Brake Options? Downsizing?
Hi guys
Winter weather is approaching and I'm already well due for new breaks; starting to hit the wear indicator and it sounds like I have a stuck piston on the driver's side. However with my current set up, I found out when installing my lift my brake calipers rub on my wheels and needed grinding down (wheels are 16x8 -4BS, made by Vision). I checked these wheels would fit, going off two websites and two separate reviews on them, of which both said they fit their 3rd gens problem free - but I felt like I recently read somewhere (at the time) the Sport trim has larger/different brake calipers than other trims, and back then assumed this to be true and pretty much attributed it to a misunderstanding on my behalf. Well now I need to hear for sure, does anybody know this to be true? And if so, is there a photo available to compare the size difference? I would really like to just get a complete set of new rotors+pads+calipers instead of having to mix-n-match since it's easier and often cheaper. To that effect, I'm not trying to downsize horribly (not sure what the difference would even be here) If this isn't true, then what are some possible options to avoid having to grind again without altering the stance too much? Some small spacers with extended lugs? Are there a slimmer style of aftermarket caliper? Just replace the pads and rotors and fix the caliper? I really enjoy the stance as is and I'm not to keen to throwing on some beefy 1.25 Spidertrax (tires come dead even with the fenders right now), but I can live with something like +0.5" Any help or recommendations would be appreciated, only done brakes once or twice before. I'm trying to do this somewhat on a budget since I'm hoping to snag new control arms soon; but brakes are certainly more important. |
Look at 15" wheel stock 4Runners, they have a different caliper stamped S12WE than much more common 16" wheel 4Runners. You'll also have to replace the rotors and I don't know if they are bolt-on to a 16" hub or not.
Just know that because we have drum brakes in the back, the rotors take on the majority of the stopping force. Shrinking the size of your rotors and pads will only reduce the stopping ability of the already poor brakes. That's why many of us go bigger, not smaller. |
This is the first post Ive seen regarding the Sports having larger brakes.
Is that true? |
Quote:
Quote:
|
1 Attachment(s)
Better option upsize wheels instead of decreasing stopping power. I have the big Tundra upgrade brakes, nice having good brakes on my lead sled.
|
I guess I'm one of those people that did go down in rotor caliper size so that I could fit 15" wheels. FYI, it also requires removal of the frisbee dust shield.
I initially tried grinding the caliper AND adding 1.25" wheel spacers. I ground too much material from the caliper and had a pressure blowout. I purchased the new 15" specific rotors, calipers and pads from RockAuto. I did not notice a brake power difference, but that could have been due to the older parts being worn when compared to brand new. I'm not certain 0.5" bolt on spacers would cover up enough of the stock studs to clear the wheel. I also think a 0.5" flat spacer would reduce your stud/lug thread engagement too much. |
There are two brake 'sizes' on the 3rd gens. Sport package has nothing to do with it. (4th gen Sport package does have larger front discs, which might be where you saw that)
Factory 15" wheel vs 16" wheel is the difference. Don't trust the door sticker, you need the original window sticker or a VIN report from Toyota/a dealer to know. Most 4Runners (especially 4WDs) are 16" wheel trucks. You can downgrade - but to keep things balanced you would want to also downgrade the rear wheel cylinders (drums and shoes are the same) too. Having run 15" wheel brakes on 32" tires, I'd suggest you avoid it... With 16" wheels though, you shouldn't need to downgrade. If the wheels are hitting the calipers, get spacers. You won't hit the hoop of the wheel with stock brakes, only the spokes and spacers will fix that right up. -Charlie |
Thanks for the advice, all.
Quote:
|
Just a thought or possibility, Since the rims where suppose to fit, maybe you have the Tundra brakes already, think the castings are 13WL 13WE s13WE and 13WG for the Tundra? And s13WM for 16" rim 4R's. How long have you owned the truck, maybe the PO did the upgrade, what is the casting number on the caliper out of curiosity.
Edited for other castings |
Quote:
-Charlie |
The TBU is something I was interested in doing a while back, and since I still very much am, I think what I'm just gonna do for now is replace my rotors+pads and drums+shoes to get me through the winter, then sometime next year I can tackle it again when i have more money and motivation to make the leap.
That being said I have a couple questions: What rotor size? When you check places like summit they differentiate between 11.xx and 12.xx inches Ceramic or semi metallic or? Anybody know of a front and rear package that doesn't have flashy drilled rotors? I hear they warp faster. |
15"rims on 16"2004 Toyota 4Runner
Quote:
|
LOL I read the title of this thread and went "that's stupid, who would ever think about downsizing brakes?"
Then I realized it's me :pound: Quote:
|
Quote:
I do have one 3rd gen with the 15 inch calipers and wheel cylinders. As well as the rims. That I will most likely swap to the 16 inch wheel cylinders and 13WE calipers. I run raybestos rotors with element 3 pads. I see lots of folks like to run power stop components. I don't have any experience with them. Its just seems to be a goto for a pile of people. |
Quote:
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:36 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by
DragonByte SEO (Pro) -
vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by
Advanced User Tagging (Lite) -
vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger