Upgrading to Tundra rotors/brakes still optimal?
 

Hi all!

New '97 SR5 4Runner 4x4 owner here and looking to replace front rotors/brakes...possibly rear as well.

I found an old thread from a few years back where it seemed swapping with '90 Tundra rotors/pads was the thing to do!?

My friend has '97 LandCruiser and from his research, found that (for his vehicle) DBA rotors/PBR brake pads are optimal combo (and he just installed them).

So, my question is.....is installing "Toyota" '90 Tundra rotors/brakes still the best we can do for 4Runners, OR, is it better to still do that retrofit but with DBA/PBR parts instead?? Or, is there another rotor/pad combo that people are now going with???

The vast mafority of my driving is highway/onroad BUT, in whatever I upgrade, I do so keeping in mind that I do not want to short-change myself if/when I get off-road. I am willing to pay a little extra if it's worth it in the long-run.

What's the best thing for me to do???

Thanks!
JamesDINAN (From my bimmer days)

Well first of all i dont believe the tundra was in existence in 1990, but the tundra upgrade makes a huge difference. I have an 02 4Runner with 2001 tundra brakes and calipers. I havnt had a problem with them since i did it back in 2007. There are two different sizes of calipers 199mm and 210mm. The 199mm fit in the stock 16" rims without any modification, its just a direct bolt on mod. The 210mm calipers have to be shave in a way that i dont remember to keep them from rubbing on the 16" rim. If you have 17s it should work with out a hitch. I dont know what DBA rotors or PBR pads are but, the extra money you spend on the calipers will be worth it. Do a little more research on here and on other sites and youll see the two different calipers im talking about. The tundra caliper is a lot thicker and the pads have more surface area than the 4runner pads, which equates to more stopping surface.

wyorunner: Thanks for the reply, and for correcting me on my '90 typo (meant to write '00). :)

Yes, I will definitely be upgrading to Tundra-spec'd rotors/pads. From what I've read, and you just added, that's a no-brainer!

Did you install 199mm or 210mm? And, are the Pros of shaving for 210mm outweigh the no-mod install for 199mm?? If it is not a big difference, then I may just opt for the easier no-mod install. I currently have stock SR5 wheels with new 265/75/R16 A/Ts.

PBR/DBA (different companies) are Austrailian-made and that combo comes highly recommended in the LandCruiser community. BUT, as we know, what's optimal for one vehicle does not necessarily mean it's optimal for another.

My mentality is, if OEM '01 Tundra fits '97 4Runner, and "better-than-OEM" is better....then it seems it would behoove me to just order/install '01 Tundra "better-than-OEM" and get the most bang for my buck.

From my research so far, there hasn't been one combo yet that has stuck-out above the rest...and that's what I am hoping to uncover. :)

Thanks!
JamesDINAN

I have the larger Tundra combo and they are awesome. No fade. No warpage. I can't compare them to the 199mm setup but they are likely similar. One of the best mods I've done. I'd trade my front locker to be able to do this setup. I often tow a 4,000lb trailer.

http://www.larsdennert.com/4runner/brakes/index.html

just completed this mod myself yesterday. Literally took me maybe 1.5 hours to do. completley bolt on and one of the simplest projects I have done. Still working out some of the kinks with my vehicle and havent really put the brakes to the test but can already tell from just driving around town that it will be a very worthwhile project.

Is everyone doing this using OEM parts, or, something better quality??

Most use OEM, or OEM equivalent. I used the 199, sometimes wish i would have went with the 210s. But when i did the mod i didnt know id be pulling an offroad trailer everywhere i go. Theyve done well so far and i pulled the trailer loaded from MD to WY, a total of about 4700 miles in 12 days. It wasnt bad, i could easily stop on a dime and jack knife the trailer. The difference between the two the 199 and the 210 is pad size. The 210s have more surface area. Id recomend just going OEM or equivalent of the 199. Relatively in expensive, and damn effective. Gimme a minute or two and ill try to find some more information for ya.

EDIT: in the 5 seconds of looking its 231 not 210.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/u...ptimal-193222/ Read the FAQ for a tid bit of info on the two different calipers.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/t...ss-red-133294/
Good one for info and pictures

http://www.toyotaholics.com/support/...p?TOPIC_ID=317
More good info, it may have been on a taco, but its the same for the Runner.

That should get you started.

wyorunner: Thanks again for your input; much appreciated! Those links are great!

I do not do any towing but, for work, I do travel almost all the time with 200 - 350 lbs. of stuff in the back cargo area.

From the one person's step-by-step, the extra steps to "fit" the 231mm does not seem too difficult to handle. Performance-wise, sounds like either 199mm or 231mm will work just fine. If there is not much difference in price I may just opt for 231mm. My stock 16's should clear the rotors - it sounds like everyone elses' stock 16's clear.

I will also price comparison OEM vs. DBA/PBR (and any other reputable brands I come across along the way). If not much difference I may just opt for DBA/PBR -- they are what many LandCruiser owners use plus they come cross-drilled/slotted. I envision upgrading to S/S brake lines as well. As long as I'm in there, might as well do it right! :)

Thanks again for all your help!!

JamesDINAN

I just did this upgrade with 231mm calipers. I got remanufactured tundra calipers (stanmped 13WL) from NAPA. $110 after care refund. I also got brembo blank rotors.
Totally easy bolt on if you have the 5spoke wheels (only some trimming of dustguard). If you don't have the 5spokes you need to grind them so I may suggest the 199mm calipers.

Good luck!

freeridethis206: I have the SR5 split 3-spoke 16" alloy wheels...

freeride: like my rims?