Is the tundra brake upgrade worth it?

I've been reading a bunch of threads on this, but haven't quite found what I'm looking for: your review of the upgrade..., please!

My front brakes are going to need replacement later this year, so I want to hear your thoughts. Is it better? Are there things that you don't like? My truck is an ABS model, does that make a difference?

Personally I haven't found the brakes to be a problem yet, but I haven't done much heavy hauling yet on this truck (my old 96 5 lugger was somewhat regularly tasked with extended "at or near" maximum gvw lugging multiple motorcycles or heavy steel stuff for work, and I never felt those brakes were underpowered, but my new prerunner is a different beast). My wife will also be driving this vehicle occasionally, so it's important to me that this upgrade won't introduce adverse driving characteristics.

Really appreciate your opinion!

 

A lot of people swear by the upgrade,
I personally have never needed the upgrade.

I did add stainless steel lines front and back,
New brake fluid flush,
New brake booster all made a big difference.

If you run a trailer like I do I would recommend a double axle if your carrying
a bunch of weight and electric brakes.

What I have found is if you run a high performance break pad that creates
a lot of heat you will warp your rotors.
I was running green stuff high performance pads and they kept warping my rotors.
I switched to a less high performance pad and have zero issues.
The OEM rotors are not that thick unlike the tundra that are thicker and wider.

 

I would do the 199mm upgrade at least. Had it on my 4Runner and it's a huge improvement.

Make sure your rear drums are adjusted properly and lubricated appropriately.

Also make sure your shoes aren't soaked in gear oil from a leaky axle seal.

 

It is a personal thing your front Brakes are Worn Out You upgrade to the Bigger Brakes all of a sudden the truck stops much better!!

Has anyone done it on a New Tacoma say with 5000 miles or so.

I had given it a thought having to go to a larger diameter wheel means it would get real expensive to upgrade all my wheels something like 24 wheels I no doubt would end up with different size wheels on the Truck.

For the record most days the Truck moves it has a 1000 plus pound payload or towing a 2000 pound welder

 

I've done the Tundra brake upgrade and for me, it was worth it. I'm on 35's and my truck is getting heavier with fab work so I need some extra stopping power.

I don't have anything negative to say about the upgrade. The stopping power is nice.

I don't have any reviews on the ABS because I had to ditch my ABS. My spindles do not except the ABS sensor but I have read and watched videos and they should work.

You're already doing your research so I think you need some convincing. The mod is super easy, everything bolts right in but I took my dust shield off. I bought my 13WL Calipers on Amazon. PowerStop Rotors and pads on RockAuto. If you're going to need a brake replacement this year, I say do it. You won't be disappointed.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! I forgot to qualify, I have a totally stock SR5 prerunner, stock 16-in wheels and tires 265/70 16. 3.4l. No plans to do anything that's going to add significant weight, I do have a plan in the long term to add a front and rear receiver both for winching and bicycles / motorcycle transport, but no big wheels are tires, 4x4 upgrade, etc. This is a work truck (metal fab) daily driver, kid hauler. Occasionally it is going to be that sexy offroadable boondocker, I'll camp in it, camp around it, haul bikes, surf boards, motorbikes and family down twisty dirt mountain roads.... But let's be real, it's a work truck daily driver.

Thanks again

 

^^^ what he said.
I'll add to this and say go with the 231mm rotors and calipers.
I also have rear discs and retained the OEM booster and master and it stops on a dime.
Whichever size you decide on, it will definitely improve your stopping power.

Good luck.

 

From my research, I think you'll need to buy bigger wheels to fit the calipers. I have 17" wheels and I don't have any issues. If you're going to keep it stock and you're not going to be towing a much, I'd say keep it stock.

 

If you stay stock you should have a trailer with electric brakes.
I have 15" rims,
The Tundra upgrade for new rims, new tires, added wheel weight isn't worth it for me, but a trailer with electric brakes would be alot safer and more stopping power that way

 

the stock 16" Toyota wheels are fine for first Gen, they were the same on the Tundra. 1st Gen steelies are OK as well, but not 2nd Gen steelies.

