Topic: 1985 4Runner Brake Upgrade 'How To' wanted.

[jssgbsn]

Just wondering if anybody has an easy to follow 'how to' for upgrading 85 4Runner calipers to V6 with Vented Rotors.

One of my pistons is frozen and has annihilated a pad and rotor.  Since I need to replace a caliper I figure I may as well do the V6 upgrade.

From what I can tell I'll need V6 Calipers, FJ60 Rotors, and spacers (I'd rather not grind the calipers down).

Can I get confirmation that is all I'll need?

Is there anyway to determine what size spacers I will need ahead of time?

And, when I install the spacers i'm guessing my front tires are gonna be wider than rear.  Any problems with that I should know about.

Thanks guys,

[jssgbsn [OP]]

And with spacers I am assuming I will need longer hub studs.  Is that right?

[jssgbsn [OP]]

I'm also debating just putting stock calipers and rotors on, and doing a Booster/MC upgrade first, and then if I feel I really need the caliper/rotor upgrade doing that.

It's just since I know I need to buy calipers I can't imagine not doing the V6 upgrade now.

[helipilot77]

You don't need longer wheel studs to mount wheel spacers. They just bolt onto your factory studs. Just make sure to use lock tight. I had one of mine come off while going 50. I noticed the biggest difference when I changed to a dual diaphragm booster. But it was the last peice off the brake upgrade that I did.
- FJ60 rotors
- V6 calipers
- FJ80 Master cylinder
- FJ 80 dual diaphragm booster
In that order. I daily drove it for at least a month between each upgrade.

[jssgbsn [OP]]

You don't need longer wheel studs to mount wheel spacers. They just bolt onto your factory studs. Just make sure to use lock tight. I had one of mine come off while going 50. I noticed the biggest difference when I changed to a dual diaphragm booster. But it was the last peice off the brake upgrade that I did.
- FJ60 rotors
- V6 calipers
- FJ80 Master cylinder
- FJ 80 dual diaphragm booster
In that order. I daily drove it for at least a month between each upgrade.

Cool, doing it in stages is nice, I like that idea.

What about the width of the wheel spacers?  I've been reading I will prob need 3/4" - 1" spacers for the V6 Calipers to fit.  I got the basic 15" Black Steel Wheels.  I don't wanna get everything tore down and not have the spacers if it turns out I will need them for clearence.

Opinions on OEM vs Aftermarket for the Callipers and Rotors?

[kneedownnate]

Measure your studs and you'll know how thick the spacers need to be.  As for calipers, we have a well reputed local brake/alignment shop we deal with through work.  I told him I wanted the best quality rebuilt calipers possible and he instantly knew where to get some good ones.  They weren't super expensive, but I did get a buddy deal on em.  I do know he said they were special order, and oddly enough he got them through autozone.

[Ev87We4]

Like everyone else said, the spacers are only needed in 2 instances. 1) if u have a straight axle swapped truck 86 or newer, and u want the track width to be the same. (Rear axle is 3" wider on 86-newer)Or more importantly 2) u may need them because your wheels might interfere with the caliper. Not all wheels will hit so you can probably test fit it first. If you do end up needing spacers, buy ones that have their own studs and use new lug nuts to bolt them on
I had one set of steel wagon wheels that interfered and another set of steel wheels with D shaped holes and they didn't hit at all.

[jssgbsn [OP]]

I got the D-Shaped also.  Guess I just need to dive in get the calipers and rotors and see what happens

[jssgbsn [OP]]

Looks like I need 1" spacers.  Current studs are 1" outside of hub and the wheel is hitting the caliper

Thought I would have everything done in 1 day, oh well.  Hopefully shipping won't take too long.

Anybody have good or bad experience with a specific spacer company? 

[jssgbsn [OP]]

And her is the damage from the frozen caliper

[jssgbsn [OP]]

Spacers came in but they do not slide over the hub body.

Customer service for the place I order from has to call the vendor, but cant until Monday cause they close at 2pm on Fridays.

I just want my wheels back on