I'm replacing the brake calipers on my 1986 4 x 4, any advice on replacements? I'm doing rotors and pads, thinking I better do calipers well everything's a part? They are 31years old, looking at parts geek? Middle priced?
thks. Tim.

 

Or. How difficult to rebuild them?

 

Most of the replacement calipers I have priced in the past were well worth the price compared to the trouble of rebuilding. You will also have a warranty if a piston leaks. With having to disconnect the brake hoses you may as well replace them as well, cheap insurance.

 

I just replaced mine, and after core return, they were under $30 each from Rock Auto.......

 

If you're gonna buy calipers and rotors too, you can get the larger ones used on '92 to '95 V-6 4Runner models.

They bolt right up with a little trimming of the rotor backing tin.

 

I have rebuilt calipers but for the cost of remans, I would just buy remanned calipers.

When you go to do your rear brakes, really pay close attention that you get the correct slave cylinder and correct brake shoes. Believe it or not there are a couple of variances in them from one year to the next. Check that your slave cylinder is the same length as your replacement and that the brake shoe has the correct length tab that goes into the slave cylinder.

Here is what I am talking about>>> https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post52084917

 

Thank you for replies guys! Think I'll go with the remanufactured replacements. Good to know about the rear brake wheel cylinders. thanks again.

 

The rebuilt calipers are about all the same these days. I would make one recommendation: organic brake pads. Some of the younger guys may disagree, but most old timers will agree that semi-metallic (and harder) will destroy your investment quick. If you want a reliable brake system, with quiet braking Organic is the oem original material for these trucks.

Your rotors will last forever.

For some reason these brake shops install semi-metallic pads made of pressed scrap metal that literally eat the rotors away. The wear point is supposed to be the pad, not both the pad and the rotors. I guess it is a money maker. People have all become used to needing a rotor turn or replacement every two sets of brake pads, which is insane. How about replacing rotors when they rot instead? NAPA and mom and pop chains will have organic pads, but autozone and other big chains will not.

I have been using organic pads and I think I may have turned my rotors once in many many years. Always quiet and even braking. No brake "fade". This isn't nascar here.

 

x2 on the OEM pads and rotors. Many aftermarket rotors don't last because they are of lower quality steel.

 

Thanks 89fourrunner. Great info! Makes total sense.
I will start at napa.