Tundra Brake Swap

Applejack

Explorer
I smoked my front brakes 2 weeks ago on my '99 4runner.
I want to do the Tundra swap the question is, should I get genuine Toyota parts or will going to a place like Napa suffice?
I would like to be as budget minded as possible, this is eating into my suspension money:(
 

SilverBullet

Explorer
Autozone can order the parts as well. Make sure if you are running 16" wheels you get the lower part number (smaller mm, I don't remember the dimensions, google it) otherwise you have to grind the wheels.

I plan to do it when my brakes go out finally, but these lifetime pads are lasting a lifetime...
 

ryguy

Adventurer
Working for toyota as well as aftermarket parts for the last 12 years heres what i would do. Napa sells great new calipers(theres no mistaking them, they're gold). I like partsmaster rotors from kunkels or parts depot depending on your location. I'd stick with genuine toyota brake pads with factory shim kits. They're are new MVP brake pads from toyota that are less expensive and come with the shims. If you need part numbers for anything please pm me.
 

Mr. Leary

Glamping Excursionaire
The 199mm calipers do not bleed the heat as well as the 231mm calipers, but are an easier fit. The biggest improvement you will see with either brake upgrade is the increased rotor size and surface area. If you are ever planning on towing anything heavy, I would recommend the 231mm calipers.

I bought mine used (Toyota) and have been very happy with them. NAPA makes good parts, but as mentioned above, I would stay with the OEM rotors and pads.
 

slus

Adventurer
I did Centric reman calipers, rotors, and pads, as well as shoes for the rear. Worked great for the 35k until I sold the 4runner.

I should probably mention I wouldn't dream of doing the 199mm swap again. My 96 Limited already had 13" rotors, the tundra upgrade just gave me slightly thicker rotors and bigger caliper pistons. It was hardly noticeable to be honest, definitely did not live up to the forum-hype.

However, putting 13" rotors and the big 4 piston calipers on my little 1984 4runner...big difference!
 

trump

Adventurist
I did preloaded calipers from Checker/O'Rileys. Went with 13WL's (231mm) and have had zero issues with them. Made my friends jaw drop when I showed him how quick I could stop his 2000 lb carhauler. I managed to lock both of our seatbelts and didn't even get the ABS going.:Wow1:
 

OldSven

Explorer
I did a set of EBC pads and rotors on the old Tacoma which I'm going to do again with the 4runner, stopped 10x's better. Is the 231mm calipers well worth the $$$ and the swap from the people who have done it or just do some pads and rotors and call it a day?
 

Applejack

Explorer
I did a set of EBC pads and rotors on the old Tacoma which I'm going to do again with the 4runner, stopped 10x's better. Is the 231mm calipers well worth the $$$ and the swap from the people who have done it or just do some pads and rotors and call it a day?

Good question. My plan was to do the 231mm's as was done in a past 4WDTO article but, is it worth the coin for only slight improvement? I don't mind trimming the dust shield but I don't want to be grinding on my wheels.

All I can say for now is my brakes absolutely SUCK now. I had forgotten how SUCKY 3rd gen brakes were when I had my Taco but I have been quickly reminded.
 

Mr. Leary

Glamping Excursionaire
I did a set of EBC pads and rotors on the old Tacoma which I'm going to do again with the 4runner, stopped 10x's better. Is the 231mm calipers well worth the $$$ and the swap from the people who have done it or just do some pads and rotors and call it a day?

With 231mm calipers, we are not talking about minimal improvement. My truck can stop a 5000 lb. trailer very quickly over and over again without getting heat fade...

I tried EBC pads and rotors before doing the Tundra brake swap, in fact I have a brand new in the box set of EBC rotors if anyone wants them.

There is no real comparison between the two options. Tundra brakes are FAR superior. I have never had a set of 199mm calipers on a vehicle, but can remind y'all that they were replaced in production becuase they had overheating issues... just like every set of brakes put on the 3rd gen 4Runners.
 

Applejack

Explorer
Moments ago I picked up a set of 231mm calipers, thus the improvement shall soon begin..............I have order the rotors from Toyota. They never have what I need in stock. I was told by a few other folks to not even bother with the 199mm's, it wasn't worth the effort because the gains were too minimal to justify and Napa sells them for the same price.
 

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