5th Gen 4Runner Brakes Upgrade (for 4th Gen 4Runner)

[CampingT4R]

Yes, but your better off not ordering the complete set of 4 like that because, as mentioned, the rear rotor has a different bore that causes problems for some. When I ordered mine, I went for the z34 towing/heavy duty pads, but everything else is the same. I ordered the pad and rotor kit for the 2010 front, pad and rotor kit for 2004, then ordered the calipers separately for 2010. The pads for the rear are all the same, as is the rotor thickness and diameter, so the 5th gen caliper bolts right up. The 5th gen rear calipers just had a slightly larger piston or something, so I went with those and then 4th gen rotors and pads. Very happy with the performance so far, and they look awesome! Just hope they last...

2010 Front Pads, Rotors, and Calipers (Z36 Extreme) -
RockAuto: https://www.rockauto.com/?tab=search&mfr=POWER STOP&partnum=KC587336 $435.79, (refundable core of $96)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079396VZL/?tag=powsto07-20 $392.99

2004 Rear Pads and Rotors (Z36 Extreme) -
RockAuto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3802839 $150.79
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UB5O46/?tag=powsto07-20 $164.99

2010 Rear Calipers -
RockAuto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4491219 $157.58, (refundable core of $60)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGRQYMC/?tag=powsto07-20 $156.21

SS Brake Lines -
Goodridge 2-21186 G-Stop Brake Lines | Autoplicity $149.21
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Goodridge-2-...ridge+2-21186&qid=1554355611&s=gateway&sr=8-1 $154.75

Parts cost after core refunds: $722.37


If someone can confirm the parts above I’d greatly appreciate it! Also, as I understand it this will work on my 2003 SR5 V8 with 17” wheels as long as I cut/bend the brake shields.

 

[Maz0019082]

Rear Disks Caution!

I just did this swap and wanted to throw in a word of caution regarding the rear disks. For the record, my 4Runner is a 2006 Limited that had the upgraded 'Sport Brakes'. I used 5th gen (2010) TRD pads along with Napa remanufactured calipers and ultra premium coated rotors. The fronts had zero problems.

After assembling the rear I had a clicking noise coming from the passenger side of the tire at all times exactly once every rotation. Through troubleshooting, I found that-

-It only happens when the lugs are torqued on.
-Removing the caliper doesn't fix the problem.
-Backing the parking brake all the way off doesn't fix the problem.

After swapping back and forth a number of times I noticed small play around the hub with the new rotors that wasn't there on the old. Looking up the specs the center hole is slightly larger on the newer rotors. I swapped to new 2006 rotors and the problem is resolved.

I believe this extra play around the hub allowed the rotors to get locked down off center. This wobble in the rotation was binding at one point on the brake shoes, but only one and only for about a cm patch. I never use my parking brake and believe if I did and the pads were worn even slightly more the problem would not have surfaced. In that case, the rotors would still be slightly off hub centric though.

Use 4th gen rear rotors :hatsoff:

 

[overlandout]

I just did this swap and wanted to throw in a word of caution regarding the rear disks. For the record, my 4Runner is a 2006 Limited that had the upgraded 'Sport Brakes'. I used 5th gen (2010) TRD pads along with Napa remanufactured calipers and ultra premium coated rotors. The fronts had zero problems.

After assembling the rear I had a clicking noise coming from the passenger side of the tire at all times exactly once every rotation. Through troubleshooting, I found that-

-It only happens when the lugs are torqued on.
-Removing the caliper doesn't fix the problem.
-Backing the parking brake all the way off doesn't fix the problem.

After swapping back and forth a number of times I noticed small play around the hub with the new rotors that wasn't there on the old. Looking up the specs the center hole is slightly larger on the newer rotors. I swapped to new 2006 rotors and the problem is resolved.

I believe this extra play around the hub allowed the rotors to get locked down off center. This wobble in the rotation was binding at one point on the brake shoes, but only one and only for about a cm patch. I never use my parking brake and believe if I did and the pads were worn even slightly more the problem would not have surfaced. In that case, the rotors would still be slightly off hub centric though.

Use 4th gen rear rotors :hatsoff:

I ran into similar problems over the weekend with my install. I think you're right. Unfortunately. I rebuilt my parking brake with new hardware/springs. That seemed to fix it for now, but I may swap back in the end.

 

[CookieRoe]

So people have had 5th gen calipers on their 4th gen trucks for a bit now. Is it worth the hassle/cost or do they stick just as much? My fronts need some work.

thanks,

Don't want to be "that guy", but after doing the "5thgen" upgrade, I have to say, "meh". I haven't noticed any significant increase in brake performance, at least nothing tangible. I got the Centric calipers (at the time they didn't come painted) and painted them with G3 paint. Guess what? In about a years time, they seize up f*&^ing again. Had to rip them out and get "specially coated" ones from Rockauto. So far, so good. I did the 5th upgrade in the hopes that the seizing would stop. It hasn't and it won't.

