Sport Edition Brakes vs. Tundra Brake (Upgrade)

[hawaiian05]

I've read up a bunch on the tundra brake upgrade and I'm highly considering this in the future. According to top4runners.com, (Toyota 4Runner History 2002) the models that came with 265 tire size have a slightly larger rotor already. I want to know if, going from the larger stock size rotor to the tundra brakes (199 or 231), if I'll still notice a good increase in braking power.

Coming from a 4th gen sport that already has the tundra brakes and disks in all corners, I've grown accustomed to great stopping power. Of all who've done this upgrade form the larger stock 4runner brakes, have you still noticed a big change?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cdrewferd]

The TBU is an upgrade that you'll feel. I stop so much better with my 231's.

 

[jgue467]

I've got the 'larger' stock brakes which I've swapped rotors to drilled type. They are Adequate for normal use, meaning light towing (under 3K#s) on relatively level or areas where hills are not dramatic (less than say 3-4 degree inclines). Using them going down something like say the sierra madre or the rockies puts a Huge amount of strain on them, still work but they're getting really hot and start to fade a bit.

So, if I were serious about towing, hill/mountain decending or like you who are used to 4 disc brakes then I'd go ahead and do the big brake upgrade, costs just a bit more. Luck! :cowboy:

 

[hawaiian05]

Both are valid points. I've yet to take my 3rd gen up into the nearby mountain passes to feel its full potential (or lack of). I know just around town I do feel the big difference between the 4th gen and 3rd gen sport, but probably because of the other factors (all four disks, larger fronts). I mainly don't want to be disappointed and figured I might as well ask since others have done the upgrade.

 

[MyHigh]

I did the upgrade from the larger stock brakes to the 231's and am very happy. I now stop with confidence and feel that I have way more pedal to go if needed. I'm still amazed every once in a while when I really need to stop how effortlessly it is, it just a nice feeling to know you can slow down or stop with little brake pedal pressure and knowing you got more if needed. And quite honestly if you do a little shopping around you can just about install the TBU for what a regular install would be.

hands down the best way to go, if you are replacing all the components anyways just go the TBU and be happy.

 

[Koch13351]

I just got the Powerstop K1236 kit for my 4Runner and am beyond pleased with the performance of it. I was going to do the TBU but scored the kit brand new for only $95 on eBay. They don't seem to fade at all going down the mountain here. Still stops on a dime at the bottom. Just throwing it out there.

 

[thebrandon]

I didn't have sport brakes but I did upgrade to Tundra brakes. You will like it. It's well worth the investment in my opinion. Fresh pads and rotors for the factory brakes will feel great too. It really comes down to what you plan on doing with the vehicle, towing, larger tires, going offroad or just driving to the grocery store and back. I personally feel like the TBU is the best thing I've done to my truck. Either way new brakes is always a good thing.

 

[hawaiian05]

I've looked into factory size options such as aftermarket rotors/pads, though I wasn't sure how they stacked up to tundra brakes. I don't plan to build this rig up too much, more for just mild off-roading and camping. There are a good set of hills around here that would be nice to have larger brakes to dissipate the heat, though I don't travel there enough to NEED them. But even for just pleasure use and "ease" of braking, I wouldn't mind more stopping power.

 

[hawaiian05]

I did the upgrade from the larger stock brakes to the 231's and am very happy. I now stop with confidence and feel that I have way more pedal to go if needed. I'm still amazed every once in a while when I really need to stop how effortlessly it is, it just a nice feeling to know you can slow down or stop with little brake pedal pressure and knowing you got more if needed. And quite honestly if you do a little shopping around you can just about install the TBU for what a regular install would be.

hands down the best way to go, if you are replacing all the components anyways just go the TBU and be happy.

Are you still able to run your stock 5 star wheels with the 231 upgrade? Do you need to run wheel spacers to do so? I'd love to keep my 5 stars but don't wanna have to run spacers.

 

[NHRunner]

I just went from sport brakes to 231mm for a little over $200. It's amazing. The difference is huge. I was running warped rotors with good pads. Pedal travel is slightly deeper, but that makes no difference. Fits perfectly under stock 5 stars. BFADs tundra brake thread has all the wheel fitment info you need too.

 

[hawaiian05]

I just went from sport brakes to 231mm for a little over $200. It's amazing. The difference is huge. I was running warped rotors with good pads. Pedal travel is slightly deeper, but that makes no difference. Fits perfectly under stock 5 stars. BFADs tundra brake thread has all the wheel fitment info you need too.

Good to know! That gives me assurance that I'll still notice a big difference even with the larger factory brakes. Also good to know that I don't needa swap wheels. How'd you score all the the parts for $200?

 

[NHRunner]

Good to know! That gives me assurance that I'll still notice a big difference even with the larger factory brakes. Also good to know that I don't needa swap wheels. How'd you score all the the parts for $200?

Black Friday discounts through Autozone for 20% off plus a $25 gift card. Theyre running a typical 20% off coupon right now too, I think. I'll have to find my receipts to get the actual price I paid.

 

[hawaiian05]

Black Friday discounts through Autozone for 20% off plus a $25 gift card. Theyre running a typical 20% off coupon right now too, I think. I'll have to find my receipts to get the actual price I paid.

