castafly

I need to replace the rotors and brake pads on my 4WD extended cab 1998 Tacoma. The truck is essentially stock, with the stock alloy wheels, and has about 129,000 miles on it. Is it worth getting something like ceramic pads with drilled rotors, or would you recommend OEM rotors and pads?

If you went with drilled rotors and ceramic pads, what make and model would you recommend? It seems most brake parts I've seen for my truck are made in China - not sure if I should avoid them or not. I've also seen some drilled rotors and ceramic pad sets for great prices on eBay (Magnum - from gforcebrake in Canada, Power Stop, Brakemotive - in Chigaco, etc.). Anyone have experience with these? Would recommend any of them or not?

Thanks!

Midget96

I think Tacomas have the tiny teacup saucer sized rotors. Find someone on here throwing out their 4Runner calipers, get some new plain rotors (all rotors aside from bi-metal $20 garbage are the same, no matter what anyone says on here. Brembo does not equal Jesus juice). Might have to do some clearancing to fit 15s over the caliper, but it's a good cheap upgrade.

Avoid any molested rotor like the plague. Holes and slots are completely unnecessary, look mega gay and crack when you look at them.

For pads, your options are pretty limited compared to other cars and trucks. I like Hawk LTS. Hawk is undoubtedly the highest quality and most versatile pad for these trucks.

ISFast

If you look down there is a post about brake pads help! I posted what i'm going to buy see what you think. I have ceramic and they are not that great. no dust but cold or wet braking is horrible and they are wrapped and shakes everything when trying to break and yes the rotors are after market too. They are the 12.6" fronts.

longroad

I have a set of 4Runner calipers I pulled off recently to do a Tundra brake upgrade. If you're interested let me know.

ISFast

Let me get this right so i dont sound stupid, but you took a set of breaks from a tundra and put them on a 4runner? And if so I would be sure willing to know how. I still haven't bought breaks yet.

longroad

The brakes on the 4Runner have a tendency to warp easily and there is a popular option to upgrade the stock calipers and disks to Tundra brakes which bolt right on in most cases. There are plenty of write ups here, below is one of many. I didn't notice a whole lot more stopping power but they should last much longer than the thin 4Runner disks. From what I understand the Taco's brakes are smaller than the 4Runner's but are interchangeable as well. It would really depend on how much room is in the wheel for the caliper

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/0...runner-146160/

Performance1

Well I replaced my old OEM brakes with new Centric Power Sport (drilled & slotted) along with the Centric Posi-Quiet Pads. Bought these from Wheelers Offroad and am VERY happy with the results:

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/tacomabrakes.htm

I never tow with my truck... and not much in the way of mountains where this vehicle is either (Nicaragua). Maybe that's why warping is a non-issue for me. But for wet conditions they sure rock cuz there's no need to "scrub-off" any water on the rotors.... it's grabs as if dry. Love it!