Tundra brake swap

[iswingping]

Hi Guys,

It's time for new brakes and I'm ready to do the Tundra swap. I have the oportunity of getting either the 199's or 231's used and cheap. I have read the write ups, but was wondering from those who have made this swap, why did you choose one over the other? I have the the original split 3 wheels that I'd like to keep. I'd rather run a narrow spacer than trim the wheel. Does anyone know the braking contact surface of the stock pads vs the 199's?

Thanks for the help.

 

[shadow247]

If you have 15" wheels, you should run the 199mm. If you have 16" wheels from the factory, then you should be able to run the larger setup. Dig around, there are like 100 threads on this, and almost every question has been answered. The worst problem you should run into is having to grind the caliper a bit to clear the wheel.

 

[68dave]

I did the tundra swap today on my lunch break, took only 20 mins. I went with the 199 calibers because, like you, i did'nt want to grind my 16" 3 split spoke wheels. I did'nt have to grind down the backing plate, it was a direct bolt on. Now from what i've read here, if i upgrade my wheels in the future i can just remove the 199's, grind down the backing plate and just bolt on the 231 calibers and pads, the rotors are the same. Driving home today the truck was like driving a new truck, the steering wheel did'nt want to jump out of my hands when braking and it made a huge improvement in the stopping distance.! A BIG THANKS to all the members here for the great info!!!

 

[A.Wilson013]

I got the 199s because they were cheaper than the 231s, and an easier swap.

 

[cj80cruiser]

BigFish did a nice write up but I don't believe he covered the difference between the 199 and stock pads with the same specifics as he did with the 231s. I'm undecided which way to go myself.

 

[iswingping]

Thanks guys. 68dave, that is a great plan and I'm happy to hear about the positive results in the 199's. Bigfishallday did a fantastic, detailed write up on the 231's. I may eventually do the 231's if I find a good set of Tundra or 5 spoke 4runner wheels.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

it's time for new brakes and i'm ready to do the tundra swap. I have the oportunity of getting either the 199's or 231's used and cheap. I have read the write ups, but was wondering from those who have made this swap, why did you choose one over the other? I have the the original split 3 wheels that i'd like to keep. I'd rather run a narrow spacer than trim the wheel. Does anyone know the braking contact surface of the stock pads vs the 199's?

I was curious, so I looked this up...

STOCK pad on the left VS. 231 pad on the right



199 pad



It looks like the stock pad and the 199 pad have about the same contact area with the 199 pad having a slight bit more at the corners on the hub side of the pad. They appear to me to share the same sized backing plate. The 199/231mm rating speaks to the size of the pad opening on the caliper. I will bet that the stock calipers also have a 199mm pad opening, the only difference on the Tundra 199's being that the opening is slightly wider to accommodate the thicker rotor.

The 231 pad is slightly larger again than the 199 pad, but notice the big jump in the size of the backing plate? That is a major factor in heat dissipation from the pad into the caliper. Then you have the fact that the 231 caliper has a larger fluid volume, which also helps shed heat faster than the 199 setup.

I went with the 231's because I could. My wheels cleared the calipers, and I wanted new components. Considering the cost of the 199's vs. the 231's when buying new, it was a no brainer to go big and get the most improvement for my money.

 

[CoMarc]

I agree with BigFishAllDay and also went with the 231mm for a few different reasons:

1. Because I could with clear them with 17 inch rims
2. Because I wanted all the braking power I could get when towing a trailer
3. Because the safety of my family is worth it

Honestly, if you plan on towing with your vehicle and can fit them under your rims I really suggest going for the 231mm brakes. Otherwise, go with the 199mm brakes. Both options are still a big improvement over our stock setup and both are easy to put on our trucks.

Good luck!