Big Brakes

[FlatlandTRD]

So all the rage in the Tacoma and 4rnr (3rd Gen) world is going to Tundra brakes. The two options are the pre-03 Tundra brakes stamped S13WE on 199mm calipers, and the TS Bulletin brakes that were also standard on 03+ stamped 13WL on 231mm calipers. Both use the same rotor. On a stock tacoma, brakes are fine. Even on a modified one, they were ok. But I don't drive mine like an angry teenager. My problem was on the trails (I know, a mod oriented around wheeling and not for looks! ) Descending a steep portion, especially if ledges were involved, the stock brake would not hold. Granted I always allow proper spacing between the rig in front of me, knowing I was coming down the hill unless I used terrain to slow.

On to the content, the stock brakes

 

[FlatlandTRD]

The upgrade I opted for, because if big is great, bigger is even greater... right? So I went with the 13WL stamped 231mm calipers and Tundra rotors. The diameter of my Brembo, stock, rotor was 11 5/8" and the Tundra was 12 1/2"

 

[FlatlandTRD]

And of course the thickness....

 

[FlatlandTRD]

This is supposed to help with brake fade, better dissipation of heat, highly technical stuff...

 

[FlatlandTRD]

So the caveats!! Only certain wheels fit with the new bigger brakes. I would love to have the 17" Tundra wheels so I could run 34" tires. But I had already upgraded to 80 wheels. Interesting side note, 80 wheels won't fit with either caliper! The smaller 199mm requires slight grinding to the wheel or caliper and the 231s require wheel spacers, which I just happened to already have in the 1" flavor. The 80 calipers are stamped S13WC, but couldn't get info if they would actually bolt directly up to the tacoma caliper spot. Oh well.

Here's the result with 80 wheels and 1" spacers, granted it's a driveway shot, but that seems to be the norm anymore Oh, and I apologize for not having a nice clean truck with armoralled tires

 

[FlatlandTRD]

This was done prior to SMORR, where 90% of the time it seemed like we were in freggin water! However, it was probably a great test of durability, as I watched other rigs on the same trail descend portions faster than I would throw a purse but that's another topic. I was able to finally STOP coming off ledges! Not too shabby. But other than that, I notice no difference

While bedding the brakes, I did manage to make the tires howl (btw, '01 was the last year ABS was optional, and mine opted out... BOOM!) Otherwise, they were the same, maybe extra spongy to begin with, but by performing some top secret procedures I was able to firm up the pedal.

Is it the Holy Grail of modifications for these generations?! Not from my perspective, but I'm a scientist, and don't prescribe to the drivel on the net. So why do they all exclaim it to be the greatest mod they've done? Because they don't want to admit they spent that kind of money on PM when their current brakes were shot, and anything is better than what they had. Luckily for me, it's taken offroad and actually benefits from the change, so I had less to lose, and pride is overrated

It's kinda like claiming that a snorkle increases HP by supplying extra cold air... So let me get this straight, a BLACK plastic oven with the sun beating down on it, provides cooler air?! Doesn't matter, it looks cool and I never get tired of telling people it's a Bubble Machine And it made a difference here dammit

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Wheels

So since my wheels were all nasty and shiny (and pretty badly oxidized and scratched), I got them blasted... I love the way they look, just gotta figure out if I want to keep them that way, or paint them. I really like the throw back to the original Toyotas, but.... it's not mall crawler black!!!

 

[2fpower]

Best quote of the day, and words to live by.....

"because if big is great, bigger is even greater"

Your singing to the choir pastor!

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Best quote of the day, and words to live by.....

"because if big is great, bigger is even greater"

Your singing to the choir pastor!

Ha, that was the toned down version! Trying to keep this family friendly

I'll get some token pics of blasted wheels in the driveway tomorrow...

 

[IBCRUSN]

Why you no red calipers?? Because ricecar calipers for the win!!

It's kinda like claiming that a dorkle increases HP by supplying extra cold air... So let me get this straight, a BLACK plastic oven with the sun beating down on it, provides cooler air?! Doesn't matter, it looks cool and I never get tired of telling people it's a Bubble Machine And it made a difference here dammit

Fixed ^^^

Seriously though nice write up!! Now I completely understand what you were talking about while I was overseas and too lazy to research it on my own.

BTW, I still have some left over powder from when I powdered my wheels.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Why you no red calipers?? Because ricecar calipers for the win!!

BTW, I still have some left over powder from when I powdered my wheels.

Haven't ruled out the red calipers... duplicolor makes a brush on... Kinda thinking bronze for the win!

I'm liking the almost white wheels, not going to powdercoat. May try this clear primer stuff.

 

[Bob_Garrett]

It's kinda like claiming that a snorkle increases HP by supplying extra cold air... So let me get this straight, a BLACK plastic oven with the sun beating down on it, provides cooler air?!

Well, actually it does supply cooler air and I have data to prove that, at least for the 80 series. Measured intake air temps were 20-50 deg lower on a sunny day in a snorkeled 80 vs. one with a factory air intake.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Well, actually it does supply cooler air and I have data to prove that, at least for the 80 series. Measured intake air temps were 20-50 deg lower on a sunny day in a snorkeled 80 vs. one with a factory air intake.

Cool, someone actually read it all!

The 80 intake is quite a bit different than mine. I can bypass the snorkle by opening up the front of the box if I want cooler temps, and close it up for dusty and wet conditions. I've done some testing too

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Blasted wheel

I really like the matte look of the blasted wheels. Probably hide scratches better than if I went darker too. I know, you're thinking "why not go bronze?"

 

[2fpower]

I think it would look cool if you paint the "inner" depressed area white.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Haven't ruled out the red calipers... duplicolor makes a brush on... Kinda thinking bronze for the win!

While red might be a little over the top it would match your coil overs , maybe black to prevent rust.

I really like the matte look of the blasted wheels. Probably hide scratches better than if I went darker too. I know, you're thinking "why not go bronze?"

Flat clear over freshly blasted base material would look cool and be easier to clean.
http://www.powderbuythepound.com/FLAT_CLEAR_PANEL/

 

[kc_chevota]

those look cool!

 

[weejub]

While red might be a little over the top it would match your coil overs , maybe black to prevent rust.

Flat clear over freshly blasted base material would look cool and be easier to clean.
http://www.powderbuythepound.com/FLAT_CLEAR_PANEL/

Since we are voting . . . I am with IBCRUSN. Or just them as-is and blast them again in a few years?

 

[2fpower]

I wonder how fun it is to get brake dust off of the blasted surface?

 

[FlatlandTRD]

I wonder how fun it is to get brake dust off of the blasted surface?

Which is kinda why I'm thinking about at least a clear. Although these stock ceramic pads don't seem to generate much dust. And they used peanut shells, then glass, it's pretty smooth. Besides, I ride my bicycle to work...