Low Buck 4th Generation (2003-2009) 4Runner Brake Upgrade

Jeff installs the new Centric Rotors.

The 5th gen calipers bolt directly on, no messing around is needed at all.

The pads are loaded in next.

13 comments

  1. I love when you can dig into the manufacturer parts bin and find “OEM+,” style upgrades like these.

    Im on the hunt for a slightly larger master cylinder for my trailblazer ss from within the GM truck family. Factory i think is 1”, and am looking for a 1-1/16th as a baby upgrade, as I’ve found some 1.25” units already.

      1. On a Subaru this is a pretty common upgrade when paired with 4pot non-brembo brakes. Nice pedal feel after it’s done. I think I put in a legacy MC on to my forester FXT? Same with my WRX, I did the same. 1″ to 1-1/16th.

        I’m hoping the mush that is the trailblazer can be firmed up some, without having to go full hydroboost setup… That’s just a complication I don’t want to deal with.

        But thanks for the fair warning,!

  2. Were you able to return the 4th gen calipers to cover the core charges? Or did they not accept them because they are different parts? That’s $330 gone if they don’t accept them.
    Thanks

  3. Is it fair to keep repeating you get “more clamping force” with the bigger pistons? its the same hydraulic force distributed over a larger area. There’s no change at the master that creates said force. Technically it’s the same amount of force over a larger area and therefore less pressure but more evenly distributed over the face of of the pads.

  4. Nice write up.

    Is it just me or is Toyota always underwhelming on their brakes? Tundra brakes in a 3rd gen 4Runner is a solid bump up (which I drive). I am getting a 4th gen V8 and I am happy to see that there is an upgrade that is stock-ish. And yes, P=F/A…so same pressure, greater clamping area for bigger pistons equals greater force. F=PA and all that.

    Toyota needs to bump their brakes up in design. I like stopping.

    1. Japanese companies in general build under braked cars. My theory is that in Japan you cant drive fast for long so there was never a need for killer brakes!

  5. Thank you Mike. This article is very helpful. I have a 4th gen SR5 V6. I believe these rotors are smaller, than the V8 and Sport. Would the backing plate need to be replaced in this upgrade? I appreciate your help.

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