Upgrading Front disc brakes

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Plain City, UT
I am in the middle of upgrading the front axle on my 40 and would also like to upgrade my disc brakes. I have been searching and reading all morning but haven't found all the info I need and just want to check a few things to make sure I have it right.

The front axle is 1976, all original as far as I can see. I would like to upgrade the caliper and rotor.

Do I want to use the calipers off of a V6 4Runner? If so, what years can I use, early 90's? Is this the best option?

As far as rotors I have no clue, I read something about a vented rotor but couldn't find out any info on what that was off of or what to look for.

Thanks everyone. Since I am spending all this time and money on upgrading the front axle I might as well get the best brakes I can. I appreciate your help.

If I have missed other threads with this info I apologize and links would be appreciated.
 
All Cruiser rotors are vented. If you have non-vented rotors, then that was done from a conversion using mini-truck parts. The calipers for the vented rotors have a larger slot for the disc, and that's the only difference between the calipers of that vintage.

The early rotors lasted until 1979/1980, then they went to mounting through the studs and two bolts instead of just bolts. The rotor is the same for the 40, 60, and 70 series in diameter and thickness - the only thing that really changes is how it attaches.

You can use later 4Runner calipers, the pistons are the same larger size instead of staggered (smaller and larger). The brake pad is a little larger. I have done this swap and can say that there was no appreciable improvement in braking performance even though I used high end components. An improvements people are seeing are probably from changing out old tired components for fresh ones, but this is just my experience.

~John
 

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