Toyota Tacoma brake upgrade.

syncroid · 08-26-2011, 01:15 PM

Anyone here done a brake upgrade on their Tacoma? I have a 2001 double cab 4x4. I understand that you can put the Tundra 4x4 brakes on from 99 - 03.
I feel that the rotors on my truck are way too small for the weight of the truck. The rotors are just about identical in size as my old Carrera. Plus they keep getting runout. Its annoying to say the least. I also tow my tent trailer quite a bit and would enjoy a little extra stopping power.
Just curious if anyone here has had any experience with doing this upgrade.

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

I've got an 03 double cab 4x4 that i did a frt. wheel bearing on.
Been chasing a surging brake pedal since. Discovered the rotor was warped.
New rotor and it seems fine. Never had a problem stopping it but i don't pull a trailer with it.
Have had it freighted up plenty heavy too.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-26-2011, 01:43 PM

When I was truck/SUV shopping I saw several Tacos that had been converted to Tundra brakes, I got the impression that it wasn't that complex. Searching on yotatech or TTORA should find some additional information.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Trailer brakes man.... Trailer brakes.

IROC · IROC's Garage

I'd be interested in this also. My 2001 DoubleCab has marginal brakes when towing (and I have trailer brakes).

syncroid · 08-26-2011, 02:38 PM

I do have trailer brakes on the trailer. I just want better brakes! I have about 106000 on the truck and I am on my third set of rotors and pads. Every time I have replaced them is because of warping.

IROC · IROC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by syncroid

I do have trailer brakes on the trailer. I just want better brakes! I have about 106000 on the truck and I am on my third set of rotors and pads. Every time I have replaced them is because of warping.

It sounds like we are in a similar boat. My 2001 has about 112k on it. I'm on my 3rd set of pads and second set of rotors. These rotors are already starting to pulsate, though. The rotors were cheap ($35 each at the local FLAPS).

I'm going to look into the Tundra upgrade...

syncroid · 08-27-2011, 09:27 AM

Here is what I have now. Stock Toyota TRD package.

IROC · IROC's Garage

Came across this yesterday. It seems people have done it cheaper using ebay calipers, etc., but $575 for a big brake kit is so cheap after looking at Porsche prices for years that I am tempted to just buy this and be done with it...

http://www.toyotacatalog.net/M1WebGear/ProductDetails.aspx?PartUniqueID=4420CD97-604E-4C74-A816-57C05CF90A25

syncroid · 08-28-2011, 08:33 AM

Mike, At that price, that does look tempting. I'm going to book mark that link. I recieved a PM from another Pelican about some calipers he has for sale. I want to get more details from him first before I decide what I'll do. I still have plenty of meat left on the pads so its not dire that I do this now. I did find brand new Tundra calipers for about $175 a piece. Haven't priced the rotors and lines yet though.

Pazuzu · 08-28-2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IROC

Came across this yesterday. It seems people have done it cheaper using ebay calipers, etc., but $575 for a big brake kit is so cheap after looking at Porsche prices for years that I am tempted to just buy this and be done with it...

http://www.toyotacatalog.net/M1WebGear/ProductDetails.aspx?PartUniqueID=4420CD97-604E-4C74-A816-57C05CF90A25

LC Engineering is highly regarded in the performance Toyota world. They supply parts and engineering for many of the extreme 4x4 scene (the rock crawlers/rock racers).

syncroid · 09-01-2011, 05:54 PM

Update. I received the calipers from the Pelican I got the PM from today. Not sorry about the deal at all, but these calipers are WAY over kill for my little truck. I'll be reselling these and getting the kit from LC Engineering instead. Any of you guys out there with a bigger truck then mine interested in these?

syncroid · 08-15-2012, 04:40 PM

I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the front brake kit from LC Engineering. Big Brake Upgrade Kit - Tacoma(95-04 6-Lug) I couldn't take the violent steering wheel shake any more.
I'll take photos when I do the conversion. I should be receiving them in a couple of days. I have to say that the customer service at LC Engineering is very good. They know their stuff!

Stay tuned.

vash · vash's Garage

Super cool! What application are those red ones for!

syncroid · 08-15-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

Super cool! What application are those red ones for!

Cliff, I bought those last year from one of the guys that works for Pelican. They were on a dessert prepared Tundra. They might have worked on a later Tacoma like yours.
Can't wait to get my brake kit and install it. No more shakey shakey.

yel911 · yel911's Garage

I upgraded the brakes on my 02 Tundra to 04-06 brakes. Next time, visit Tundrasolutions.com for anything Toyota. They cover all Toyotas.

syncroid · 08-16-2012, 07:44 PM

I feel like a kid the day before Christmas waiting to open presents. I'm actually going to go into the shop tomorrow and wait for UPS or FEDEX to deliver my package. I just want to look at it! Hehe... Yep. I'm a kid.....still....at 51.

syncroid · 08-21-2012, 11:20 AM

I received my LC Engineering brake upgrade kit today. I can't wait to put these on!

syncroid · 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

Here's hoping you are no longer replacing rotors annually like I am with our '02 Sequoia.

I think they make a big brake kit for your vehicle too.

I have to add, their customer service is outstanding! I dealt with Mike, Wes, and John. When they say that they will call you right back...they do. They answered all of my stupid questions and were very personable while doing so. I'll be installing them this weekend and will post more pictures of the project.

cnielsen · 08-21-2012, 05:33 PM

I ordered a set for my 4runner but I also got over zealous and ordered the rear disc brake conversion....

WARNING.... This will disable your antilock brakes and parking brake. I didn't realize that until after i opened the box and read through all the instruction...so I'm going to see if they will let me return the rears.

Excited to get the front installed though!