Nice! Rotors, calipers, & pads all from autozone, or did you source oem pads?

 

[NHRunner]

Nice! Rotors, calipers, & pads all from autozone, or did you source oem pads?

Yeah dude! Some people will probably disagree. I appreciate OEM parts myself, but it was hard to argue with the prices. I used an '05 Tundra v8 4wd as the vehicle for fitment.

2x these rotors
Duralast/Brake Rotor - Front 31267 at AutoZone.com

Reman'd calipers
Duralast Reman/Brake Caliper - Front C9951 at AutoZone.com
Duralast Reman/Brake Caliper - Front C9950 at AutoZone.com - 1 reviews

Pads. I used the gold ones. They're probably not much better than the cheapest Duralast pads that they offer, but I chose them anyways.
Duralast Gold/Brake Pads - Front DG976 at AutoZone.com

total after 20% coupon and caliper core return($80) = $241
plus I have a $25 gift card, which I immediately spent on another shipment of parts, for which I used another 20% code haha. So I like to think that I only paid $216.

Also, return your core calipers in store to avoid the return shipping costs.

The current deal they offer is for %20 off, a $10 gift card, and free shipping. Ends at midnight tonight!

 

[hawaiian05]

Yeah dude! Some people will probably disagree. I appreciate OEM parts myself, but it was hard to argue with the prices. I used an '05 Tundra v8 4wd as the vehicle for fitment.

2x these rotors
Duralast/Brake Rotor - Front 31267 at AutoZone.com

Reman'd calipers
Duralast Reman/Brake Caliper - Front C9951 at AutoZone.com
Duralast Reman/Brake Caliper - Front C9950 at AutoZone.com - 1 reviews

Pads. I used the gold ones. They're probably not much better than the cheapest Duralast pads that they offer, but I chose them anyways.
Duralast Gold/Brake Pads - Front DG976 at AutoZone.com

total after 20% coupon and caliper core return($80) = $241
plus I have a $25 gift card, which I immediately spent on another shipment of parts, for which I used another 20% code haha. So I like to think that I only paid $216.

Also, return your core calipers in store to avoid the return shipping costs.

The current deal they offer is for %20 off, a $10 gift card, and free shipping. Ends at midnight tonight!

Damn you got it worked out to a science! Thanks for the info and heads up. I'm assuming you've done the upgrade back in November (black Friday sale)- have you had any issues running these Duralast parts at all since?

 

[NHRunner]

Damn you got it worked out to a science! Thanks for the info and heads up. I'm assuming you've done the upgrade back in November (black Friday sale)- have you had any issues running these Duralast parts at all since?

I installed them in December. First time doing disc brake work, and it was really straightforward. Maybe it took me 2 hours.

No issues with the parts. Oddly, the calipers were different colors. One was silver while the other was grey. Personally, I don't care about the color difference.

I did shear a wheel stud when I tried to put the wheel back on. I torqued it to the factory 87 ft/lbs, but the stud and lug were some cheap replacement thanks to the PO. No biggie. It was maybe $5 and 10 minutes of my time for a new stud and lug.

I would also suggest following the bed-in procedure given in the TBU thread I mentioned earlier. Good luck!

 

[97Run-Man]

TBU Questions

I always read all these TBU threads but I don't really see anything talking about the way the brake pedal feel changes. (I describe it as having to push through a dead spot in the peddle till you get to any true braking force.) is this normal for others? Has anyone figure out how to fix this?

Second I have duralast gold brake rotors and basic pads (I don't like ceramics on trucks, I've had them glaze when going through water after breaking)
I notice that I ger a terrible vibration (like warped rotors) after only a few months. This never happed before I put the tundra brakes on. Does anyone else notice this happening to them? Any suggestions on how to stop this from happening. I'm tired of changing brakes every few months. (At least they are free lol)

 

[hawaiian05]

I installed them in December. First time doing disc brake work, and it was really straightforward. Maybe it took me 2 hours.

No issues with the parts. Oddly, the calipers were different colors. One was silver while the other was grey. Personally, I don't care about the color difference.

I did shear a wheel stud when I tried to put the wheel back on. I torqued it to the factory 87 ft/lbs, but the stud and lug were some cheap replacement thanks to the PO. No biggie. It was maybe $5 and 10 minutes of my time for a new stud and lug.

I would also suggest following the bed-in procedure given in the TBU thread I mentioned earlier. Good luck!

Cool- thanks again for the feedback. I'll have to hold off on the purchase tonight as I need to sell my 4th gen first before buying anything for the 3rd (wife's rule in allowing me to buy the 3rd). At least I know that I can source the kit for a decent price. Personally I'll probably get oem pads only because I've seen too many instances where aftermarket pads ruined rotors. I used to be a tech for toyota so I'm a little picky about certain parts, but others not so much.

 

[raty4R]

I upgraded mine about 8 years ago. 99 highlander 4x4, with 285s.. After-market tundra cross drilled/ slotted rotors (for looks) used ceramic first time but they warped my rotors pretty quick. using durlast gold pads now and I'm happy with them. The truck stopped way better after the change. And when I need to stomp on the brakes the truck stops very quickly and smoothly

 

[T4R2014]

Do remember to inspect the rear drums as well. The stock brakes work fantastic when all four corners have new parts.