubber lines are all cracked you can change to stainless braided which I did but beware a pain in the butt as the retainer ends on the rear axle did not match the lines so they had to be filed out to allow the retainer clip to seat.
Finally age dependent I flushed the lines adding new brake fluid and do NOT turn the key on until fully done or you may trip the ABS module. Just a dirty job but with the spring tools and spray no problem.

 

pretty easy, make sure you get the shoe spring retainer tool for install, when your take off the rear drums use the bolt through the drum to rear axle hub method to remove the drum, a lil penetrating oil doesn't hurt between axle hub and center of drum if rusty. take a pic for reference.

 

The spring kit came with the PowerStop rear brake kit. I actually have a kit for sale in the buy/sell section. It has shoes/spring kit/drums If you just want the spring kit search for the Beck/Arnley
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beck-Arnley-084-1373-Brake-Hardware-Kit-Direct-Fit/121956372726?fits=Make%3AToyota%7CModel%3ATacoma

These are the shoes, It took me about 6 months to get these due to out of stock issues, I'd grab 'em while available. I bought the full PowerStop kit and then used the Brembo shoes.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Disc-Brake-Shoes-Set-Brembo-S83559N-for-Toyota-Sienna-Tacoma-2003-2014/113028341995?fits=Model%3ATacoma%7CMake%3AToyota&epid=140100801

 

I don’t know if I missed it, but what’s your review of the shoes? Do they grab better? Shorter stopping distance?

 

Seems like they are pretty good, (I have to readjust) my rears we're shot so anything would've been better, but I did notice that the manufacturing is top notch. I just redid the fronts recently which was the 3rd time I R&R'd them to 1 for the rear, I get the best results from the black hawk pads and EBC rotors for the front, Ive used ebc, powerstop and blackhawk.

 

any advice for 3rd gen folk? I tried searching the StopTech rotors but it doesn't seem like they make them for 3rd gen tacos.