PowerStop Z36 Caliper and Rotor Reviews?

Has anyone installed the PowerStop caliper and rotors on their truck (Tow version Z36)?

How have they worked for you? Since I have 146K on my original OEM set, I’m leaning towards an OEM replacement, but considering the slotted and drilled rotors for added heat dissipation for the few times a year I tow heavier loads.

Anyone with experience with this rotor and caliper set? Thanks for any guidance.

 

I put some PowerStop 13WL tundra calipers with their slotted and drilled rotors and Z36 pads on a 2002 double cab 4x4 a while ago. I no longer have the truck but I put 15k on it with that setup. The calipers seemed decent, remanufactured and stamped 13WL. The rotors held up well and with the surface size I had zero fade coming down steep grades loaded with gear. The brake pads seemed decent, average brake dust, nothing too special. I am about to do another 13WL setup on my 03 in the next couple weeks with some different components. I liked the idea of slotted and drilled rotors until I helped somone pull a rock out of theirs at a camp site. So this time I will be going with some solid rotors and some good pads. Not sure exactly what brand yet, OEM is never a bad idea. As for the calipers, having them show up powder coated is definitely nice. While looking at recent reviews of their calipers I am noticing a recent trend of people complaining about seals being bad straight out of the box. Because of that, I am considering going with a local reman from NAPA for its lifetime warranty and painting it myself. I cant say anything bad about PowerStop though, I would just make sure your okay with whatever warranty or return policy your getting.

 

45K ago I put the Powerstop drilled/slotted rotors and Z36 pads on and they are wearing well and expect about 60-70k before changing. I did not put their calipers on but will next time as will be around 190-200k. Stops better and no fade. I towed a 6000lb trailer and a 4000lb boat so needed some help. Better stops but the 2nd gens brake systems are NOT the best/most powerful. I've driven other newer trucks and much more boost. Many posts and many opinions on the best brakes. I only got 80k on OEM fronts so you must not tow or carry big loads.

 

Do slotted but not drilled rotors. They can crack between the holes after time

 

True of cheap rotors that do not have the holes chamfered or a 45 degree taper cut on them which Powerstops do.

 

I got about 40k out of the oem stuff and I'm getting low on the z36 stuff but they've been great for over 40k. I plan to get the pads and rotors again but the calipers are starting to seize so I'm considering powerstops calipers as well.

 

I installed the Powerstop rotors and pads, overall pleased with them but the pads wore pretty fast in my opinion (25K miles).
Replaced pads with the Toyota TRD pads and that has been outstanding for stopping!! No clue how many miles I’ll get out of them though.

 

I only got 30k out of my TRD pads

 

I just put this kit on my truck a couple of weeks ago. Being that it is so recent I cannot quote on longevity.
The parts themselves are prefect fitment, and other than 'rusty truck' issues () the install and subsequent performance is great.
If you already know your calipers are done I'd suggest just buying the complete kit. I started off with just the pads and rotors, and had to go back for the calipers, even going through Rock Auto I spent probably 150 more than buying the complete kit at the onset.

 

I’m on my second set. Got about 45k miles out of the rotors and 20-25k miles out of the pads.

They are an upgrade over stock for stopping power with larger heavier tires.

 

I went with the Stoptech slotted rotors, braided lines and ceramic pads a year ago and haven't had any problems. Feels better than stock for sure.

 

PowerStop will improve the brakes but it won't be a dramatic improvement.

The debate over drilled rotors is long and some will post pictures of cracked rotors off of race cars/trucks to prove their point.

For a Tacoma that does not have ATRAC you can't get better brakes than:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-2006-tacoma-brake-upgrade-edited.652471/

 

I have the PowerStop Z36 kit on two of my Tacoma's (2014 and 2003). I replaced both brakes because they were shuddering when I'd be coming to a stop. "Warped" rotors. I'd say about 30K on the 2014 so far and they've been performing great.