Question regarding Calipers

[justanie]

Hi gang,

New member here. I just got myself a 96 limited, 160,000m.

Anyways, the brakes are terrible and i was reading about the Tundra swap. I mentioned this to a mate of mine who has a 2008 tacoma, just so happens that he has a set of calipers for the tacoma wjth 3000miles on them that he is willing to give to me for free.

Well here's the question. Will they work on the 4runner with Tacoma rotors?

Thanks, Justin.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

First of all, WELCOME to the Forum!!!

arty:

The TUNDRA brake mod uses TUNDRA calipers and rotors, NOT Tacoma.

If Tundra IS what you meant, then in your case, the 199mm S13WE calipers are what you are after. If they're the 231mm 13WL calipers (which the later Tundra models had after the TSB for the earlier S13WE's) you will need to grind the calipers and rims to get them to fit.

However, I'm thinking that the 2008 Tundra is too late of a model, and has HUGE brakes that will in no way fit your runner w/o some kind of MAJOR modification.

 

[justanie]

No i'm talking about Tacoma calipers, just wondering if they will fit. Thanks.

 

[Jon]

Welcome to T4R

What exactly is wrong with your brakes? Tried just doing pads and shoes maybe a bleed down? I just did my brakes (still factory 4Runner setup) and they are plenty capable. Had a very squishy pedal and ended up being that the rears were way out of adjustment. Not to mention the pass side wheel cylinder leaked and soaked the shoes. While cleaning and replacing that I found a blown axle seal too. Now rear end's all nice and sealed up, dry brakes and plenty of stopping power.

Not to knock the Tundra upgrade or anyone who's done it, but I can't justify the mod unless the vehicle is being used for regular towing. If the factory setup isn't holding together under normal ops, then it's not being driven right or there is something mechanically wrong.:lookout::roadkill:

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

No i'm talking about Tacoma calipers, just wondering if they will fit. Thanks.

Don't bother. The Tacoma's brakes are reportedly smaller than the 4Runners are. In fact, some Tacoma guys buy our used calipers to do their own version of our Tundra brake upgrade.

The only way to know 100% for sure though is to duck under the truck and see what the molded part # is on the inboard side of the caliper (ex: S13WE) and see if anyone has tried it.

Not to knock the Tundra upgrade or anyone who's done it, but I can't justify the mod unless the vehicle is being used for regular towing. If the factory setup isn't holding together under normal ops, then it's not being driven right or there is something mechanically wrong.:lookout::roadkill:

I wouldn't go quite that far. Mountain driving here in CO has been known to be sufficient to get the brakes hot enough to get the infamous shudder 3rd gen 4Runners are known for (especially stop-and-go traffic coming down "the hill" on I-70 in the summer after a weekend).

I do tow AND drive in the mountains, and just completed my Tundra upgrade last week (calipers cost me less than $120 and needed new rotors anyway). I measured over 0.020" of runout on both sides on mine, and the new setup only had about 0.004" per side.

Even with those numbers on the old rotors (when cool), my brakes didn't always shake me to death everytime I used them, but when they were sufficiently warmed they were horrible. That being said, I never had stopping power problems, but the "feel" was horrid!

 

[justanie]

Thanks for the replys guys,
Jon, As of yet, i have not really looked at the brakes. all i know is that i would not want to pull my trailer with with them as they are right now, reading the forums i have come to the conclusion that the tundra upgrade is the way to go.

As i was offered a practically new set of 2008 Tacoma calipers for free, 1st, i would like to know if they would fit. 2nd , if it would be an upgrade over 96 calipers with 160,000 miles on them.

I have had 2 ,2nd gen 4runners and had the brake lines break on both of them while pulling my trailer, lucky for me and the other road users that i was able avoid rear ending someone, so lets just say, i've got a thing about brakes.

Thanks.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

If you can get the mold #'s off of the Taco calipers, maybe we can help you figure out if they'll fit or be worth messin' with.

 

[justanie]

Ok, i'll try to get them tonight, thanks for your help.
Justin.

 

[Jon]

Don't bother. The Tacoma's brakes are reportedly smaller than the 4Runners are. In fact, some Tacoma guys buy our used calipers to do their own version of our Tundra brake upgrade.

The only way to know 100% for sure though is to duck under the truck and see what the molded part # is on the inboard side of the caliper (ex: S13WE) and see if anyone has tried it.



I wouldn't go quite that far. Mountain driving here in CO has been known to be sufficient to get the brakes hot enough to get the infamous shudder 3rd gen 4Runners are known for (especially stop-and-go traffic coming down "the hill" on I-70 in the summer after a weekend).

I do tow AND drive in the mountains, and just completed my Tundra upgrade last week (calipers cost me less than $120 and needed new rotors anyway). I measured over 0.020" of runout on both sides on mine, and the new setup only had about 0.004" per side.

Even with those numbers on the old rotors (when cool), my brakes didn't always shake me to death everytime I used them, but when they were sufficiently warmed they were horrible. That being said, I never had stopping power problems, but the "feel" was horrid!

Sorry I forgot to mention mountain driving too, not really on my mind here in the panhandle of FL! I have driven up to Estes Park before a few times out of Boulder, definitely see where brakes are a BIG deal. I miss real roads like that! Get any snow yet?

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

We haven't gotten any down in town here yet. The mountains (esp. high up) got pounded last week.