Looks like I'm going to be picking up a 2002 Tacoma quad cab 4x4. I expect to occasionally use it to tow a 4400# (max) boat trailer long distances (Florida to Michigan maybe). I expect to be nearly at the maximum weight rating for the combined truck/trailer. Any suggestions to get the most out of the brakes - like types/brands of high performance pads, etc.

 

Most - longevity? or stopping power?

Autozone carries a specific type of ceramic (I think) pad that is just about identical to the Toyota TRD. Let me see if I can find a link for it...

There's this:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=trd+brakes
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...light=trd+pads
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...light=trd+pads
Different opinions as you can see...

You can always check out customtacos too. They have a nice write up section
I followed this for my change BUT it wasn't exact. It was a good baseline to have though...
http://www.customtacos.com/tech/inde...x_v2&id=37&c=8

EDIT:
The customtacos writeup shows one caliper - our Tacomas have more. The brake pad assembly is *slightly* different too. That's about all I remember. I didn't bleed out my brake fluid and am doing okay but there's some people with more know-how that will probably jump in and say that you should just in case.