Yesterday my 96 4Runner decided it didn't wanted to stop anymore. Upon pressing the brake pedal, it almost seemed as if when the car should've started slowing down, there was a brick in the way of pressing the pedal any further. Eventually I could slam the pedal down after a considerable amount of effort, but it took FOREVER for the car to stop. Thankfully I was not around any vehicles or people that I could've hit, and was able to gradually slow down and come to a stop on the shoulder. Had to tow it back to my place

Furthermore, my parking brake didn't work. I have never experienced anything like this and would seriously appreciate any insight as to what the hell this may be and what I'm about to have to take apart this weekend. My initial thought is that it's power brakes went out, and I have never had to mess with anything past normal brake maintenance.

 

If this failure came on suddenly, I'd suspect the booster.

 

Me too. I thorough visual might show something simple....like the large vac hose that goes to it

 

With no power assist, I could see it feeling like a brick was under the pedal.

As already said, check the vac line leading to the booster, it may have come off. There's a one-way valve in it too (so the booster keeps some vac in it at WOT) that might have stuck shut as well.