SOS Performance - Stoptech brake kit review

After 3 seized factory calipers through the years and after trying pretty much every different pad available, I got tired of screwing with the crappy brakes on my 2007 Taco. I decided to take the plunge and pick up the SOS Performance kit linked below:

https://sosperformance.com/products...-fits-2005-18-toyota-tacoma-w-slash-16-wheels

A few thoughts:

Ordering - I have 17" wheels, but when I printed out the SOS templates it was pretty clear the 340mm kit designed for the 17" and larger wheels would not work for me. It looked like I would have plenty of room with the 323mm kit designed for 16" wheels though. I was wrong, I barely, I mean barely clear the 323mm kit even with my 17" wheels. It must be the specific design of my BBS wheels, but even with the 323mm kit, I could not have even the thin stick on wheel weights if they are located at the same depth as the caliper, they would not clear. The only thing I can think of is that my printer didn't print out the 323mm template to scale. The instructions on the website say to check that, but since the 323mm kit was designed for 16" wheels and I have 17" wheels I didn't bother. It was almost a big mistake. So as they say, measure twice, cut once.

Install - This was really no better than what I've seen in other aftermarket kits I've done on other cars. Basically it is to say it is not plug and play. You are most likely going to have to tweak things a bit so be prepared for that. Specifically, on my kit, the caliper mounting bolts were too long and contacted the rotor. I had to use some small spacers. I could have gone to the hardware store and gotten some shorter bolts, but I had the spacers on hand. In my case the dust shields contacted the rotors basically everywhere. I probably spent an hour or more on each side taking the rotor on and off (I swear about 60 times on the drivers side) and using a BFH to get the dust shields bent back far enough (and cut around the caliper) to clear near the hub assembly. There's no way I have much more than 1mm to 2mm clearance in several spots. The instructions indicate you may need to get a hub spacer, but if I had used one, my calipers would have touched the rotors on the outside so I would have had to modify the brackets that came with the kit......that would have been a nightmare. I would have removed the shields completely before going that route. Finally, with the new set-up, I barely have enough threads on the wheels studs grabbing the lugs to be comfortable. At some point I will go back in and replace the OEM studs with ones that are a little bit longer.

Performance - OK, this is where things are worth it. The braking on the truck is night and day better than any combo of rotors and pads I've tried through the years. No matter what I had done in the past, I've always had this uncomfortable feeling of what the truck would do in a real panic stop. Luckily I've never had one, but I didn't have much confidence, even with more aggressive aftermarket pads. Now, the brakes modulate well and give me the braking confidence I've always wanted. When I did the initial ordering, I almost ordered the rear kit as well as I figured it would take both kits to get me where I wanted on the braking. The fronts alone have managed to do the trick and I really don't need the rears. Once my drum brake pads wear out I will probably add the rear kit anyway (mostly because I HATE drum brakes though).

 

Nice, i did the bigger mc upgrade and the fronts as well.

Night and day is a true statement

 

Have you tried using 2010+ 4runner dust shields? Maybe you'll have better luck.

 

Is Stoptech the company that makes the TRD BBK?

 

Yes, Stoptech builds all of the TRD brake kits

 

Your brake setup is looking sweet. I’ve always been a big fan of StopTec brakes- did them on my former BMW E36 M3. I’d love to the front and rears on my Taco but I really can’t complain about the braking on my 2014 and I drive like a grandma now days.