theladyviola
New member
Pretty sure you have the smaller calipers. But vibration when you are braking doesn't necessarily indicate bad calipers. I would check your pads and rotors before going to the extra expense.
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Brake Upgrade Dilemma: 5th Gen vs. Aftermarket
- Thread starter Bluesky 07
- Start date
Pretty sure you have the smaller calipers. But vibration when you are braking doesn't necessarily indicate bad calipers. I would check your pads and rotors before going to the extra expense.
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The 2mm difference in piston diameter is negligible. If there is any improved dropped distance due to swapping over the 5th Gen brake hardware, it would be in the master cylinder.
I don't have any specs on the internals of either master cylinder, nor what pressures each system runs. However, if the 5th Gen master cylinder runs a larger diameter piston in the master cylinder as we as higher pressure in the brake system, it's possible that would equate to improved braking distances when comparing stock systems.
I have a better suggestion though, rebuild or buy 4th Gen calipers and throw on a new set of rotors and Carbotech 1521 or AX6 compound. For those familiar, the AX6 used to be the Bobcats. Awesome brake pads, you just have to be prepared for a touch of noise under hard braking and increased dust. That being said, the 1521s are rocking compound as well.
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For what it is worth.
I just got finished with NEW (not reman) Calipers, Power Stop Z36 kit all four corners and full system flush with new Valvoline Dot 3/4 synthetic. @ 95,000 mile. Just under a 100 miles and the pads are feeling more seated every time out. It's early but so far the are feeling good and smooth operation. It's our travel vehicle so in about a month we'll be logging some miles. Just a good cleaning and an oil change and it will be ready to go. I'll report back with some miles.
Rotors and Brake pads:
The quality of the Power Stop Z36 rotors and pads look good and appear to be thicker in every way compared to the OEM rotors that had never been touched since new. The OEMs had 95,000 miles on them. A lot of rust inside the hub and the veins between the disk don't come nowhere near the outer edge like the Power Stops do. So at this point I would buy them again. I searched a lot of forums before I made the purchase and never found a bad word the could be traced to the products.
Calipers:
The only place I could find New calipers other than Mother Toyota was Advanced Auto and theirs were Wearever New calipers with a lifetime warranty (works for me!!) Quality of the caliper was very good and looked just like the OEMs. The only problem was their application listing. It stated my 4Runner with 17" OEM wheels should have a caliper with the casting number 13WH but mine had 13WG castings that they says it should have 16" wheels. So just check your casting numbers on the back corner of the caliper on your truck to be sure what you have. Only the front calipers on the 4th gen could be a question. It appears all the rears are the same.
I just got finished with NEW (not reman) Calipers, Power Stop Z36 kit all four corners and full system flush with new Valvoline Dot 3/4 synthetic. @ 95,000 mile. Just under a 100 miles and the pads are feeling more seated every time out. It's early but so far the are feeling good and smooth operation. It's our travel vehicle so in about a month we'll be logging some miles. Just a good cleaning and an oil change and it will be ready to go. I'll report back with some miles.
Rotors and Brake pads:
The quality of the Power Stop Z36 rotors and pads look good and appear to be thicker in every way compared to the OEM rotors that had never been touched since new. The OEMs had 95,000 miles on them. A lot of rust inside the hub and the veins between the disk don't come nowhere near the outer edge like the Power Stops do. So at this point I would buy them again. I searched a lot of forums before I made the purchase and never found a bad word the could be traced to the products.
Calipers:
The only place I could find New calipers other than Mother Toyota was Advanced Auto and theirs were Wearever New calipers with a lifetime warranty (works for me!!) Quality of the caliper was very good and looked just like the OEMs. The only problem was their application listing. It stated my 4Runner with 17" OEM wheels should have a caliper with the casting number 13WH but mine had 13WG castings that they says it should have 16" wheels. So just check your casting numbers on the back corner of the caliper on your truck to be sure what you have. Only the front calipers on the 4th gen could be a question. It appears all the rears are the same.
Last edited:
Cory619
Member
I am wanting to do the Gen 5 upgrade. In this thread, there are a few comments regarding the parking brake getting snagged in the rear caliper. Did anyone experience anything negative with the brake upgrade?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/248722-brake-upgrade-5th-gen.html
Thanks.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/248722-brake-upgrade-5th-gen.html
Thanks.
damthemainstream
New member
You'll need at least 17's. Otherwise they bolt right up. The pads are the same too.
this ^^^^^^
if you have the sport then you basically already have the same braking power you will get with the 5th gen calipers because they are the same with just a slightly bigger round caliper piston by 1/16" at best which is virtually no difference at all.
if you have the sport its just wasted money to replace the calipers on it so just go with more aggressive rotors and pads if you want more stopping power.
unless you did a lift with bigger tires the sport oems will have enough stopping power to put you through the windshield so "dont fix it if it aint broke"
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After reading a few different threads, this is what I thought too. Well said.
084RUNNAH
New member
Okay guys lol
I was probably the first to do this and its going on to 5 years in April 2018 that I have them on my truck. Got to clear up a few things.
The 5th gen brakes have two differences that I am aware of. I did not study their master cylinder setup but yes they are different. The two differences are rotor thickness in front being thicker and the caliper bore being 2.5mm larger. Thicker rotors for heat dissipation and resist warping. Caliper bore being larger equals larger surface area and more pressure to the pads. I do not remember how to do the calculation from physics in school for force/pressure and surface area but I can say the smallest difference will make a difference. If I can find it, I will do the math.
