Tundra brake upgrade questions
- Thread starter NathanOfSeattle
- Start date
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Not necessarily, the 4Runner is a lot smaller than the Sequoia and tundra so it's adequate.
I'd change the 3 spoke 4Runner wheels and get 231's before I spent the time for 199s. I know it's hard for some people to buy new wheels, but good stock 4Runner 5 spokes are online all the time for $150ish. Worth it in my opinion, and I think the 3 spokes are ugly anyway.
Go big or go home
96743runner
New member
Nah, nothing's wrong with that. FWIW, I did the 199mm upgrade instead of the 231mm upgrade. At the time when I did the upgrade, I was planning to keep my stock 6 spokes, however now I'm gonna get the 5 spokes and I wish I went with the bigger upgrade.
With the 199mm I have noticed a significant improvement in braking over stock. The brake isn't firmer like I thought it would be, but it "grabs" harder when I do brake, if that makes any sense. Lol I wonder what driving with the 231mm upgrade is like..haha
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I agree with the enhancement in braking, but my observation is, without changing to a stainless steel braided brake line, still just as hard to brake. Sure, no more warped rotors, but I want to feel like I'm pushing the brakes in a car rather than a truck. Braking is almost a chore, though I know it's not so good for the trans, I downshift.
Wheeler's sells them cheap, 75 for the fronts and 35 for the back. If you want real braking performance, I would say it's a pretty mandatory thing to buy... now if I only had $110 lying around...
mattman
New member
I've read as many threads and writeups as I can regarding the tundra brake upgrade. I think it's a great idea, and I'm looking forward to doing it when my current setup is worn out. A number of people remark about the longer pedal travel after the upgrade. However, I cannot seem to understand what would cause longer pedal travel significant enough to be noticable by the driver. The pistons inside the calipers look to be nearly the same size, so the volume of fluid would be the same, and even if they were vastly different volumes, wouldn't it feel the same once it was full of fluid and free of air? If anything, shouldn't it be shorter travel with the new thick rotors and pads? I don't get it - not saying it shouldn't happen - just don't understand why it would.
I don't understand it either, but I too have noticed the longer pedal travel after the 231mm upgrade. But I do think performanced has improved. The other day, I really had to stop quick...no problem for these bigger brakes. I'm pretty sure it would've been closer with the stock brakes.
SAC-CA-Runner
New member
Yeah...hmmm...I didn't trim the inside portion of my brakes...I didn't have any rubbage. BUT, they were also cold. Sooo, may need to take them back off and do some trimming. No biggie though as it's pretty easy.
ReconCmdr
New member
I have been planning on doing the 231 upgrade on my 98 limited. My only concern so far is hearing that there is more travel in the brake pedal. It already feels like I have way to much travel in my pedal so that kinda concerns me. The bigger calipers and stopping power and larger rotors is VERY appealing though. Did anyone else have mushy brakes prior to the change and have a better response after? As a note I have had my brakes changed and adjusted a few times already over the mushy pedal feel issue and the shops all come back with everything is adjusted correctly.
MAD 69
New member
Four 5 Star rims for $150? The best price I have seen is $300 and the wheels are not in great condition, I'm sure shipping will add even more money to that. I agree the 6 spoke wheels are ugly and I would love a set of 5 Stars but my 6 Spoke's are in mint condition and if I sold them I would probably get robbed in the deal so I am stuck with them for now.:violin:I'd change the 3 spoke 4Runner wheels and get 231's before I spent the time for 199s. I know it's hard for some people to buy new wheels, but good stock 4Runner 5 spokes are online all the time for $150ish. Worth it in my opinion, and I think the 3 spokes are ugly anyway.
Go big or go home
I think the 199mm are good enough for people with stock trucks/rims,wheels and never tow anything or don't drive in mountain country. The added thickness of the rotor should be adequate.
Does anyone know the specs of the OEM 4Runner calipers? I thought I read somewhere they were 181mm, can anyone confirm this?
zcruiser
Senior Member
Who is wheeler? No idea on the offset, any way to try them on someone's T4R that has the Tundra upgrade?
I put some measurements in another thread, you could try using those as a check. Start with this post:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69477-tundra-brake-mod-ideas-questions-2.html#post593124
they have like 4.5 backspacing. you think 1.25 spacers will fit with the 231?
CoMarc
New member
Just my two cents...
If you have stock 16 inch rims and have no plans to go bigger, stay with the 199mm brakes as they'll fit with no modification (other than replacing the calipers, rotors, and pads). If you have the room with either aftermarket 16 inch rims, other 16 inch rims that have more space, or 17+ inch rims go for the 231mm. The modification needed to attach the 231mm calipers is very minimal!
I read a TON on these brakes before I did my upgrade to the 231mm and with everything I read it doesn't do it justice until your behind a truck that slams on their brakes, going downhill to avoid a crossing deer, and you're behind that truck pulling a trailer with no brakes of its own. This was the situation I was in and I would have slammed into that truck if it had not been for this upgrade as the previous brakes would have just caused the 4Runner to violently shake and slow down marginally at best.
If done right, this is one of the best--if not the best functional mod one can do without a ton of tools or expertise. If I can do it, anyone can do it (I'm no mechanic and have basic knowledge)! If you want to tow or plan on towing anytime with your 4Runner I highly recommend upgrading to Tundra calibers/rotors whether it be the 199mm or 231mm (later recommended more). Anyways, just my two cents, take it as it is.
If you have stock 16 inch rims and have no plans to go bigger, stay with the 199mm brakes as they'll fit with no modification (other than replacing the calipers, rotors, and pads). If you have the room with either aftermarket 16 inch rims, other 16 inch rims that have more space, or 17+ inch rims go for the 231mm. The modification needed to attach the 231mm calipers is very minimal!
I read a TON on these brakes before I did my upgrade to the 231mm and with everything I read it doesn't do it justice until your behind a truck that slams on their brakes, going downhill to avoid a crossing deer, and you're behind that truck pulling a trailer with no brakes of its own. This was the situation I was in and I would have slammed into that truck if it had not been for this upgrade as the previous brakes would have just caused the 4Runner to violently shake and slow down marginally at best.
If done right, this is one of the best--if not the best functional mod one can do without a ton of tools or expertise. If I can do it, anyone can do it (I'm no mechanic and have basic knowledge)! If you want to tow or plan on towing anytime with your 4Runner I highly recommend upgrading to Tundra calibers/rotors whether it be the 199mm or 231mm (later recommended more). Anyways, just my two cents, take it as it is.
96743runner
New member
Hmmm so if I change to braided stainless steel lines, I'll get better brake performance...well I'm gonna look into those for sure. Might as well get as much from the TBU as I can.
zcruiser
Senior Member
No idea, that's why I took the measurements so other folks could figure out for themselves on non-stock wheels. The 231mm caliper will fit the stock 5-spoke T4R wheel w/o modification:
Nelsonmd
New member
I have found that salvage yards charge just a little bit less than what you can get remans for if you shop sales.
