Troubleshooting brake issue - experts needed

[TX_MD]

Hoping to get some help troubleshooting my brake issue as I don't have much experience in this. Haven't worked on my 4R as much as I would have liked or the knowledge to do so.
-Started noticing what felt like slightly longer stopping distances a few months back. Didn't have that "push you forward in your seat" feel when I stopped. Heard a sporadic "click" noise as well when pressing on the brake pedal.
-Didn't have a record I could find or recall when rear brake shoes had been last changed so I ordered new OEM shoes. Front pads/rotors were replaced about 40k miles or so and still had some meat left on them when I checked this time. I did not replace rear drums during the process but as I noticed the brake fluid seemed pretty dark, I got new fluid and pushed new fluid through the system starting with the passenger rear brake and moved around. Anyhow after changing the shoes and only feels mildly improved, Clicking sound is still present. Pedal also has various pressure-feel I've noticed now. It may start off with more resistance and slower stopping feel and can get softer and you feel the brakes "grabbing" a little more. Anyone experience something similar?

Thanks!

 

[MattRunningman]

Sounds like you might have air in your brake lines still - that varying pedal feel is a classic sign you didn't get all the air out when you bled them.

 

[MaineRunna]

Usually, rear brake shoes that are way out of adjustment will give you excessive pedal travel, but the vehicle will still stop pretty well. I find that when a Toyota Tundra, Tacoma or 4Runner has a soft pedal and doesn't brake well it's usually one or more seized pistons in the 4 piston front brake calipers.

 

[T4R2014]

Check for seized caliper pistons. While it may not be the cause of your issue, I highly recommend replacing your master cylinder due to age. The ship has sailed on a lot of original parts on these. Better off replacing some things before failure.

 

[TX_MD]

Thanks everyone! I hope to have some time over the holiday to try and take another look. Master cylinder was something I had thought of also - was hoping it was something less complicated lol