Personally, I love my 5th gen brakes. Much more stopping power. Even with a lift, huge tires and added weight to my truck. Also notice no more surge at a stop light with the A/C cycling. I also had to do my brakes and calipers due to seized pistons so it was a no brainer for me. The rears I did as well and swapped the 5th gen calipers.
I was probably the first to do this and its going on to 5 years in April 2018 that I have them on my truck. Got to clear up a few things.
The 5th gen brakes have two differences that I am aware of. I did not study their master cylinder setup but yes they are different. The two differences are rotor thickness in front being thicker and the caliper bore being 2.5mm larger. Thicker rotors for heat dissipation and resist warping. Caliper bore being larger equals larger surface area and more pressure to the pads. I do not remember how to do the calculation from physics in school for force/pressure and surface area but I can say the smallest difference will make a difference. If I can find it, I will do the math.
Personally, I love my 5th gen brakes. Much more stopping power. Even with a lift, huge tires and added weight to my truck. Also notice no more surge at a stop light with the A/C cycling. I also had to do my brakes and calipers due to seized pistons so it was a no brainer for me. The rears I did as well and swapped the 5th gen calipers.
Cory619
Member
I need some reassurance. I don't want to run into any trouble withe aforementioned parking park issue. This is a Gen 5 setup. Ignore the slotted rotors, going with blanks. Am I on the right track?
Thank you!!
BPOWER STOP S2736 Performance Red Powder Coated; Includes: Caliper, Hardware, and Bracket; Includes: Caliper, Hardware, and Bracket Info
Rear x2
$155.58
Remove
BPOWER STOP S6278 Performance Red Powder Coated; Includes: Caliper, Hardware, and Bracket; Includes: Caliper, Hardware, and Bracket (where applicable) Info
Front (Only 2 Remaining)
x2
$233.58
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Brake & Wheel Hub : Rotor
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CCENTRIC 12644175SL StopTech Sport Slotted Info
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CCENTRIC 12644175SR StopTech Sport Slotted Info
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CCENTRIC 12644174SL StopTech Sport Slotted Info
Front Left
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$82.79 $0.00
1
$82.79
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CCENTRIC 12644174SR StopTech Sport Slotted Info
Front Right
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$87.79 $0.00
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Brake & Wheel Hub : Brake Pad
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AAKEBONO ACT606 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} ProACT Ultra Premium Ceramic Pad Info
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AAKEBONO ACT976 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} ProACT Ultra Premium Ceramic Pad; Includes Shims Info
Front; OE Pad Material Is Ceramic
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Subtotal $780.10
084RUNNAH
New member
You will not run into parking brake issues. The parking brake system uses a drum type system inside the rear rotors. Imagine doing rear drums ignoring the rear brake disc. There is an adjustment that you need to back off when removing your old rotors. When installing the new rotors, readjust accordingly.
Cory619
Member
Thank you!! I havn't had to think about a star adjuster for decades :jump:
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
A quick update: I decided to go with the Power Stop Z36 kit front and rear, rotors and pads only. So far I'm very happy with the setup.
trailedition
New member
I have a 2011 5th gen and I tow a heavy trailer, I'm wondering if you are still happy with your upgrade?
trailedition
New member
Trail Edition 5th gen Towing upgrade
Trailedition:
I have a 2011 5th gen and I tow a heavy trailer, I'm wondering if you are still happy with your upgrade?
I went with the 5th gen calipers and the 5th gen powerstop towing kit. The brakes feel great and I could probably stop a train with them but it's probably a little bit overkill. But that's why its fun!
Trailedition:
I have a 2011 5th gen and I tow a heavy trailer, I'm wondering if you are still happy with your upgrade?
So I've got an 08 Limited V8, I already have the 338mms brakes and I'm going to be towing 5k-7k so I'm thinking about brake options. Should I upgrade to 5th gen? Or would an upgraded 4th gen kit going to serve me well? I don't want to spend more than I need to, but I also don't mind spending especially if it's going to result in added safety and confidence. Thoughts? Anyone else gone through this same dilemma?
Terminator03
New member
I tow pretty frequently between my utility trailer, which I tow a ton of pellets on, as well as building materials, plus my boat. Because of this, when I did my brakes, I did the 5th gen version of the Powerstop Z36 brakes. The Z36 pads are supposedly designed for heavy duty/towing use, so I thought I may as well get those instead of the standard ones since I was doing it anyway. I’ve been very pleased with the performance so far, and just the day to day braking has improved 100% over what I had prior, which I found out after taking it apart was already 5th gen stuff, at least in front. Not sure if it will meet your needs, but you can buy just the rotors and pads as a kit if your calipers are still good. It would be a cheaper way to get some better braking without going to an expensive Wildwood setup or something like that. I did their red powder coated calipers as well because I had a seized front, and a completely blown out rear caliper.
I know this is an old thread, and perhaps this is a stupid question, but if you have a 4th Gen SR5 would you just upgrade to 4th Gen "Sport Brakes" instead of 5th Gen? Would that be easier and make more sense?
Also, here's another stupid question, how would I know if my 4th gen calipers are seized? My brakes squeak in the morning, or anytime my rig has been sitting for a long time, but then don't squeak again until they've sat again. Is that a caliper issue or just moisture?
