Are these brake pads "good enough"?

I know there are better options.

I have other maintenance expenses, so I'd rather not spend money I don't have to.

These are currently the cheapest on RockAuto.

Will this be money wasted?

 

Nah.

 

There's places to cut corners, this isnt one of them.

The cheaper you buy, the ealier you'll have to replace them again.

Pads like that crack, seperate and make noise.

 

What should I look for? I also see some Bosch brand stuff fairly cheap. Are these good enough?

BOSCH BE433H Bosch Blue; Semi-Metallic; Includes Hardware Info
Front; RWD; Base Model; DLX Model; SR5 Model

 

Also, if I'll be changing the brake fluid during this. Is it better to do this after or before installing the new brake pads?

 

Bosch is a better choice, I'm running bosch in my beater no issues.

 

You need to retract the pistons into the caliper to accommodate the new pads. In principle it'd be better to flush the brake fluid before, so you don't push dirty fluid back through the system.

If you go this route, do not fill the reservoir up to the full line. Leave about half inch to account for the fluid being pushed back into the reservoir when you retract the pistons. Top up the brake fluid at the very end of the job.

 

If I did not grab Toyota Pads I went with Napa Ultra Premium Brake Parts.

My Cab and bed might have numerous Deer and Fork Lift impacts.

I never skimp on brake parts .

It is your Vehicle do what works for you.

Best of luck!!

 

Be sure to get the correct pads for your model. The DASH4 pads in your first post are for 6-lugger models. BE433H looks like 5-lugger pads. The 6-lugger pads have a square backing plate: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6362592&cc=1375343&pt=1684&jsn=493

 

I'm guessing 6 lug means 4WD?

 

^6-lug = 6 lugnuts on your wheel. All 4WD Tacomas are 6-lug yes, as are RWD PreRunner models sold in some states.

 

Akebono or OEM. I've been extremely happy with my Akebono pads. They're easy to source (Amazon) and they are much better than the part store junk I have been running for years before that.

 

Agreed, I've been running Akebono ceramic for a while now, very happy with them. Used to run Hawk ceramic before that but switched when their prices went way up. Plus the Akebono make way less dust than the Hawks & seem to last longer too.

 

Did

$45 Akebono ACT799 Proact Ultra Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad kit , GREY

Akebono ACT799 on my PreRunner last month and I’m very happy with them. No noise, no dust and improved braking