Brakes need a refresh: Go OEM or upgrade

[CO4x499]

Like the title says. I have an 08 that needs some brake work. I'd like to start with brake pads and rotors first. I'm not sure if I should just go with a direct OEM swap or find something different? I want to keep costs down. Stock lift/tires.

 

[Boort]

Like the title says. I have an 08 that needs some brake work. I'd like to start with brake pads and rotors first. I'm not sure if I should just go with a direct OEM swap or find something different? I want to keep costs down. Stock lift/tires.

Is your 08 a sport or limited with the larger rotors and calipers? If not I would suggest upgrading to OEM parts with larger Sport edition rotors / calipers.

Beyond that I have no experience to make recommendations for after market upgrades.

 

[Forum148]

Or you could go with 5th gen brakes. Assuming you don't have a Sport or limited. Haven't done the upgrade myself but it is on the list of things to get done.

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

 

[Bluesky 07]

IMO your title is misstated. I “upgraded” to the PowerStop Z36 set and ran it for over 80K. Great product, but I went full OEM on my last brake job and based on my experience, I will stick with OEM as long as the cost is ballpark competitive with aftermarket. Check Toyota’s online parts store and be sure to compare dealers if there are multiple locations within a reasonable distance b/c some offer a steep discount online while others charge MSRP. Post I linked to has a couple of Black Friday deals I got at the same time as my brakes but the Toyota prices were those of the dealer when purchased online. Note that I have an SE so the p/ns are for the larger front rotor.