brakes

great article, very informative to just my issues with my '98 xtra-cab stock 4-banger towing an 1800lb chalet down the mountains! (chalets don't have auxiliary braking system, they weigh 1600lbs. dry!)
after experiencing offensive brake smell and dangerous brake fade i started reading this thread, which i plan to slowly incorporate. i do have those cool-looking 10 year old drilled and slotted after market rotors, and though i just had new ceramics installed, i will inspect the rotors for cracking...most importantly, i will flush the brake fluid for the first time in 24 years! since new my tacoma's had lousy brakes, and after three crashes it is now a salvage vehicle with 236,000 miles that burns no oil and runs like new. i purchased it back from the insurance co. after the last total, and always intended to keep it for life when purchased new for a whooping $27,000.00 between the lease and buy option. it was my work vehicle for its first 20 years, -at one point i fitted a full-size shell on it and elongated the rear panel 2 feet to fit it in...that's when i upgraded the rear suspension to accommodate the extra weight! i even mounted a full-sized pop-up camper by beating-out the fender wells with a mallet!-and now i've retired it into the travelling life, enjoying it far more than all the motor homes, and other trucks i've ever r 'veed with...only repairs have been replacing the rear end @ 175,000 (could've prob just replaced the bearings instead, live and learn!) miles, starter, clutch, and regular maintenance, tires, batteries, filters. amazing vehicle, most loyal and worthy i've ever owned, and perhaps, ever will...