Feedback on the Tundra upgrade for my 99 4runner
 

Hey folks, I just wanted to give you all some feedback on the Tundra upgrade for my 99 4runner.


To answer a couple of questions:
1. Yes, I searched (and searched) the Tundra brake posts here and read many if not all of them.

2. I have a 1999 4runner with stock (prime look alike rims)

3. I have some mechanical skill.

For those of you that have Prime rims (the kind made in the US, not the japanese rims), you will have some problems putting on the smaller S13WE's.

Also, for the regular joe, here are some thoughts.

What are you getting with the s13Wes?

1. Larger calipers? Nope. (wider only)
2. Bigger pads? Nope.
3. Larger diameter rotor? Nope. (Wider only)

So, with the S13We, you are ONLY getting a wider (and not much more) rotor. More than likely, when you plopped down the 400 bucks for all that, you bought a better rotor, calipers and pads.

My advice...save your cash. Buy a sweet Brembo rotor and Akebono pads. The rotors are not worth the upgrade.

Now...if you really want to do it right....buy the S13WL's, brembo rotor and Akebono/green pads. Yes...you will have to grind...but if you have Prime rims. (POS knock offs) like I do, you will be grinding.

Just grind the caliper, not the rotor.

Ok....wanted to get that out there. There are three types of rims floating around there. the stock 16 inch rims from Japan, Sport rims from Japan and Prime 16 inch rims (POS). Also, there are the pizza cutter 15 inchers...but few people have those.


So...beware. Go with the SW13L's....or just get a better rotor.

By the way, the stock rotor from Toyota is garbage. Toss it now.

Over and out.

Most of us that are installing the Tundra brake mod do it so they can stop having to deal with warped rotors.

I put Tundra calipers (199mm) and Wagner rotors on 2001 SR5 with the stock 6 spoke wheels with ZERO problems.

I've had the Brembo, Wagner, Toyota and several brands of rotors. I've done the cross drilled, slotted and conventional type rotors.

And the bottom line with stock 4runner type rotors is they ALL warp after several thousand miles.

Since I've gone to the Tundra rotor I have yet to see ANY sign of warpage at all.

Yes your correct the Tundra rotors are not any larger in diameter than the 4runner ones but they are ALLOT thicker that that prevents warpage.

What's the 199 mean? I thought it was the width of the pad but if the pads are the same I am curious as to what the 199 and 231 mean.

I would never grind on the rotor. Grinding on the outer edge of a caliper perhaps 1/8" is no big deal and does not affect anything.

We put the Tundra upgrade on Rockslide's 4Runner with no trouble and it stops much better and didn't have to grind anything. I hope he will post up.

Bigger brakes require bigger rims or at least the proper ones.

The new Tundras have 18" rims for a reason. :hillbill:

:guitar:

The width of the pads are bigger. The pads on the 199mm and 231mm are 4.7" and 5.3" respectively.

I can't recall the exact size of the 4runner pads but IIRC they are around 4.4".

So you are getting more pad to rotor surface area by going to the 199mm or 231mm calipers.

Which translates to more stopping power and more heat dissipation. Add that to a thicker rotor and that means no more rotor warping which is the main reason I did the brake swap. The better stopping power was just a bonus :D

Think what you want but I will guarantee that my 4runner stops better with my nee setup. I haul wood in and use my trailer for camping - loading it up with a ton or two. These brakes are better than stock!

I was thinking the stock ones are like 153mm or something like that. I was just asking cause it was said earlier in the thread that the pads were the same size and I was really confused.

:domo2: <- I just wanted to use this.

I've enjoyed my tundra calipers. Much improved when it comes to stopping bigger tires and trailer in tow.

More info on the Tundra swap can be found here too: CLICK ME

I meant...grinding on the caliper...

By the way...larger rotors mean larger rotating mass and unsprung mass...

I'm new to yotatech and looking for some info. I've search all the post and haven't found my answer.
Can I do the tundra brake upgrade on my wifes 2000 runner with the factory 15" steel wheels. All I seem to find is people talking about the 16" wheels.

Welcome to YT.

Nope, 15" rims won't clear the calipers.

:guitar:

No, you can't do it on a 15 inch rim.

Find some 16 inch rims. Avoid the Primes. Get the authentic Toyota rims.

Otherwise, they won't be so bolt on.

Primes?

Rims made by Prime. They are a look alike rim (some say) put on at the port of entry in place of the pizza cutter 15 inchers.

I have 199mm calipers on mine with Brembo rotors and OEM pads. it was so easy the shop only charged me $60 labor with my parts to do the swap, I went with it because I needed a brake fluid flush any way.

all they did was: put vehicle on lift, take out tires, remove brake lines, remove caliper and rotors, install new caliper and rotors, bleed brake fluid, bolt on tires, lower vehicle on ground.

totally 45 minutes.

The rims you are talking about, Parker, have the exact same dimensions. The difference is the way they and where they are made. The aftermarket rims use an acorn style lugnut, the factory wheels use a shank lugnut. However, the offset and rim size is exactly the same.

Like this?

http://www.automotix.net/images/prod.../aly69356u.jpg

Those rims are the aftermarket rims

good post Parker Runner

I agree with your observations.

Like you -I could not justify the money for the Tundra upgrade. I bought the cheapest Brembo rotors and they are significantly thicker than stock OEM.

Well, either the calipers are wider or the rims are not offset correctly.

Well, I solved the problem and and picked up a set of sport rims for cheap. Those should bolt right on. Interestingly enough, they appear to have less material around the hub. We shall see when I bolt them on.

Well, not to surprising, the Japanese made rims bolt on the fronts with no grinding.

Heck, they might even be a bit lighter. Ready for my 235-70/16