KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Hello guys,

I'm new to this forum. I'm from the Philippines and what I have isn't exactly a 4Runner but a 1996 Hilux Surf KZN185W SSR-G. For those of you who are not familiar, it's a japanese-spec 4Runner with a 3.0L 4-cyl intercooled turbo diesel engine.
I hope you won't mind my asking a few questions in your forum.

here goes...

I would like to improve the performance of the brakes of my Hilux Surf. The brakes are somewhat sluggish.

My surf has a 4-inch suspension lift and the tires are LT285/75R16. I am attributing the poor braking to the larger than oem(P265/70R16) tires. Am I correct in making this assumption? Is there a way to improve the brake performance? I was thinking of changing the rotors to a bigger diameter, but after checking the websites of brembo, dba, and pbr; I could not find a bigger rotor and caliper combination that was meant for the 4Runner/surf.

Do you know of anyone with a 4Runner who was successful in making a mod with big brake discs? Will using slotted rotors (that have the same diameter as the oem) and carbon pads make a lot of difference? What are my options in improving the brake performance?

Your input on this matter will be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

Warmest regards,

RoySharif
1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G A/T
KZN185W Intercooled Turbo
Recaro interior
Rancho Suspension

AverysDad

what kind of suspension lift do you have??? did it come with a bracket to put the brake proportion valve back to its stock location?

i bet that would be a big part of the problem if it wasnt

Bob_98SR5

Roy,

Two maintenance and one modification suggestions if you haven't already:

- change the brake fluids and brake pads
- change to stainless steel braided brake lines. look at this page for reference: http://www.gadgetonline.com/susp.htm

Bob

NJ

Hey Roy,

Nice to see another 1996 SSR-G owner on here. I don't have 285's only 265/75R16's but I have no problem braking. Is this a new problem or have you always had it..? You might just need a top up of fluid as Bob suggested, or maybe new pads

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Hello AverysDad,

The suspension lift consists of 4" lift coils, rs9000 5-stage shocks, and adjustable panhard rod.

It doesn't have a bracket for the rear brake proportioning valve. Where can I buy this bracket? Can you give me a picture or a specific description on the stock location of the valve? You see, when I bought the Surf, it already had the 4" lift.

Thanks a lot!

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Hello NJ,

I'm still working on my Surf's website. Will let you know as soon as it's finished.

When it arrived from Japan, it already had it.

I'm looking at AverysDad's line of thought first as there's no bracket for the rear brake proportioning valve. Later I'll replace the fluid.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Hello Bob,

I looked at your website and got curious about the one man and two-man way of replacing the fluid. Can you please explain in detail about the two methods?

Thanks a lot!

calamaridog

<Your input on this matter will be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot!>

www.wheelersoffroad.com

They have front cross-drilled rotors. Definitely get a BVP bracket for the rear and do some stainless steel brake lines. Your tires have more mass than the stock set-up and the brakes are working too hard.

calamaridog

Also check out DBA Gold, Disc Brake Australia. I think the part
# for your truck is #780. They are supposed to make the best rotors.

Highland Runner

I don't know the differences, besides engines, in the 4-Runner/Surf. Is the Surf 2 or 4WD. If its 2WD, does it have the smaller 2 piston caliper? If so, a 4WD 4 piston caliper could be swapped in to make up for the larger tires.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

The Surf SSR-G is 4WD with multi-mode (lockable center diff) but I haven't checked if it has the 4 piston caliper.

Thanks for the input.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Where can I buy a BVP bracket?
Thanks again.

Jason B

Glad to see you made it over Roy!

AverysDad

you can make a bracket for the prop.valve with just a piece of scrap steel , a few bolts and a drill. the trick is just to lift the lever back to the pre-lifted height (i believe its attached to the top of the rear diff.

Rob

I got one too

Roy - the callipers are the 4 piston ones. Well mine are anyway.

Highland Runner

I don't know if the BPV will do anything to actually help the soft feel in the brakes. The front brakes do like 90% of the braking. The rear brakes keep the car level (from nose diving), and the rear end from swapping around. I think the BPV is mostly for towing or when the back is loaded down. The trailer makes the rear of the vehicle sink down and adjust the BPV. Then the rear brakes can really help stop a trailer.
I think this is why Toyota needed to fix rear end sag on 2nd and some 3rd gens, because the rear brakes were wearing very fast.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately, I don't know the pre-lifted position because when the Surf arrived from Japan, it already had the lift.
Is there a website that discusses this procedure in detail?
Thanks.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Hello AverysDad,

I just checked my Surf this am and I couldn't find any proportioning valve in the rear. I checked the differential and the rear undercarriage from left right but couldn't find one. A brake hose comes from inside the body and goes into a T which is attached to the differential. The tubes then go right into the drums, left and right.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that my Surf has ABS.

What should I do. Is there any way I can solve my problem?

Thanks again.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Chris,

I checked my front brakes and they are 2-piston calipers. But my surf is a 4WD unit. Where can I buy the larger 4-piston calipers? Can you recommend a store that sells it?

Thanks.

MTL_4runner

Are your brakes soft at all?
If you really apply pressure can you stop quickly?

Your 4runner does not have a load sensor to porportion breaking.
There is a porportion valve up front but I suggest leaving that alone (no reason to adjust it).

The 285's shouldn't make a difference (or at least that much).
If your brakes are soft, use some fully metalic or ceramic pads.
Change out the stock rubber line for stainless steel.
Adjust the rear brakes using the adjustment screw.
Bleed all 4 calipers and cylinders for air bubbles.
Replace the master clinder (only as a last resort).