There is a thread that MIGHT tackle this (Truly Fixing Seized Calipers) problem. Guy is coating his pistons to stave off corrosion. The boot design sucks and is prone to failure. However if the innards of the caliper are specially coated, the seize problem could go away. Very interesting.

My advice to those who are due for new brakes: Just stick with OEM size (unless you have the smaller brakes), get the specially coated calipers (for those in the rust belt).

Ed

 

[MikeinNH67]

Don't want to be "that guy", but after doing the "5thgen" upgrade, I have to say, "meh". I haven't noticed any significant increase in brake performance, at least nothing tangible. I got the Centric calipers (at the time they didn't come painted) and painted them with G3 paint. Guess what? In about a years time, they seize up f*&^ing again. Had to rip them out and get "specially coated" ones from Rockauto. So far, so good. I did the 5th upgrade in the hopes that the seizing would stop. It hasn't and it won't.

There is a thread that MIGHT tackle this (Truly Fixing Seized Calipers) problem. Guy is coating his pistons to stave off corrosion. The boot design sucks and is prone to failure. However if the innards of the caliper are specially coated, the seize problem could go away. Very interesting.

My advice to those who are due for new brakes: Just stick with OEM size (unless you have the smaller brakes), get the specially coated calipers (for those in the rust belt).

Ed

I just replaced them with the ones listed for the truck, just no time to play with something that may not be quite right depending on wheel size and such. I did get coated rotors and calipers for the front so we'll see how they hold up. It stops really well now.

 

[GLW68]

So people have had 5th gen calipers on their 4th gen trucks for a bit now. Is it worth the hassle/cost or do they stick just as much? My fronts need some work.

thanks,

OK, so an update after 2.5 years and ~21,000 miles:

This is still the best upgrade I've done to my 4R. The braking performance is SIGNIFICANTLY better than stock (2003 Limited 2WD). The truck sits outside 24/7 and I live in an area that gets lots of salt in the winter. They still perform perfectly. I usually lock up everyone's seat belts with their nose in the dash LOL, when I drive it after not having been in it a while because they stop so well compared to our other vehicles.

In fact, I noticed that the wife's 2004 GX470 was braking very poorly and I'm in the process of upgrading those to 5th Gen fronts. (Rear on GX470 is already the same as 5th gen 4R rears)

As far as the aforementioned hoses; I chose to use braided stainless on the fronts and just rubber on the rear set. Couldn't get RA to send the right Centric part number (inside the box was missing parts) after multiple tries, so went with the Delco from Amazon to finish the job.

So, yes it is worth it to upgrade.

Also, yes the rear rotor is just slightly too big for the hub, and I get a little click on occasion that doesn't affect performance. Parking brake works just fine. If I ever need to replace it in the future, I'll likely use a Gen4 rotor with the Gen5 caliper.

 

[DrRobot]

I have a 07 4runner SR5 2WD, all the pads and rear rotors are still good, can I install 5th gen front and rear calipers with 5th gen front rotors without changing the pads? Thanks!

 

[AuSeeker]

I have a 07 4runner SR5 2WD, all the pads and rear rotors are still good, can I install 5th gen front and rear calipers with 5th gen front rotors without changing the pads? Thanks!

The brake pads are exactly the same part for 4th Gen or 5th Gens T4Rs.

If you ever do change out the rear rotors use 4th Gens rotors and not 5th Gen rotors, the 5th Gen rear rotors have a larger center hole that goes over the axle flange hub and could be off center enough to allow the parking brake shoes to drag.

 

[DrRobot]

The brake pads are exactly the same part for 4th Gen or 5th Gens T4Rs.

If you ever do change out the rear rotors use 4th Gens rotors and not 5th Gen rotors, the 5th Gen rear rotors have a larger center hole that goes over the axle flange hub and could be off center enough to allow the parking brake shoes to drag.

Thanks! exactly what I wanted to know

 

[MAZE]

Some aftermarket 16" might work but stock Toyota 16" wheels will not.

I think it's safe to say conclusively that 16" wheels will not fit.

I test fit a 14WA caliper with my 16" Level 8 MK6 winter wheels. The inner diameter of the wheels hit on the top center of the caliper and prevented the wheel from fully seating on the hub(+rotor).

Guess I'm buying WG calipers with the extended warranty :/

 

[underscorepatrick]

hey guys. I just wanted to know. If i purchased calipers without the brackets, are they a direct swap? Also,I called my local autoparts store & he said there were two options. I just ordered some Calipers & rotors online,& they only had one option .

