Brake Upgrade: StopTech Rotors + TRD Performance Pads

The issue simply boils down to the 4runner calipers require more fluid volume than the Tacoma calipers. That more fluid volume is supported with a larger master cylinder in the 4runner. When going to a BBK, caliper fluid volume is typically increased to give greater stopping power through mechanical hydraulic advantage, but the increased fluid volume is based on the OEM master cylinder capacity. In a Tacoma going to a slightly higher capacity BBK designed for a Tacoma, the fluid volume increase is acceptable. In a 4runner, going to a sightly higher BBK designed for the 4runner is acceptable. In a Tacoma running a 4runner BBK where the Tacoma MC cannot even support the stock 4runner caliper volume is likely not ok. People that make the 4runner stock brake swap report long pedal travel due to the fluid volume mismatch inbetween the caliper and the MC. So exacerbating the problem further by using a 4runner specific BBK with even greater fluid volume requirements would likely be problematic. The fix is to upgrade the MC to something with more capacity, which is only reasonably feasible on the non-ATRAC trucks. One of the threads I linked earlier has the info of the OP going down this path, 4runner swap->MC change->4runner BBK. If you can find the information on the caliper piston sizes on all the options and do some simple math to make a volume comparison, you should be able to come up with a reasonable expectation of the differences. That is to say a StopTech BBK upgrade has X volume, and the 4runner BBK upgrade has Y volume, are they reasonably close? I don't have any site specific references with the needed information to make that comparison. As to the different MCs, my off hand guess would be (without fact checking) 5 lug 2wd trucks, 6lug trucks and 6lug ATRAC trucks. The BBKs would only fit the 6lug trucks, one which has ATRAC and one that doesn't, MC fluid volume for the 6lug trucks is likely similar if not the same one is just vacuum actuated and one is electronically actuated.

I actually started down the 4runner path originally. But it is a lot of money to gamble. And while some people might not mind a long throw brake pedal that does nothing till it is near the floor (calling it "working fine"), I prefer a very tight and responsive pedal, so even peoples perceptions on "working" are difficult to judge. Ultimately there were too many unknowns, I didn't want to go down the path of trying to mod an ATRAC-MC and wanted something I knew would work and was plug and play. So I returned the 4runner setup and went with StopTech. Now that StopTech offers 2pc directional rotors in the 340mm size, that really seems like a no-brainer vs trying to swap in a 4runner setup that might be problematic and would lack the advanced rotor that StopTech now has to offer or even the Wilwood 2pc directional rotor design. If you don't mind a likely MC swap, that other thread is worth checking out as the member there has done it. Mad props for pioneering something unique. I didn't have the practical option of the MC change with ATRAC, nor did I want to take things that far down the rabbit hole when solutions designed for my specific vehicle configuration were available as plug and play.

Definitely feel free to bounce ideas/thoughts or braking questions here. I'm happy to help in any way I can.

 

Update regarding RR-racing and Wilwood BBK:

I had noticed that SOS Performance has a simple adaptor kit that mounts a Toyota Sequoia master cylinder to a Tacoma, and that it works for ’09 – ’21, for only $292 including the master cylinder. They market it for improving petal feel after installing a rear Disc Brake conversion. It clearly is a simple install, and must be a larger piston diameter, but that is the full extent of what I know.

SOS requests that you visibly inspect your current MC and make sure it looks like one they picture, and my 2020 tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 access cab looks the same.

So thinking that this could open up possibility of larger piston front calipers for my truck, I passed this info along to RR-Racing.

They replied that they are looking into the BBK for my 2020 Tacoma, and that it seems likely doable. they will be getting back to me.

I do not know the specs. for the stock or the Sequoia master cylinder, and have no idea if it would be overkill, without the rear brake conversion, but at $300 it is an affordable option to improve a low engaging pedal, should it work out for piston size.

 

Others have used the SOS Sequoia kit to ‘fix’ issues caused with soft pedal from running the 4Runner BBK without the rear discs. So I don’t see why it wouldn’t work as long as it installs in 3rd Gen. it isn't compatible with ATRAC OR/Pro trucks.

 

I have a sequoia master cylinder upgrade kit and read disc conversion kit available if anyone is looking for them. New still in box never used. I have the electronic master cylinder so can't use it. Just been sitting in storage for years. PM if interested. I'll let it go for cheaper than what it selling for, but buyer will need to pay shipping and the rotors are heavy. in Denver for local pickup

 

Anyone recommend another quality pad other than the TRD ones? I can't find the TRD ones in stock anywhere.

 

Stoptech Sports are supposedly the same compound.

 

see posts 977 & 978

 

Rebuilding rear drums. Will post progress here. Bought a set of TRQ drums and pads, also a set Beefed Up brake pads to compare, and an ac Delco hardware kit. Painting the drums red to match the front stoptech 6 piston calipers.

 

Got a few coats in on the first pass before the can ran dry, used most it it previously on the valve covers. Gonna sand a little, buy a new can, and respray tomorrow. Planning on installing next weekend

 

OE vs Beefed Up Brakes

 

$29 Acdelco 18k1776 Rear Drum Brake Shoe Adjuster and Return Spring Kit

Acdelco 18k1776 hardware kit

 

Starting drum rebuild, found a very detailed vid, made by the TRQ, who I bought the drums from.

 

Anyone have the part number for the flexible brakes lines. I already did upgrade but did not have time to do front brake lines

 

Curious to know how that krypton holds up with the heat compared to high temp brake caliper paint, but I like the red. I've used rustoleums high temp black bbq paint on a 2 stroke dirt bike header, so I know that would work, but it only comes in black.

 

I used the same stuff on my valve covers mid summer and still holding up fine. Did multiple coats over several days on the drums

 

Hmmm, Beefed up Brakes looks exactly like oe, and the TRQ oe brakes look premium.... probably gonna put on the TRQ brakes.

 

Up close damage of of drum pads, and thickness comparison to new pads

86k miles on old pads

 

Not perfect, but I think it'll hold up. Wheels will hide the flaws, plus who's eyeballing drums anyways

 

Drum brakes are a pia! But the rears now match the front!

 

Has anyone ordered the StopTech cryo rotors and received two that have a lot of differences between them? I feel like one of them isn’t a legit StopTech rotor. I called the manufacturer but they weren’t very helpful unfortunately. I ordered the 126.44129CS rotors and one of them has stamped on the side 120.44129CS and the other doesn’t have anything stamped at all and the paint is different. Anyone have any thoughts?