Tundra Brake Upgrade Wheel Advice

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Good morning, everyone. I'd like to poll the audience on something because I just can't figure out the best way to go about this dilemma.

So it seems that I have the only set of rims for my model year (1999) that don't fit with the Tundra brake upgrade, and I'm not going to grind down the inside of rims because I don't feel comfortable doing that.

I'm getting the "death wobble" right now, but I just can't justify dropping $115 on stock rotors and pads only to do this job later down the road too... I want to keep this upgrade as cheap(ish) as possible because my funds are limited right now, but I don't want to put money into something that's not going to stay on my truck indefinitely.

So, as I see it, I have three options:

1) Install stock rotors and pads and push this project far into the future

2) Tundra Brake Upgrade and wheel spacers (I've heard bad things about wheel spacers?)

3) Tundra Brake Upgrade and new (cheap) rims

4) Other options?

A few notes:

I have 15,000 miles on 16" tires that I bought new. Long term, I was considering upgrading to 17" rims, so maybe not the best idea to buy new 16" rims?

This seems to have turned into a "future planning for my rig" post, so sorry about that.

I would appreciate any thoughts/ideas on this problem. Thanks!

My rims:

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[TXLX1]

I'm not sure which tundra caliper you have, but I just grinded down the calipers to make my spare 16" wheel fit. Another option is to run a small spacer, again, depending on which tundra calipers you have.

 

[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

I was planning on doing the 231 mm calipers.

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[gamefreakgc]

Good morning, everyone. I'd like to poll the audience on something because I just can't figure out the best way to go about this dilemma.

So it seems that I have the only set of rims for my model year (1999) that don't fit with the Tundra brake upgrade, and I'm not going to grind down the inside of rims because I don't feel comfortable doing that.

I'm getting the "death wobble" right now, but I just can't justify dropping $115 on stock rotors and pads only to do this job later down the road too... I want to keep this upgrade as cheap(ish) as possible because my funds are limited right now, but I don't want to put money into something that's not going to stay on my truck indefinitely.

So, as I see it, I have three options:

1) Install stock rotors and pads and push this project far into the future

2) Tundra Brake Upgrade and wheel spacers (I've heard bad things about wheel spacers?)

3) Tundra Brake Upgrade and new (cheap) rims

4) Other options?

A few notes:

I have 15,000 miles on 16" tires that I bought new. Long term, I was considering upgrading to 17" rims, so maybe not the best idea to buy new 16" rims?

This seems to have turned into a "future planning for my rig" post, so sorry about that.

I would appreciate any thoughts/ideas on this problem. Thanks!

My rims:


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3) Tundra Brake Upgrade and new (cheap) rims - That's my vote.

If you can find the 4Runner "5 star" rims they fit, watch craigslist for a set in good condition. You can have the tires unmounted and remounted on the new rims for about $50. It'd be a complete shame to get rid of tires with only 15k miles on them.

I've recently switched rims to Tacoma TRD wheels I got off craigslist.

 

[mckennar]

FWIW After my 231mm TBU I used BORA hubcentric 0.75" spacers (from Wheelers) on my stock split 3 spoke 16" wheels with good tires on them until my KO2s got mounted on the set of 5 spoke "5 star" wheels (Craigslist, $200)

0.75" is overkill but it beat using a set 1/4" non-hubcentric spacer shim things.

I'm keeping the spacers in the vehicle (under rear seat) because of the spare tire which is a steel wheel.

Your call, my calipers came painted bright red and I didn't want to grind that off just to fit behind a wheel. But it is the only cost neutral solution you proposed, providing you have a grinder.

 

[PWD4R]

I may be weird but just buy the stock brakes now that you know your future. By the time the brakes wear out so will the tires so you can do your 17s, new tires and TBU all at the same time. Just my thought...


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[gamefreakgc]

I may be weird but just buy the stock brakes now that you know your future. By the time the brakes wear out so will the tires so you can do your 17s, new tires and TBU all at the same time. Just my thought...


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If you've owned a 4Runner with bad rotors it can be kinda scary. Tried coming down a 2 lane mountain pass once and a few times I almost couldn't stop in time. That was right after I bought it, did the TBU a month or so later.

 

[PWD4R]

If you've owned a 4Runner with bad rotors it can be kinda scary. Tried coming down a 2 lane mountain pass once and a few times I almost couldn't stop in time. That was right after I bought it, did the TBU a month or so later.

Well yeah any car can be lol. That's why I suggested replacing it


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[gamefreakgc]

Well yeah any car can be lol. That's why I suggested replacing it


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I think we are on the same page then, I had thought that by saying replacing brakes you meant only brake pads and not the rotors. Would be a waste to put new pads on a warped rotor.

 

[PWD4R]

I think we are on the same page then, I had thought that by saying replacing brakes you meant only brake pads and not the rotors. Would be a waste to put new pads on a warped rotor.

Oh haha. That's a good way to mess up some pads in one month


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[PWD4R]

I just figure it's smart enough to spend a little now and get everything you want in a few years when it's affordable. I wouldn't go buy new 16" rims that fit knowing you want 17s ASAP. That isn't smart. Also, I wouldn't buy 17" ones now given that OP just got new tires recently.

I say fix the problem (and fix it right, of course) and then, in a year or two or three when it's affordable, do the rims, tires and TBU.


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[Thomas_Magnum_'98]

Thank you guys so much for all the suggestions. I've decided to just go with the stock rotors and pads for now and do the upgrade right in the future. If I'm gonna do it, I want to do it right, and I would have to compromise right now.

Also, I was planning on just putting rotors and pads from Auto Zone on it. Anyone had any bad experiences with those? Thanks again. You guys have been more than helpful!

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[fblainen11]

I was planning on doing the 231 mm calipers.

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I did the TBU on my 97 with those wheels. I bought the cheap wheel spacers from Oreilley's and had no issues. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Had the 231s.

Please don't grind on your calipers.

 

[PWD4R]

Thank you guys so much for all the suggestions. I've decided to just go with the stock rotors and pads for now and do the upgrade right in the future. If I'm gonna do it, I want to do it right, and I would have to compromise right now.

Also, I was planning on just putting rotors and pads from Auto Zone on it. Anyone had any bad experiences with those? Thanks again. You guys have been more than helpful!

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Good choice. Rushing into it wouldn't be wise and buying other 16" rims is counterproductive to your goal of 17s


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[JBurt]

Also, I was planning on just putting rotors and pads from Auto Zone on it. Anyone had any bad experiences with those? Thanks again. You guys have been more than helpful!

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I've had auto zone ceramic pads go bad in about 15k miles. They're warrantied for life but I switched to oem. Not a job I want to do one a year.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Thank you guys so much for all the suggestions. I've decided to just go with the stock rotors and pads for now and do the upgrade right in the future. If I'm gonna do it, I want to do it right, and I would have to compromise right now.

Also, I was planning on just putting rotors and pads from Auto Zone on it. Anyone had any bad experiences with those? Thanks again. You guys have been more than helpful!

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Try RockAuto.com. They are the cheapest around since you just want a budget job for now.

Actually, on second thought just have your rotors turned instead. Costs about $15 each rotor and will last long enough for you to save up for the whole deal.