Tundra Calipers - Worth It?

[Koko4]

I'm thinking of doing the Tundra caliper / rotor / pad upgrade, and would be following this guide:
Gen 3 Toyota 4Runner Tundra Brake Swap: Off-Road.com

I want to know if I need to worry about ABS/non-ABS while shopping for the new caliper. I have a '98 SR5 4Runner with (I think) ABS. Also, I'm assuming 2003 and up would be the Tundras to look for, since the change to the 231mm caliper wasn't until "later 2002" according to that link. Can someone confirm this?

I was a bit unclear about how much of the inner wheel needs to be ground down - I have seen the pictures, but it still seems a bit vague as to how far they are actually cutting in. I have these wheels:

Just to be sure, this is what they're referring to as the "split 3 Toyota 16 inch" wheels, right?

If you have done, or were thinking of doing this, would you use strictly OEM parts (rotors / pads / calipers) and pay out the ass for them, or should something from RockAuto be alright to use? The only thing is if I use RockAuto, I will have to pay a core charge unless I send back my current calipers. I basically have four choices right now:

OEM Toyota Parts (and DEFINITELY pay too much)
RockAuto (getting something that's not bottom-of-the-barrel) - this is actually what I'm leaning towards at the moment.
AutoZone (paying too much and getting less that OEM quality)
Pull-A-Part / Lance Auto Parts (is a used caliper from a junkyard already a bad idea...?)

Also, if you have done this mod, was it worth it?

OK, more questions: On RockAuto, they are showing two different calipers for the Tundra:

4.7" pad length, which says fits the 00-03 Tundra and
5.3" pad length, which says fits the 00-06 Tundra

Others say they have the 13WL casting (231mm) but others specify the 13WG casting (???).

Anyone know the difference between the 13WL and 13WG? They don't specify pad length, but both say they fit the 00-06 Tundras.

RockAuto can be hard to navigate to find the exact right parts.. =/ There are sometimes too many choices! If I had to go with one now, I'd be choosing between the A-1 Cardone and Raybestos. Any advice?

 

[MONTYMTB]

Pretty much everything you need to know can be found in this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94923-hard-find-specs-info-measurements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html

 

[BrianSD_42]

Are they awesome? No doubt.

Worth it? *** MAYBE ****

I have Brembo drilled and slotted rotors with performance pads and they work really really great. Going on 6 years now. Total cost is about half.

 

[Koko4]

After reading through that thread, I still have the question of how much to grind down the 16" Toyota wheels on the back-side. Or I suppose I could just get spacers, but that would leave me with less stud.

Bottom line is, 13WL is needed for hard line fitting, but if you replace the hard line with flex line, you could use either

So the main difference between the 13WL and 13WG is the angle of the fitting for the brake line on the back? And the 13WL is the one I need to go with if I want the most painless swap?

 

[coues7]

I'm wondering the same thing. Are they really worth the money?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

They're absolutely worth the money IMO. I've done them on every 4Runner I've bought for myself. But with those wheels, I'd go with the Tundra 199 upgrade instead. Still a big difference over the stock 4Runner brakes.

 

[vicar]

Are they awesome? No doubt.

Worth it? *** MAYBE ****

I have Brembo drilled and slotted rotors with performance pads and they work really really great. Going on 6 years now. Total cost is about half.

BrianSD, what Brembo parts did you use? Where did you buy? Were there any fitment issues? I think I'm more interested in this kind of solution than the Tundra brakes. Did you do anything for rear brakes?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[dgoll75]

I have owned my truck for over 6 years. I was hesitant about the need but had warped rotors, so I figured what better time and gave in and just did the conversion. I used all NAPA parts and I WISH I HAD DONE IT SOONER. It is easy to acknowledge the flaws in the stock set up now that I have the conversion to compare it to. Very noticeable since I tow a trailer at least 50% of the time the truck is driven. I feel so much better about my wife driving the truck now as well. DO IT, DO IT, DO IT.

 

[LittleCaesar]

As PBR stated, the 231mm will not work with those rims. Pick up a pair of 199mm calipers.

So you want the smaller pad.

 

[JBurt]

I did the 231mm upgrade and I have those same wheels. I wouldn't grind the wheels, some guys grind a little off the caliper.

What I did was buy the cheap (~$13) 1/4" spacers from PepBoys. You are correct that you will have less stud. The rear studs are a little longer and will work up front. It wasn't too hard to swap them out. Eventually I will get different wheels but that solution has worked so far. I did it about 3 years ago.

If you decide to go with the 199mm's keep in mind the biggest benefit from the upgrade comes from the thicker rotors, which the 199's also have.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

If you want more stopping power for general use, off road , carrying a load, or trailering. Then its ABSOLUTELY worth it. Read the thread and look for rims that work or run 1/4" spacers. I'll add a link if you still want to grind it down.

Gen 3 Toyota 4Runner Tundra Brake Swap: Off-Road.com


If you're just a mall crawler from shoe store to shoe store. Then I suggest save your money for the shoes.

 

[jmildoc]

Definitely worth it! I noticed a huge difference right away, especially after replacing the rear drums and adjusting them properly as well, you will not regret it. I went with used calipers off of a 2005 Tundra, came with warranty to assure they didnt leak, I was happy with that, got them for about $60-$70 for the set. Couldnt be happier.

 

[txbonds]

I went 199mm on mine and used all toyota parts except the calipers where I used Napa Eclipse calipers. Only about 1000 miles on them but they have performed great so far.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Don't grind your wheels, that is a terrible idea. Either get the 199's, or get bigger wheels.

I like my 231's, definitely more grip than before. You can find better deals out there than what you posted. When I did it, I needed to replace my rotors, pads, and at least 1 caliper anyway, so it was definitely worth it. If you're replacing both pads and rotors anyway, then I think it's worth it.

 

[JayRolla]

To me the biggest thing on brakes are getting good parts. OEM is best. Ive used every type of pad known to man and Ive always had best results with OEM pads and rotors.

Stock oem brakes will feel as good as tundra brakes with crap rotors and pads. When I upgraded to 231mm I used oem pads and rotors. They are like a night and day difference. I would do it because its pretty much the same cost. I did go with napa calipers because OEM calipers are crazy priced.

 

[TXRick]

I was going to go with the Callahan Brake parts just because

Tommy Boy

Ebay

I'll have to figure out which ones I need, plus they had calipers and rotors...I just gotta find them. I hope they come with a sticker...

 

[garrett1478]

I was going to go with the Callahan Brake parts just because

Tommy Boy

Ebay

I'll have to figure out which ones I need, plus they had calipers and rotors...I just gotta find them. I hope they come with a sticker...

but is there a guarantee on the box??

 

[Jayzero911]

I just got some slotted rotors from autozone and threw on a set of c-max pads. Loving it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I don't know the part numbers, sorry it was so long ago.

But I'm sure (seriously) if you call Brembo they will help you out, give you the part numbers and direct you to a reseller.

 

[TXRick]

I think I am going with these.

Acura, Audi items in 2005 toyota tundra store on eBay!