Anything I can do to improve the stock brakes?

[rb92673]

Tex and [MENTION=130156]rb92673[/MENTION]
I see there also is an Akebono Performance model for front and rears: ASP976 and ASP606. With supposedly better stopping capability. Was there a reason not to go with these?

The ACT pads were listed as Ultra Premium, whatever that means, which sounds better than Performance on a truck. I did let my friend drive my 4Runner on Sonoma Raceway, so maybe I should have purchased Performance pads. =P

Really, no real reason. I just picked the Akebono pads in the Daily Driver section off Rock Auto.

 

[MSRP.]

Most comments in this thread refer mostly to brake feel, check.
But for improving your stopping distance, best thing to do is to chuck the OEM tires and AT/MT's out and get a set of good highway tires.

I know that's not the intention, but it is also the truth. To understand and drive accordingly.
Increased stopping distances are a result from heavier upsized tires, massive lugs reducing contact with the pavement. Taller treadblocks also increase the "squirmy" feel when loading up the tires--yes you can combat this a bit with higher tire pressures at the expense of ride compliance.

 

[Toffees]

What is going on here?

 

[Texas_Ranger]

Tex and [MENTION=130156]rb92673[/MENTION]
I see there also is an Akebono Performance model for front and rears: ASP976 and ASP606. With supposedly better stopping capability. Was there a reason not to go with these?

Usually the performance pads give off more brake dust, generally speaking, which is why I didn't give them a go. Brake dust is one of my pet peeves.

 

[KP Texan]

I realize I'm the exception here, but I'm pretty impressed by my 4Runner's brakes. In fact, I like them so much that I just replaced the front pads with another set of OEMs. I find the initial bite and other braking characteristics to be just right for me.

Maybe it's because I've only driven trucks for the past 15 years? I do know that I much prefer them over the '13 F-150, '18 F-150, and '06 Tundra brakes I've driven on a daily basis.

That being said, if I didn't use stock pads, I would've gone with Hawk LTS since I've had very good luck with them in the past - in this instance I didn't feel they were worth the price difference. I also know that the factory Toyota rotors are better than the Chinese cast rotors that make up 99% of the aftermarket...

Thought I'd chime back in here after being on a business trip all weekend with a brand new GMC Yukon. The brakes felt like trash compared to my 4Runner! Like pressing on a big sponge and initial bite was terrible. Granted the Yukon is a heavier vehicle, but I was not impressed at all.

 

[Ripper238]

Usually the performance pads give off more brake dust, generally speaking, which is why I didn't give them a go. Brake dust is one of my pet peeves.

I cant stand it ether! Even my gray rims show it. Such a pain, and drive through car washes never get it off.

 

[redneckj]

Thought I'd chime back in here after being on a business trip all weekend with a brand new GMC Yukon. The brakes felt like trash compared to my 4Runner! Like pressing on a big sponge and initial bite was terrible. Granted the Yukon is a heavier vehicle, but I was not impressed at all.

Standard brakes on General Motors. Complete junk