Replacement brakes, rotors, shocks

I need advice! My 2002 V6 Prerunner has 140,000 miles on it and still has original EVERYTHING.
I am rebuilding it one piece at a time. My next project is to replace front/rear brakes and shocks.
This is a street truck but occasionally I will pull a light camper.

Who has the best quality?

I also need to find a good mechanic who has lots of experience with Tacomas. I live in the Atlanta, GA area.

 

bilstein 4600 series HD shocks and genuine OEM Toyota rotors and pads,just so happens I have the Bilstein part# Im replacing mine with the HDs got 179k miles on my present set and are still going>2 fronts #B46-2284 HD and rears B46-2285 HD and B46-2286 HD (there are 2 different part #s one for left,one right rear)best price Ive seen was EBAY for all 4.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BILSTEIN-24...yota|Model:Tacoma&hash=item25a8b1759b&vxp=mtr these

 

you can do the rear shocks yourself and save $$$,but the fronts the coil has to be compressed and maybe a new front end alignment. get the oem brakes and rotors, just had my rear brakes replaced at over 200k miles so yours probably are still good just need to be cleaned out with brake cleaner and deglaze the inside drums with emery cloth and new brake fluid(bleed or flush)

 

If you can remove bolts, you can do the shocks. If you can remove bolts, you can do the front rotors and pads. The drums are a bit different, I have never worked on drums before, but I found them to be pretty easy. The tricky part for me were the adjusters. If you decide to do them, we can help you here. Save the $ and start learning about your truck. It can be fun, and it is rewarding doing it yourself. If it is out of your comfort zone, there are times when I feel it better to involve a shop, by all means find a good one and go there.

OEM rotors, drums, shoes and pads. I figured with my rears that they lasted 140k mi...why not.

Good luck! Oh and buy a Haynes or a Chiltons, they are a very good resource.

 

Mush,

That saves me a lot of legwork! The previous owner of my truck was a rock climber and ignored the truck's maintenance. Rear drums and front rotors are shot. Driving this truck is a real challenge.

Thanks,
JoJo

 

Jim,

I am going to have a go at it. Retirement necessitates DIY. I wish I could find a Taco buddy in Atlanta to hold my hand. I have two vehicles so I can take my time.

JoJo

 

if u do the rear shocks yourself its a little more room to work if you remove the spare tire, I think the bolts are 17mm? and also when u put on the new ones(rear)the new shocks come compressed with a band holding them compressed,put the upper bolt of the shock on and thread the bolt down to hold it down then cut that band with a knife let it open until you can throw on the bottom bolt it down or else you will have to test out your bench pressing strength to compress it on. and use the new washers in the shock kit comes with

 

buy the Toyota OEM parts online and have a shop put them on or just have the stealership that has the parts do it sometimes they have discount service coupons I used one for my rear brakes at the stealer works out cause I will never need a new set of rear brakes again and all Toyota OEM parts

 

Thanks, glad you told me about cutting the band!

 

heads up if you do it yourself^

 

If you want stock rotors, I replaced with Centrics at 135k miles.
Rotor PN 105.04360
Pads PN 121.44109
Working great, no issues or noise.

 

Why do you assume I still have a working head?

 

How about the drilled and slotted (expensive) rotors? I want the best!

 

Toyota OEM best

 

upgrade to tundra brakes.

 

Not sure what that means. Knock yourself out.

 

Agree with the OEM statement. But I would look to the aftermarket for shocks. Front shock replacement? I bought assembled coil overs from Toytec, I won't mess with springs myself. Too dangerous for me.

Go here to compare pricing. They serve me very well here in Dallas.

http://parts.toyotaofdallas.com

 

You can do the front brakes and pads yourself and the rear shocks. The front coilovers will require a spring compressor and alignment afterwards. The rear drum might also be a challenge. I like Brembo blank rotors as a OEM replacement myself.