N80 brake upgrade

[mccaw.d@gmail.com]

Hi Guys,

Just completed a brake upgrade using 2015 Prado 150 calipers and rotors. Has to be the cheapest brake job I’ve ever done. The only mod required is to drill the Prado caliper mounts out from 12mm to 14mm. Everything aligned perfectly. Spent $150 on a set of calipers, $410 on a set of DBA T3 slotted rotors and $110 on a set of Ben Dix ultimates plus another $60 on having the holes drilled out by a fitter.

The N80 uses 319mm x 28mm rotors, the Prado uses 338mm x 32mm rotors. Tested is from 120km to dead stop and it saves about 15m over standard brakes. I would suggest a stiffer set of front springs and shocks as the nose really dives under heavy braking.

Dave

[numberplate]

well done mate

[HK1837]

120 ‘cruiser should fit too if 150’s are that easy. The only difference is 4mm in thickness. The only reason I didn’t fit these to my 2011 is I was told I needed to upgrade the master cyl to run the 150 series calipers. The 2016 on Hilux master cyl must be more suitable.

[nicebike]

That's a seriously sensible upgrade. Well done. Good value as well

Might also work with late 2013 onward N70 ? The late 2013 changes (full VSC etc package, bigger brakes and ADD) may have also included changes to the master cylinder ?.

Personally, as regards the master cylinder, I would suck it and see. If the 2011 M/C doesn't convert enough pedal pressure to pad pressure, it can then be upgraded.

[HK1837]

Bigger brakes started in 2011 when 17” wheels first became standard, then added to more in 2012.

There won’t be much advantage between the ‘120 and ‘150 rotors as they are the same diameter. The biggest gain is in the diameter increase.

[nicebike]

Bigger brakes started in 2011 when 17” wheels first became standard, then added to more in 2012.

There won’t be much advantage between the ‘120 and ‘150 rotors as they are the same diameter. The biggest gain is in the diameter increase.

Not sure where you are geographically, but 17s didn't become standard on the SR until late 2013 in Australia. They were available earlier as part of an option pack. Don't know about the SR5.

[HK1837]

NSW.

2011 SR5 diesel got 17” wheels in 2011. V6 SR5 didn’t until the 2012 facelift later in 2011. I thought SR got the 319mm rotors at the same 2012 facelift? Or did they keep the 297mm rotors with only the wide wheel VSC ones get them? I also thought the master cylinder on pre 2016 with 319mm rotors was the same as the earlier cars with 297mm rotors? The 2008/9 TRD had 338mm rotors and use the same master cylinder as the 297mm rotor cars.

[nicebike]

That sounds right. My interest has only been in the SR which picked up the skinny 17s, VSC etc., ADD, and presumably the bigger brakes,as standard in late 2013. I'd be surprised if any SR model without the electronics package picked up bigger brakes, which would mean only the wide wheel VSC (option pack) ones prior to 2013.

It has appeared to me that a few of these changes seemed to hold hands on the assembly line. IE Get one, get all.

Again, not sure, but I would expect that any M/C changes would have accompanied that package, regardless of which model had the package.

For anyone contemplating the upgrade it would certainly be handy to know for sure which models to chase down for an upgraded M/C, if it became necessary. Genuine spares may be gold plated, or they may not.

[HK1837]

I left my master cylinder original with the ‘120 Series 338mm rotors and calipers but upgraded the booster to a PBR one from a Commodore modified to suit.

[nicebike]

My brain works a bit slowly, but it has also occurred to me that this upgrade appears to create no problems with the electronics.

There's no reason why it should cause problems, but Toyota stability control and traction control programming can do some weird things, so winner, winner

[Hilux Max]

Hi Guys,

Just completed a brake upgrade using 2015 Prado 150 calipers and rotors. Has to be the cheapest brake job I’ve ever done. The only mod required is to drill the Prado caliper mounts out from 12mm to 14mm. Everything aligned perfectly. Spent $150 on a set of calipers, $410 on a set of DBA T3 slotted rotors and $110 on a set of Ben Dix ultimates plus another $60 on having the holes drilled out by a fitter.

The N80 uses 319mm x 28mm rotors, the Prado uses 338mm x 32mm rotors. Tested is from 120km to dead stop and it saves about 15m over standard brakes. I would suggest a stiffer set of front springs and shocks as the nose really dives under heavy braking.

Dave

Exact same upgrade i have waiting when my original brake pads wear out.

[Hilux Max]

Bigger brakes started in 2011 when 17” wheels first became standard, then added to more in 2012.

There won’t be much advantage between the ‘120 and ‘150 rotors as they are the same diameter. The biggest gain is in the diameter increase.

I had FJ Cruiser calipers and rotors fitted before the VSC upgraded brakes came out on my N70. added braided brake lines all around, modified the LPSV valve setup to give me more rear brake bias, and added a dual diapghram brake booster.

On 35s, with abs, she would moan hard under brakes but would pull up quicker than my wifes camry at the time.

[Flash Diesel]

I left my master cylinder original with the ‘120 Series 338mm rotors and calipers but upgraded the booster to a PBR one from a Commodore modified to suit.

Who modified the booster? And what did they do?

[HK1837]

It came from Stopmaster brakes in Lake Macquarie, not sure who their source was. They used to use 80 series boosters but now do the VT one. It is modified to fit, has the actuating rod modified, and I think the front rod altered. It has a threaded boss added on the front for some purpose on a diesel car too which the V6 doesn’t need. Bolts in, pushes the master cyl maybe 20mm forward.

[Richard]

Or you can give it to Pedders and have front and back done for around 4 grand.

[numberplate]

Or you can give it to Pedders and have front and back done for around 4 grand.

I wouldn't let Pedders touch my lawnmower , and it doesn't even have brakes lol

[ZQNhilux]

Hi Guys,

Just completed a brake upgrade using 2015 Prado 150 calipers and rotors. Has to be the cheapest brake job I’ve ever done. The only mod required is to drill the Prado caliper mounts out from 12mm to 14mm. Everything aligned perfectly. Spent $150 on a set of calipers, $410 on a set of DBA T3 slotted rotors and $110 on a set of Ben Dix ultimates plus another $60 on having the holes drilled out by a fitter.

The N80 uses 319mm x 28mm rotors, the Prado uses 338mm x 32mm rotors. Tested is from 120km to dead stop and it saves about 15m over standard brakes. I would suggest a stiffer set of front springs and shocks as the nose really dives under heavy braking.

Dave

Hey Dave, did you change the backing plates? I’m keen on this upgrade but need to have it look original and rotors bigger than the backing plates is a dead giveaway to inspectors.

Cheers
Josh

[Richard]

No one has mentioned blue plating.

[hiluxxury]

No... they haven't. There is a legal obligation to do it, there is no question or grey area arguments about it.