 

[digitalliquid]

I did this swap on my 2004 6 cyl

Just wannted to echo what other said the 5th gen rotors will work but produce a clicking noise which seems to come from play in the rotor because the holes where the lugnuts go are slightly to big. Rode my 4runner with 5th gen rotors for 2 years before noticing super uneven wear on one sides pads and not the other. Also noticed binding when lug nuts were tight, not sure why this wasnt an issue till later. Also we removed the rotors without using the star so had to rebuild the ebrakes for both side. So

TLDR
1. 5TH gen rotors work but are not ideal use 4th gen rotors
2. If you have clicking when in reverse you bent your ebrake hardware. (Specificly the _n_ shaped pin and lower spring behind the star nut adjuster.) Dont do it.

Thanks for the help guys, glad I can put some advice back in.

 

[Drift Monkey]

Thanks for this and everyone who contributed to all the other threads referenced here. So awesome! I'm in process of ordering all the parts now. Over $1000 worth.

I'm a bit slow and I was still a little confused on the hoses from Centric since GLW68 listed both rubber and stainless hoses from Centric, as well as two other hoses from ACDelco. I put together this little chart on Centric hoses to hopefully clarify things for anyone else confused on this.

Note, there are 6 brake line hoses required for the 4th gen 4Runner. However, when using Centric’s parts catalog search feature for StopTech Stainless Steel Lines, the search results reveal two types of hoses (007 and 507) for a total of four hoses. There are no stainless steel hoses available from StopTech (by Centric) for the rear uppers. Therefor, if you want to go with Centric hoses for the rear uppers, you will have to go with 150.44397 rubber hoses.

rubber hoses from Centric

2 Front - Centric 150.44362
1 Rear Left Lower - Centric 150.44408
1 Rear Right Lower - Centric 150.44407
2 Rear Upper - Centric 150.44397

stainless steel from StopTech (by Centric)

2 Front - Centric 950.44007
2 Rear - Centric 950.44507

Alternatively, you could order the G-Stop Brakeline Kit (part #21186) from Goodridge which comes with 6 stainless steel hoses. However, some have reported this kit to be more of a pain the ass to install.

Also note, when searching Amazon for brake lines from Centric, you must use the period [ . ] in the part number. Some people here list the parts without the period, but the search results on Amazon will come up empty.

Anyone do "just" the 4 Centric SS lines (w/o swapping the upper rears)? I'm considering just doing that.

 

[gn9119]

The 5th Gen front and rear caliper pistons are (2.5mm-3mm) larger than the 4th gens (not sure if this is compared to 13WH, 13WG or both)

At the risk of being accused (rightly perhaps) of being lazy/cheap, i have a stuck piston on left rear caliper on '06 V8. Could i just put a gen 5 caliper on that side and leave the original on the right rear. Wear on that side is even, but the left side's inner pad is worn down about to the shim while the outside pad is fine.

I'm putting new rotors and pads across both R/L rear and need to address the stuck caliper one way or the other. Was going to just stick a 4th gen on there but read about 5th gen swaps so here we are...

 

[xtremewlr]

At the risk of being accused (rightly perhaps) of being lazy/cheap, i have a stuck piston on left rear caliper on '06 V8. Could i just put a gen 5 caliper on that side and leave the original on the right rear. Wear on that side is even, but the left side's inner pad is worn down about to the shim while the outside pad is fine.

I'm putting new rotors and pads across both R/L rear and need to address the stuck caliper one way or the other. Was going to just stick a 4th gen on there but read about 5th gen swaps so here we are...

No, you should always do brakes in pairs. So if you replace one with a Gen5 caliper, you should replace both with the same on that axle, be it front or rear.

 

[gn9119]

No, you should always do brakes in pairs. So if you replace one with a Gen5 caliper, you should replace both with the same on that axle, be it front or rear.

what i figured

 

[Rhedbeard]

Is it required to get new brake lines when upgrading the 4th Gen 4Runner to the 5th Gen calipers? Or just an opportunity to install better brake lines?

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

Is it required to get new brake lines when upgrading the 4th Gen 4Runner to the 5th Gen calipers? Or just an opportunity to install better brake lines?

Just an opportunity. Also, to reiterate what I'm sure you already know, DO NOT use 5th gen REAR rotors. Stick with 4th gen rear rotors.

 

[Rhedbeard]

Just an opportunity. Also, to reiterate what I'm sure you already know, DO NOT use 5th gen REAR rotors. Stick with 4th gen rear rotors.

I appreciate the response. Probably time for extended brake lines anyways. Definitely NOT going to use 5th gen rotors for the rear!

 

[gimlithepirate]

Getting ready to do this myself. Has anyone had any luck getting a core return? I figure were probably SOL since we're returning a 4th Gen caliper when we bought a 5th Gen, but figured I'd ask.