FJ Cruiser caliper's compatible with 4th gen?

[Casper01]

Hi all,

I'm a noob here so if this has been discussed already I apologize, but I recently was reading a lot of the many posts about the caliper issue the 4R's have because I also am having issues with one: I just bought a new caliper on the driver/front two weeks ago and it's already getting a lot (I mean A LOT) of surface rust all over it - but none of the pre-existing 3 calipers show a single bit of corrosion. Anyway, I went on eBay and found this, and what interested me in it was the 2nd thru 4th pics (the ones that show the Interchange Listing): You probably know this already but I did not, but evidently the 07-09 FJ Cruiser caliper's were compatible with the 03-09 4R's (if this info is accurate - I haven't found anything to support this info but I also haven't found anything to debunk it). If this is true, then what does everyone think about trying to apply the Brembo caliper that they made for the FJ Cruiser (I'm not mechancially inclined enough to glance at the pic and tell if it's a match or not, but they also make one for the Tundra and if I'm not mistaken some of the parts for the Tundra are interchangable w/the 4R's)? Here's a pic of the FJ Cruiser Brembo caliper (since the bas****s don't make one specifically for 4R's):

 

[Casper01]

I guess my long-winded point is that I'm trying to find alternatives to crappy OEM caliper's.

 

[rossk35]

Stoptech makes a 355mm and 332mm BBK kit for the 4R. They all use the sp-40 caliper just the mounting bracket is what differs from each vehicle. The 05+tacoma, fj, and 03-09 4r all use the same brake setup except for the 4r's that have the 13' rotor instead of the 12.6".

 

[Casper01]

Interesting. Sorry, I'm sure that this has been discussed and I know a lot of people get annoyed when stuff is reposted but I honestly read through so much caliper info last night that I just finally had to turn off my computer. But I do sincerely appreciate the info, ross! So does caliper you mention suffer from the same corrosion issues? The one I mentioned was a reman'd part from Advanced Auto.

 

[rossk35]

The stoptech and brembo caliper look very much the same. Those aftermarket calipers can't be used as a OEM replacement like I think your wanting to. They are made for larger rotors and use a L-shaped mounting bracket like this to mount the caliper to the spindle.

 

[Casper01]

I see an ST-40 but not an SP-40...same thing?

 

[Casper01]

Think I'm with you now - so you really can't just upgrade the caliper, I'd basically have to change out the rotors and everything else, correct?

 

[rossk35]

Think I'm with you now - so you really can't just upgrade the caliper, I'd basically have to change out the rotors and everything else, correct?

Yes. And yea st-40 my bad sorry!

 

[Casper01]

Thanks for the info, ross! I went to StopTech's website but it looks like they don't have a distributor in my state (Missouri) or even in surrounding states. There's a few in Colorado though so I'll try checking with them for cost estimates. I just know I don't want to keep dealing with this caliper issue every year, which it seems - from what I've read on this site - will be the case.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Bump for move

 

[Casper01]

Sorry man, new to the forum, need a t4r.org dictionary - what does "bump for move" mean?

 

[midnight runner]

StopTech won't sell the brakes for the FJ, Tacoma or 4runner because they manufacture the brakes for TRD, and with TRD being toyota, Toyota demands exclusivity for all brake kits that fit any current production model Toyota.

So your options for better brakes are:

1 - better pads, rotors, and lines for the OEM calipers. They will do more than you think. The lines will provide a stiffer pedal, the pads will have more bite, and higher temp range. The slotted rotors will keep the pads clean and free of glazing over.
2 - Get the FJ Cruiser TRD kit. I wouldn't do this option because the rotors used are smaller than stock, and thus less heat capacity (the whole point of the big brake kit)
3 - Bug TRD enough to where they allow StopTech to sell the big brake kit with a StopTech label. TRD doesn't sell the other kits that StopTech manufactures (13" and 14" kits). If you do manage for TRD to give this permission, be prepared to spend $2200 for the 13" kit and $2600 for the 14" kit.

And yes, if you want to change the calipers, you'll need to change the rotors. They are paired up to fit.

 

[midnight runner]

Oh, and the caliper you bought probably didn't have any anti corrosive coating like OEM calipers do.