231mm or 199mm Tundra upgrade

R

reeseozan

New member
I'm wanting to do the Tundra brake upgrade on my 1999 4runner 4x4. I'm curious if the 231mm upgrade is that much better or worth the trouble to have to grind my rims? Are the 199mm's just as good? I have the "vibration" when braking now. I was going to redo the rear brakes at the same time.

How much more do the 231's cost over the 199's? Where is the best place to get all the parts? About how much will it all cost?:shrug:

And do you just tell the autoparts store "I need 231mm brakes for a... Tundra? And what year fits our 4runners?

And also, I've heard someone say you can use spacers on the wheels... is that true? How big a spacer do you need to clear? Where would you get some spacers for that kind of application?

I just want to have the best setup I can, without spending a lot of money just to say "I got the Biggest Brakes".

Thanks in advance.
 
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reeseozan said:
I'm wanting to do the Tundra brake upgrade on my 1999 4runner 4x4. I'm curious if the 231mm upgrade is that much better or worth the trouble to have to grind my rims? Are the 199mm's just as good? I have the "vibration" when braking now. I was going to redo the rear brakes at the same time.

How much more do the 231's cost over the 199's? Where is the best place to get all the parts? About how much will it all cost?:shrug:

And do you just tell the autoparts store "I need 231mm brakes for a... Tundra? And what year fits our 4runners?

And also, I've heard someone say you can use spacers on the wheels... is that true? How big a spacer do you need to clear? Where would you get some spacers for that kind of application?

I just want to have the best setup I can, without spending a lot of money just to say "I got the Biggest Brakes".

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Hey, you can just say you need brakes for a 2006 Tundra Double Cab. You can run spacers, I run the All Pro 1.25 inch wheel spacers with my Tundra clampers.
 
IIRC there is very minimal grinding down with 16" limited rims. I just say go 199mm regardless, they're plenty. If you want good braking get some slotted/drilled rotors and the 199 calipers. Easy enough.

Don't go with spacers.. save yourself the agony. Some people swear by them and others don't. They're just a big hassle (I know from experience).
 
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His sig says he has a Highlander, so he should have the 5 spoke wheels.

You do NOT need spacers or modification to clear 231mm Tundra brakes with those wheels.

ALY69354U.jpg
 
I just ordered these for my truck. I got remanufactured calipers for an '04 Tundra double cab from Advance Auto Parts for around $280 (I'll get a $120 core deposit back when I return my 4Runner calipers). If you want the 231mm, make sure they have 13WL stamped on the side. I got Brembo rotors for $145 at autopartswarehouse.com. I'm waiting on a coupon from Advance Auto Parts to get the pads, so I can't speak about the improvement in braking. But I've yet to hear about anyone who regrets doing it.
 
Yes, I do have the "5 spoke" wheels. Does this mean I wouldn't have to do any grinding on my wheels?? That would be great! I would really like to go with the 231mm's. I feel "bigger is better", and what can it hurt to go with the bigger brakes? We're heading to CO to go skiing tomorrow, but I'll have to get all the parts Monday after we get in. Thanks for all the info.
 
I have a 1997 SR5. I do not have the 5 spoke wheels. Will the other wheels fit on a 231mm tundra brake upgrade or will I need to shave the rims?

I have these wheels.
1997_Toyota_4_Runner.jpg
 
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Having installed the 231mm calipers, I would say that for most applications, the 199mm calipers are sufficient. The biggest upgrade to the system is the width of the rotor, with additional surface area of the caliper being the second.

That said, there are certain builds (like mine) where the 231mm calipers are preferable. I have a heavy truck and I usually tow a trailer.

For a truck that is within 600 lbs of stock weight and does not tow regularly, 199mm will be plenty.

The larger calipers will bleed the heat more effectively, which was the reason why Toyota upgraded them for the later models. This was for a truck designed to compete with the heavy duty built domestic trucks. For application on a mini truck like the 3rd gen 4Runner, you will be hard pressed to generate heat fade with 199mm calipers without lots of additional weight.
 
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I have a 96 and will be towing a 14' popup camper this summer. I planned to go with the 231mm. I also am running the 01 Tundra 16" alum. rims so I'm guessing that I won't have a clearance problem but want to make sure.
Thanks

DSCF1057.jpg~original
 
reeseozan said:
Yes, I do have the "5 spoke" wheels. Does this mean I wouldn't have to do any grinding on my wheels?? That would be great! I would really like to go with the 231mm's. I feel "bigger is better", and what can it hurt to go with the bigger brakes? We're heading to CO to go skiing tomorrow, but I'll have to get all the parts Monday after we get in. Thanks for all the info.
Click to expand...

those star wheels are what i had i my truck initially, before i went 17's.
 
BiGGie Nick said:
I have a 1997 SR5. I do not have the 5 spoke wheels. Will the other wheels fit on a 231mm tundra brake upgrade or will I need to shave the rims?

I have these wheels.
1997_Toyota_4_Runner.jpg
Click to expand...

you can grind those, or get the star ones above to clear, or do what i did and upgrade to 17 inch wheels.
 
231mm Fit

01thunder said:
those star wheels are what i had i my truck initially, before i went 17's.
Click to expand...

Did you already have the 231mm calipers with the 5 star wheels mentioned above (and they fit without grinding modifications)? Or did you upgrade to the 17's to make them fit?
 
CO-4Runner said:
Did you already have the 231mm calipers with the 5 star wheels mentioned above (and they fit without grinding modifications)? Or did you upgrade to the 17's to make them fit?
Click to expand...

i did the upgrade with the original 5 stars on. no problems and that wheel clears the caliper. about a year later, i changed the rim size to 17 inch.
 
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