85 4runner front brakes upgrade?
 

So I have completely stock brakes on my 85. I've heard upgrading to the front calipers that have equally sized piston calipers front a later generation does wonders for braking when you've increased your tire size.

Here are my questions:

From which year model and truck are the better calipers from?

Are they a totally matching fit? Meaning unbolt the old ones and bolt on the new ones?

Do I need the matching rotors?

If so, are the new rotors a direct fit?


Do I, or should I upgrade the master cylinder and booster ?

If so from which year model and truck?

Direct bolt on fit for the booster master cylinder?

Thanks
Racehoss

I installed 2 OEM re-maned calipers and pads on original (or not?) rotors.
Upgraded to a 1" bore master cylinder from BAP import parts. (bolts right on to brake booster, required 90' bend in solid brake line but it was easy to do.)
Most people upgrade to bigger brake booster so the brake pedal is not so ridgid.
Im running 35's and it feels like it will stop a freight train.!
I fully recomend the master cylinder upgrade though..! 100%

You didn't go with the upgraded calipers?

No, and as of yet I don't imagine I will need them. Seems like overkill to me.
I have read several upgrade posts about the break systems cuz mine was shot when I picked up my 4runner. I changed the calipers first thinking that was the problem, my breaks were still spongey and weak, almost scary!
When I swapped out the old MC for the 1" bore MC upgrade it was all the difference in the world..!!! I cant imagin the brakes working any better than they do now..!!!

Racehoss, your sig line states 33's. Is that what you are currently running or have you gone bigger?.
Bigger tires add unsprung weight to the spindles, axle ends, whatever the setup may be. Considering rotational mass with larger tires and/or wheels and the stock calipers do work much harder stopping the vehicle. I run 33's on stock components on my 85 and have no trouble at all. When you move to 35's or larger you may start to notice a difference. I've never run larger than 33's. I would start with 85 4runnen4life's suggestion and increase the m/c bore with an upgrade.

ifs calipers from a 90s v6, fj60 front rotors, and a 1" bore MC

you think it just stops better with just the MC, try it with the V-6 calipers and vented rotors....much better.
I can't wait to get my dual diaprahgm Turbo brake booster in...

Ya I'm running 33s. I like the idea of trying the bigger mc and seeing how that works.

I agree, it's a positive move towards upgrading ypour braking system. Try it and let us know how it works for you.

Will calipers from a 98 Tacoma work, or is it early 90’s

looking to upgrade my brakes on my 85 truck.

Thanks

+1

I also swapped for rear disc brakes but above gets you the lost stopping power I believe.

I gotta get to adding that MC. I've got one and just need to install. Sounds like plan.

Match the pads to the calipers. Both should be from 89-94/95 V6 truck/runner.
LCE has a "kit", not cheap, but the quality is top notch.
Brake Upgrade - Solid Axle Vented Rotor Conversion (lceperformance.com)