Hi,

For the new Toyota and going off pavement with it, I may run into situations where I'll depend on A-trac to get me through. I know that tires are a big influence but let's leave that aside for now.

I've done a little reading and it seems like A-trac efficacy can be influenced by how good the brakes are working. To that end, based on the initial, short/quick test drive, I'm not impressed with the current braking. Seemed a little soft and weak (at least compared to the GS).

If I replace the pads, are the Akebono Performance a good choice. I've been very happy with them on my GS. They stop okay when cold but are impressive when hot. And haven't had any concerns to date with fade.

But under situations where A-trac is valuable, are these a good choice where cold is not as good as hot? If they are cold, will A-trac heat up the brakes enough? Or should I be looking for pads that exceptional when cold?

Brakes are the weak point on 4Runners. I've gone full circle chasing this problem. Aftermarket rotors and pads, brake job after brake job....and back to stock. There's a company out there from Australia that makes high end rotors and pads for Cruisers I looked at last, but I have no experience with them. Good luck!

Edit...I assumed we were talking about 4Runners.. if not look here
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/pro...rivetrain_brakes.htm

T4R / LX570.... Probably not too far off.

I got the LX570 but probably same lacking. I'll check out the link.

My go to brake pads have been Hawk HPS pads. They are great and will not fade when they get hot.

I've often used almost any rotors until my current ride that was known to eat up rotor(it would wrap most rotors). When my steering wheel started shaking when I braked I knew it was time to fix the front brakes for good. I went with EBC slotted rotors.

I also swapped calibers from single piston to dual piston. I was lucky though as the dual piston off an older Acura would bolt on my newer one.

Those three things improved my braking and I have had zero issues. Granted this was on a car and not an SUV.

If you want quality rotors I would check out EBC. They were the first slotted rotors I've ever run. I wasn't looking for slotted and drilled but after a lot of research, these were the best option.

Good pads can make a huge difference in braking, especially with fade.

konatt88
I would suggest you present this at 4Runnerforum.org. There may be other forums specifically for your vehicle but I'm sure most advice there will apply. There are folks there that have seen much more about serious off roading the 4R than on this list. It is my go to place for the 4R. Actually I personally do not recall seeing threads about this being a big issue over there but I do not do a lot of off road myself so could have missed it.

Just FYI, EBC parts for the 4Runner / Land cruiser do not hold up. Completely different animal. Mine warped about every 8-10k miles. I highly suggest you talk to the guys at Slee. They've been in the Toyota 4x4 world for years.

Brake problems on Gen 5s?

Is this a problem as they age because I've had mine for a year and a half with significant mountain and trail driving, and they will still stop so hard as to snap your neck and throw your groceries into your lap.

I've driven in some sketchy mud and sand and never used the A-Trac. Just use the gears well, put some good offroad rubber on the tires, deflate them on the fun stuff, and that will cover almost all your circumstances. I haven't even had to lock the rear diff yet.