@Just_Tombo if you are going to "haul" anything then you may benefit from the upgrade if you already own the trailer and accessories and aren't planning on getting trailer brakes.

I noticed no "bite" or over braking habits but they do stop better and I have had them on for over a year without any issues. I bought mine refurb from fleabay and then bought Toyota OE rotors/pads

even coming down hills and swerves on paved road I had issues with the stock brakes "shuddering" due to excessive heat build-up and now I don't. the added extra from the 231 vs stock (183?) makes a big difference in lowering temps due to more surface area contact.

 

Is the Tundra Brake Upgrade Worth It?
Tundra OEM Rotors, Pads, Reman'd NAPA Calipers, Wheeler's Stainless Steel Brake Lines.


You tell me....


No topper, not toolbox, not hauling, just 3" lift/32.5"s

 

So, there's a lot of fud out there about the Tundra brake upgrade. A lot of people assume that larger calipers and rotors are going to give you better stopping power, and that's the reason to do the upgrade. However, that's not the reason to do it.

Having played a role in a couple hundred Tundra Brake Upgrades, here's my .02:

Stock Tacoma brakes will stop your truck just fine. You (or anyone) can prove this to yourself by finding an open area where you can get up to speed, and then press the brake pedal until you either (a) engage the ABS or (b) start to skid. When either of those happen, you know that you've applied all the braking you can ever possibly use. Bigger calipers, rotors, pads will not add any braking power, because a skid is a skid - your wheels can't turn more slowly than "stopped," and ABS control is ABS control - the computer won't suddenly know you have Tundra components and improve your ABS.

What Tundra brake components will do however, is allow you to brake harder, or for longer, without heating up as much (or in the worst cases, overheating as quickly). This is because the rotors are larger and so can both (a) soak up more heat and (b) dissipate heat more quickly than the smaller Tacoma equivalents.

So, the Tundra upgrade can be a good upgrade if you have a heavier-than-stock Tacoma, or tow, or do a lot of braking in extended downhill sections of trail/highway/etc. Having them in that case will give you less brake fade (since the brake fluid will stay cooler) and give you a lower likelihood of warping your rotors (since they won't overheat as quickly). For a lot of folks who build up heavy rigs for camping, that can be a great thing. I'd also say that it's a reasonable upgrade to do if you're going to replace your entire brake system anyway, since it costs about the same as Tacoma parts, and ultimately reduces rotor warpage in the future.

If you are going to do it, this page has a great step-by-step guide (with pics) on the upgrade, as well as links to all the parts needed (at varying price points):

Step by Step Tundra Brake Upgrade on a Tacoma (or 4Runner)

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If you're going to do it, what you'll need are:

• 2 Toyota Tundra OEM rotors (L/R: 43512-0C011) Note: Amazon is sometimes out of these, and the Bosch QuietCast line is another good (and cheaper) option (L/R: 50011223)
• 2 Remanufactured Tundra 13WL calipers. Any of the following will work just fine and are all generally remanufactured by Cardone:
  • Callahan: L+R set, red powder coat
  • Napa Eclipse: (L: CAL SE3263) (R: CAL SE3264) or Adaptive One (L: ADC 1766XA) (R: ADC 1766XB)
  • or 13WL calipers from another parts store. Note: if they carry multiple lines, I recommend getting a line that has a lifetime warranty in case you ever need to replace a caliper.
• 1 set of Toyota Tundra OEM brake pads (L/R: 04465-35290)
• 1 set of Toyota Tundra OEM brake pad shims (L/R: 04945-35120)
• Brake lines
  • Tacoma: 1 Tacoma-to-Tundra Hard Brake Line Upgrade Kit (not needed for a 4Runner)
  • 4Runner: Stop Tech 4Runner Front Stainless Steel Brake Line (95044007) (will not fit Tacoma)
• Some DOT4 brake fluid, and 3M brake cleaner

Note: alternatively, if you want to buy a kit that contains rotors, calipers, and pads, you can purchase one from either Callahan or Power Stop. The components won't be quite as high quality as the OEM components listed above, but many people go this route to save a bit of money. If you do go this route, you still need the Tacoma-to-Tundra Hard Brake Line Upgrade Kit (not needed for a 4Runner), some DOT4 brake fluid, and 3M brake cleaner.

