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Is the tundra brake upgrade worth it?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Just_Tombo, Apr 26, 2021.

Page 2 of 7
  1. Apr 26, 2021 at 9:45 PM
    #21
    Nano909

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    Nano909 Stirrer Of Pots

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    He has the snowflake wheels so he'll be fine with the big 13WL calipers. I had the same wheels.
     
    Nano909, Apr 26, 2021
    #21
    Just_Tombo[OP] and 2004Taco[QUOTED] like this.
  2. Apr 26, 2021 at 10:22 PM
    #22
    otis24

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    otis24 Hard Shell Taco

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    My fat ass truck loaded up with supplies for 1-2 weeks of camping weighs 5700 pounds.

    I had serious brake fade 2 times with the stock brakes. So far after 3 years with the Tundra brakes there has been no brake fade.
     
    otis24, Apr 26, 2021
    #22
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  3. Apr 27, 2021 at 5:56 AM
    #23
    Just_Tombo

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    Just_Tombo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for all the replies y'all!

    One question that pops up - 199 vs 231 rotors... Which one is the stock tundra rotor? The 231?
     
    Just_Tombo, Apr 27, 2021
    #23
  4. Apr 27, 2021 at 6:00 AM
    #24
    Kevin Jones

    #24
    Kevin Jones Well-Known Member

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    I've got a '96 4x4 with 414,000 miles that I've been driving for 25 years under about every condition imaginable and brakes have always been completely adequate.
    Can't imagine upgrading to another system unless you are completely bored needing something to do and have more $ than you know what to do with.
     
    Kevin Jones, Apr 27, 2021
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  5. Apr 27, 2021 at 7:14 AM
    #25
    2004Taco

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    2004Taco Financially Irresponsible

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    Toyota used both. The older models use 199's and the newer ones (2004-2006, I believe) use 231's. I have a 2006 Double Cab Tundra and its's using the 231's (13WL) so I just copied that and used it on my Tacoma.
     
    2004Taco, Apr 27, 2021
    #25
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  6. Apr 27, 2021 at 8:45 AM
    #26
    Just_Tombo

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    Just_Tombo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks! And will either fit in my 16" snowflake rims? Thanks again.
     
    Just_Tombo, Apr 27, 2021
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  7. Apr 27, 2021 at 8:48 AM
    #27
    Nano909

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    Nano909 Stirrer Of Pots

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    Scroll up and read
     
    Nano909, Apr 27, 2021
    #27
  8. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:16 AM
    #28
    Just_Tombo

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    Just_Tombo [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I see you pointed out the caliper, and i guess the 199 and 231 use different calipers?
     
    Just_Tombo, Apr 27, 2021
    #28
  9. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:21 AM
    #29
    Ridgerunner

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    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    Same here. My 2001 DC's brakes have been pretty impressive in some hairy situations over 20 years. They always felt like "upgrade" to me.
     
    Ridgerunner, Apr 27, 2021
    #29
  10. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:30 AM
    #30
    OpeCity

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    OpeCity Well-Known Member

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    Fwiw, I have the opposite opinion. On 32s with a little weight, I’ve been uncomfortable more than once with the capability of stock brakes, especially while towing. I’m doing tundra brakes very soon
     
    OpeCity, Apr 27, 2021
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  11. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:30 AM
    #31
    turbodb

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    The rotors are the same, it's the calipers that are different and the 199 vs. 231 refers to the surface area of the pads. The 13WE are 199 and 13WL are 231. You want the 13WL.

    Everything you need is in the information I posted earlier. There's more in the linked threads there that will answer any question you have. Seriously.

    Here is my original reply in this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/is-the-tundra-brake-upgrade-worth-it.718801/#post-25585920

    Here are the links that will answer any other questions you have about this:
     
    turbodb, Apr 27, 2021
    #31
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  12. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:44 AM
    #32
    frenchee

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    frenchee Favorite Member

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    10000% worth it. I used to destroy OE pads and rotors.
    I was doing less than 10k miles before they were toast. I'm a super conservative driver too...
    When you have heavy tires, camper, armor, etc you need larger pads and rotors that can handle the abuse.
    If your taco is stock, then I'm not sure its worth it.
     
    frenchee, Apr 27, 2021
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  13. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:50 AM
    #33
    eon_blue

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    eon_blue Okayest Member

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    I've daily driven my truck on 33s, RTT, rack, steel bumpers + swing out, sliders, skids, etc....have had the same stock pads/rotors on for the last 40k miles and they still have life left :notsure:

    I'm guessing being manual has something to do with it and downshifting to help slow down rather than simply braking all the time.
     
    eon_blue, Apr 27, 2021
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  14. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:52 AM
    #34
    frenchee

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    frenchee Favorite Member

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    Or you drive on flat road all the time.
    Doing a lot of downhill in an auto and crappy gear selection with the auto kills the pads fast.
     
    frenchee, Apr 27, 2021
    #34
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  15. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:52 AM
    #35
    eon_blue

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    eon_blue Okayest Member

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    I live in CA I assure you that is not the case lol.
     
    eon_blue, Apr 27, 2021
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  16. Apr 27, 2021 at 10:53 AM
    #36
    Actionjackson

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    Actionjackson Well-Known Member

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    just my opinion here. If towing and or bigger wheels and added weight probably worth upgrading. But for stock weight and minimal or light towing I suggest to check rear drum brake function before deciding . I bet a lot of trucks don't have any rear brakes as the auto adjusters (star wheels) don't usually work. After I tightened up my rear drums, I thought the brake performance was fine.
     
    Actionjackson, Apr 27, 2021
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  17. Apr 27, 2021 at 8:29 PM
    #37
    SellyKlater

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    SellyKlater Well-Known Member

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    I got the kit on Amazon for about $320 a few years ago...still had the stock rotors and calipers on the truck...so figured either way it was time to change at least the rotors, its definitely worth it. All new fresh components are always great. If it cost six or seven hundred I'd say prob not, but for a little over $300 you can't beat it.
     
    SellyKlater, Apr 27, 2021
    #37
  18. Apr 27, 2021 at 9:16 PM
    #38
    Bmann88

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    Bmann88 Member

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    Tundra Front Brake upgrade, Nitro Helical Worm Gears LSD, Nitro 4.88's Front and Back.
    The Tundra brake upgrade is a night and day difference!
     
    Bmann88, Apr 27, 2021
    #38
  19. Apr 28, 2021 at 3:04 PM
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    Boone Wesley

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    Boone Wesley Well-Known Member

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    Boone Wesley, Apr 28, 2021
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  20. Apr 28, 2021 at 3:12 PM
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    1997tacomav6

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    Last edited: Apr 30, 2021
    1997tacomav6, Apr 28, 2021
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Power Stop Brake Kit For Toyota Tundra Sequoia Caliper Casting #13WL - Z36 Truck & Tow Front Calipers, Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads, and Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors Replacement, KC2324-36
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