My swing at the Tundra (brake) Swap

Isn't that what you are supposed to do? I read an instruction sheet once, that's what it said to do so that's what I do all the time now & don't bother reading instructuons anymore.

 

Looks more like one bolt on beer!

 

So I started off by flushing the brake system entirely. Here's Timmy's vid on how to, for those who need a refresher.

https://youtu.be/rnyK3V-OGn4

Here's what the brake fluid looked like.

 

Next I jumped in to the Tundra brakes.
Timmy also has a good video on this as well.
https://youtu.be/P8zy-j4UBUo

He does a 4 runner in the video. And it appears the 4 runner has brake lines compatible with the 13wl calipers. Our 1st gen Taco brake lines will either need to be modified or replaced to work with the Tundra brakes.

You can "drill out the banjo bolt" (I have no fookin clue how to do that)

You can replace with lines from Wheelers Offroad (I believe these are flexible all the way to the caliper)

Or, you can do like I did and get the kit from LC Engineering. This kit comes with flex lines to the braket on the spindle (brakets included in the kit) and then they have the Tundra hardlines to the caliper.

Here is how the hardlines should look when installed. There is only one way that will work that allows a socket to get to the caliper mounting bolt.

 

It's also worth noting. If you haven't replaced these lines before, you should know. Here is the upper connection of the flex line. There is a clip on the back that holds the line in place. This is also where the connection is made from the flex line to the hard line. You should losen the fitting before you take the retainer clip off. Other wise you have nothing to hold while you break the hardline lose.

 

Other than that, the "Tundra Swap" is pretty straight forward. Here's the before...

And the after...

 

This may be particular to the Calipers I happened to buy. But I noticed, when bleeding them, the bleeder valve is an 8mm instead of the 10mm that was on my old calipers.

I didn't have a 8mm flare wrench so I just had to be careful.

 

While I was in there, I decided to replace my Lower Ball Joints. When I was doing my lift around 9 months ago, I was sent 2 Right LBJs. I needed my truck back on the road before my supplier could get it straight, so I had to go buy a shitty set from AutoZone.

The correct LBJs have been sitting on my shop bench for 9 months. I've just been too lazy to replace them... while I was working in the area, I decided it would be a good time to swap them out.


Trail spares

 

Then on to the rear drums. Here's another video from Timmy.

https://youtu.be/IJkVEBYSecs

Here's the before...

And the after...

If you are going to do drum brakes and you don't have the tool on the left... do yourself a favor, save some frustration, and just go buy one. It's worth the 6 to 10 bucks you'll spend.

 

While I was cussing at the drum brakes, my buddy replaced the rear flex line with a +3 inch that came with the lines for the front.

I hate doing drum brakes... it's a dirty messy job.
I think this was the dirtiest I've ever gotten working on my truck.

Normally I don't wear shorts working on the truck. But it was hot as hell.

 

But... the Tundra brakes do look sexy!

 

Just a couple of questions. So what rim size are you using? Will this swap work with stock 16" 6 lug? Where did you find Taco Lager? Brilliant.
If I understand your directions its goes as follows. One beer for the truck, one beer for you. 2nd beer for the truck. 1, 2 beers for you. 3rd beer for the truck, 1,2,3 beers for you. Am I missing anything?

 

they will work with stock Toyota alloy 16" rims.

and it's 1 for the truck, 2 for me, 1 for the truck, 2 for me, etc, repeat

 

Frizzman is right. The Tundra brakes will fit behind stock 16s (remember, those also came on the Tundras)

Here's mine. You can see the Tundra calipers peeking out.

Yes... my wheels are dirty. But I aint cleanin em cause my Pro Comp 17 inch alloys will be here on Friday.

Shhhh... that's a secret The wife doesn't know I ordered wheels and tires.

INCOMING!

 

The Taco Lager is from a local brewery here in Turlock California called Dust Bowl Brewing.

 

Good luck with that

 

It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

 

Words I live by.