As far as wheels go, most 16" wheels fit, but here's a list of wheels that are known to work (or not) as the case may be. Each one has a link to the place where someone said they worked, which is a nice plus and so not just hearsay.

Which Wheels/Rims Fit the Tundra Brake Upgrade (13WL 231mm rotors) on a Tacoma? (or 3rd gen 4Runner)

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Holy shit that was real close.

Basically if you intend on hauling often or want better braking, upgrade? Or would converting to disc front and back be better

 

I never felt like the braking power of the stock calipers was inadequate even on an armored truck with 35s.

 

Absolutely. Best upgrade I have done to my Tacoma, and it has nearly everything on it.

 

Another option is the PowerStop Z36 brake kit which is what I did as well as stainless steel brake lines from Wheelersoffroad. Definitely stops better.

 

Is it worth it?

Yes, it's 100% positively worth it. Especially if you tow, drive with the bed loaded, get bigger tires (or all of the above).

Let's put it this way. When my truck was stock, I was CONSTANTLY replacing rotors from warping. I had to replace rotors almost as often as I replaced pads. Since I did the Tundra brake upgrade (3 years ago) I have not had to replace rotors (I have replaced pads twice).

Since I did the Tundra brakes, I have added bigger tires (285/70/17) I've added a roof top tent, and tent rack, side boxes with recovery equipment and tools, an offroad bumper with swing out in back, bumper and winch in front, 2nd battery, and about 200 pounds of skid plates. In all... I've probably added over 800 pounds to the daily weight of my truck AND STILL don't warp rotors.


Do the 231mm Tundra brakes. Anyone who tells you they aren't a good investment, hasn't done it to their truck... period.

 

Adding to this thread...
My truck has gained 1,300 pounds since birth in ‘03.
After completing the SAC without ABS provisions, I used my 231mm rotors and calipers for the Diamond axle. I dealt with the ABS light on in the dash.
After I did the rear Diamond axle conversion with discs, I completed a ‘remove ABS’ mod used from TW. I did add a Wilwood proportion valve, dialed it in and and removed the ABS bulb in the dash.
Stops far better than when new.

 

Huge difference in braking over stock.

I did 199’s then went to 231’s.

I have had persistent issues with parts house frozen calipers- Napa, Autozone, Rockauto all have the same cheap seals, etc, kind of like buying aftermarket cv’s.

I just buy ones with lifetime warranties and keep swapping them when they go bad and keep up with brake fluid changes every 30,000 miles

The extra work is worth the braking- no panic stops/standing on the pedal, when you’re on oversized tires carrying heavy loads, you don’t want to be in the position of seeing stopped traffic on slick roads

 

100% worth it.
My brake pedal is nice and firm with no play.
I go riding a lot and carry 2 quads on my bed with gear and ice chest etc, and when I brake I feel as if I'm carrying nothing. When I bought the truck I knew for a FACT that the stock calipers had to go. I did the 13WL upgrade within a few months and I'll never look back.

I spent about $550 with reman 13WL calipers, new OEM Toyota Tundra rotors, brake pads, and shims, and with the AdventureTaco brake line kit.

Edit: Just saw you have the OEM snowflake wheels. Just to let you know the 13WL calipers WILL fit under those with no modifications. All plug and play for you. All you'll need to do is bend the shields back a bit or take them off. That's it.