How to improve braking system

[USE911]

I have 35 inch tires with stock calipers and master cylinder. Looking to improve my stopping power. I have looked into converting my rear into disk brakes. Anyone done this and to what success?

Also, I have a 4 cylinder. Does switching to v6 calipers and master cylinder help? I believe I have read on here that the v6s have better brakes to make up for the increase weight.

 

[fourwd1]

OK, you really need to tell us what you're driving. You're sig line lists several trucks.
We shouldn't have to guess you might be talking about the 89 in your list.

But if you are, replacing the calipers with calipers from a V6 truck of the same year will help. The V6 calipers use 4 large pistons, while the 4 cyl calipers have 2 small and 2 large pistons. Swapping the MC, or even the booster is not mandatory, but does not hurt.

 

[Bad_Vision]

1 inch bore master cylinder.
and some slotted rotors.
you have 4 piston calipers so your brakes are already over powered. if your having brake issues then change your fluid and look for bad components.

 

[fourwd1]

... you have 4 piston calipers so your brakes are already over powered. if your having brake issues then change your fluid and look for bad components.

How can his current brakes be "over powered" ?
If he had enough braking power he wouldn't be posting.
And trying to stop 35" tires on a system designed to stop stock 28" tires is always an issue.
Improving braking to accommodate larger tires is not a simple issue, a hydraulic system is balanced. You can't replace one part w/o affecting overall operation. More braking power at each wheel is the place to start, swapping 4 cyl for 6 cyl calipers (when applicable) is a simple place to start, and converting the rear drum brakes to discs is an option several steps down the road. Matching other components like MC and booster are in between. Changing MC and booster affect pedal feel and effort, but not actual stopping power.

 

[KidVermicious]

What fourwd1 said. Also, slotted rotors are good for dissipating really high heat, but they actually detract from braking power when cold. Go with vented rotors and a good set of semi-metallic pads, would be my suggestion.

 

[92-SR5]

You could always convert the rear to disc as well. I know that chevy 1/2 ton rotors work. They also make e-brake re-locator kits as well. I may be wrong but i believe you have to get a bigger MC if you have disc front and rear.
Good luck.

 

[fourwd1]

...I may be wrong but i believe you have to get a bigger MC if you have disc front and rear.
Good luck.

You be right. Adding calipers to the rear is a significant change, and improvement in braking.

 

[USE911]

OK, you really need to tell us what you're driving. You're sig line lists several trucks.
We shouldn't have to guess you might be talking about the 89 in your list.

Sorry, was trying to keep it short. I will clarify next time.

Thanks for the replies. I am going to start with vented rotors, new pads, and replacing fluid. Then I will worry about upgrading calipers. Eventually, I do want to convert the rear to disk. Will the v6 MC be big enough to work with disk in the rear, or will I have to get a bigger MC than that?

 

[ajordan1975]

Yes, but you will need a proportioning valve to. You can get a universal one from Summit Racing.

If the truck you're talking about is any of the IFS trucks then they already have vented rotors. Only the solid axle trucks came w/ solid rotors

 

[fourwd1]

Yes, but you will need a proportioning valve to. You can get a universal one from Summit Racing.

If the truck you're talking about is any of the IFS trucks then they already have vented rotors. Only the solid axle trucks came w/ solid rotors

Right on both counts.

 

[Nitewulf]

Just curious, when you did your lift, did you adjust the lspv in the rear of the truck? With that much lift, the valve is going to think it is in a heavy nose dive and all but shut off your rear brakes!! Everyone is trying to throw parts at it without diagnosing the braking problem to begin with. The LSPV is a mechanical load sensing device, that doesnt adjust automatically.

In stock form, the LSPV is a valve that attaches an arm to the rear axle, so that a heavily loaded bed compressed the suspension, which applies more braking power to the rear brakes. Over time however, many people find that off road, the stock Toyota system doesn't put enough pressure to the rear, and end up tying the end of the arm up under the bed to get maximum braking power to the rear.

 

[slacker]

replacing rubber hoses with steel braded will make a huge improovment


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