Wagner Thermo Quiet (ceramic) Brake Pads (purchased at O'reillys). My truck (2002 4Runner SR5, 2 wheel drive, 89K miles) gradually developed an annoying vibration during braking which kept getting worse daily and was making driving kind of dangerous. I've had the Wagner brake pads approximately 18 months (approximately 20K miles) and I do mostly highway/city driving. The Wagner brake pads have warped the rotors, I think.
I've gone back to Genuine Toyota brake pads. I replaced the brake pads and rotors (new Brembos) today and life is good again (the shakes are gone). I purchased the new parts from AutohausAZ online instead of getting ripped off at the dealership.
Upon inspection, the Wagner Brake pads showed very little wear. I think they were just a little too hard for the rotors. The old rotors had a dark blue color on the contact surfaces and had an irregular wear pattern, even though the thickness was above the minimum spec. They are going to the scrap yard. Also inspected the calipers and they seemed to be working properly (no stuck pistons). So that's it, hope it helps.

 

And that's what I've got on my 1997 4Runner.
Thank you.

 

I was just about to go buy those ceramic pads from O'reillys, I'm glad I checked here before I did. Thanks.

 

I use Akebono ceramics and am on my 2nd set and have had no issue with them on my '99 over the last 60k miles and very minimal brake dust and no issues with the rotors.

 

gradually developed an annoying vibration during braking

thats also what i have on my 95 4Runner... i was originally going with Brembo bigbrakes so im glad to hear they're worth it!

 

i just put those on my p/u ill post up in a few months if they do the same on my truck

 

3rd gen 4runners have issues with warping rotors all the time. Many people upgrade to the tundra calipers.