LC250 to GX550 OEM big brake upgrade

[turbo8]

Since I do a lot of mountain driving and the LC250 lacks engine braking, I wanted to get a little bigger rotor with more mass. I was hoping Toyota was going to have off the shelf, bolt-on parts like they have in the past and after doing my research, they do. The GX550 has the brakes I wanted.

All that is required are the rotors and calipers, they bolt on and require no other modifications. I have 18" TRD Pro wheels from the Tundra. 17" wheels will be a close fit, but if the wheels fit a GX550, they will fit after this mod to your 250.

47730-60480 brake caliper front right
47750-60480 brake caliper front left
43512-60291 Disc Front

LC250 backing plates look like they were made for the larger rotors. Brake lines and brake pads are the same between both models.

Dimensional differences: 250-series, GX550
- Rotor diameter: 340mm, 354mm
- Rotor total thickness: 32mm, 32mm
- Rotor wall thickness: 7.6mm, 8.9mm
- Rotor weight: 21.6lbs, 25lbs

The rotors match the size from later model years of the 200 series.

I used Hawk LTS pads

I bedded the brake pads in and noticed the increased braking power. Which should be 5% more brake power and 15% more thermal capacity.

I'll update this thread after some more driving.

 

[surfishjoe]

Bummer if 17" wheels will not clear but sick upgrade. I have Tundra brakes on my 1st gen Tacoma.

 

[turbo8]

Bummer if 17" wheels will not clear but sick upgrade. I have Tundra brakes on my 1st gen Tacoma.

I'm assuming any 17" wheel that fits the GX550 will fit the LC250.

 

[bjowett]

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been going down this rabbit hole for a couple of months.

As mentioned, these calipers and rotors are the same size as the 16+ 200 and 2G Tundra. There are plenty of 17” wheels for those apps, so there should be available options for the 6 lug 250 chassis.

The rotor 43512-60291 may have been superseded from the 43512-60290, which had a pillar vane of sorts. The 43512-60291 look to be a regular straight vane? The pillar vane, if it can be found, should have a slight advantage and be part of the upgrade.

If you are interested in a 4 piston rear caliper upgrade, just say so. There is a potential unit available, though it’s early and compatibility needs to be explored. It won’t be a bolt on.

 

[Tex68w]

Guys run aftermarket 17" wheels on the GX550.

 

[turbo8]

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been going down this rabbit hole for a couple of months.

As mentioned, these calipers and rotors are the same size as the 16+ 200 and 2G Tundra. There are plenty of 17” wheels for those apps, so there should be available options for the 6 lug 250 chassis.

The rotor 43512-60291 may have been superseded from the 43512-60290, which had a pillar vane of sorts. The 43512-60291 look to be a regular straight vane? The pillar vane, if it can be found, should have a slight advantage and be part of the upgrade.

If you are interested in a 4 piston rear caliper upgrade, just say so. There is a potential unit available, though it’s early and compatibility needs to be explored. It won’t be a bolt on.

They look pretty straight.

Side by side comparison.

 

[bjowett]

At some point they were offering the pillar vane in both sizes.

Brembo is the only aftermarket supplier I have found that offers it, up to this point. Advics has a high carbon variant available aftermarket, but straight vane.

 

[bjowett]

Here’s the 43512-60290 with pillar type vanes.

 

[turbo8]

Here’s the 43512-60290 with pillar type vanes.

View attachment 4218336

I'll have to check my 24 gx550 to see what rotors it has.

 

[hoser]

The brake master and booster are much different between the LC250 and GX550. Interested in hearing your impressions after some time.

 

[turbo8]

The brake master and booster are much different between the LC250 and GX550. Interested in hearing your impressions after some time.

Yeah, that concerned me a little bit, but since the calipers aren't much difference in size I went for it. So far all good with increased stopping power.

I also tested the emergency brake system today, all works great. I recommend testing the emergency brake so you know how it reacts, if needed.