The PDI brake booster uses a dual diaphragm configuration (same as the 80 series, but we have increased the diameter to get more surface area.  Its the overall surface area that give the assist so the 9"+10” design is better than just a 9” single diaphragm by 50%.  Going from a 9” to a 8”+9” only gives a 30% increase in the assist.  

Brake lines are recommended to be replaced every 15 years - more often on a 4WD due to additional potential damage and increased flex/movement.  When increasing line pressure, braided lines are a great way to ensure the lines don’t swell or pop under pressure.  We use Australian made brake lines.

With the much higher potential line pressure (due to the brake booster upgrade) clamping the pads hard onto the disk is improving the friction material.  The commonly marketed 4WD pads are hard and wear very well, but aren’t the best choice for improving braking capacity.  After looking around and talking to other workshops the next stage of improvement, if you decide to start driving it like you stole it, is the DBA Extreme Performance pads.  The extra bite these pads exhibit can be quickly felt with light pedal application and these were our go to choice on a (non vacuum booster) hydraulic ABS equipped 105 Landcruiser.  They continue to work well under heavy load although when pushing hard through many corners and constant braking we did feel some brake fade..

The above setups work great and for most people, they will not feel brake fade, caused by the brake rotor getting too hot.  We need to remember that brakes work by converting motion into heat (caused by friction).  Disk rotors and the surrounding parts are designed to dissipate heat with cooling air running over the parts, which is one of the reasons the rotors are hollow (ventilated) to increase their surface area. However, if you are making more heat than the std system can remove then better rotor design is required.  Street car modifications would tell you that you need to install slotted and/or cross drilled rotors and these are commonly fitted to 4WD.  The aim here is to increase surface area and provide a space for gasses to escape from the hot pads (while clamped hard onto the disk).  However, the issue is that a 4WD, when entering its designated territory, can get debris  pulled between the pad and rotor but the slots and holes.  Sticks and rocks can get embedded into the pads and then start destroying the disk rotor.  Considering the front disk rotor change requires pulling the wheel bearing apart to change, this isn’t ideal for the bush.

DBA rotors have the Kangaroo Paw vane design which is claimed to give up to 20% better heat dissipation.  The have selected the metallurgy and treatments for maximum braking stability.  For this reason we think they are the better choice we also recommend the HD 400 Series brake rotors.  We can provide slotted and drilled options, but these are not recommended for offroad use.

Note: Only use DOT3 brake fluid in your Landcruiser.

If you would like to just do a front rotor upgrade (since 75% of braking is done by the front brakes) contact us for a quote.

Stage 1:

PDI extra large dual diaphragm brake booster (coming soon for Nissan GU and GQ)

Braided brake lines

Stage 2:

PDI extra large dual diaphragm brake booster (coming soon for Nissan GU and GQ)

Braided brake lines

DBA Extreme Performance Brake pads (not available for GQ)

Stage 3:

PDI extra large dual diaphragm brake booster (coming soon for Nissan GU and GQ)

Braided brake lines

DBA Extreme Performance Brake pads (not available for GQ)

DBA HD 4000 Rotors (not available for rear late 80/105 series and Nissan GQ)

These suitable for: 60 Series, 75 Series, 79 Series, 80 series, 105 Series (non ABS), 105 Series (ABS - lines, pads and rotor upgrade only), Nissan GU, Nissan GQ

Electric Hydraulic Model Landcruisers (100 and 200 Series)

Stage 1

DBA Extreme Performance Brake pads

Stage 2

DBA Extreme Performance Brake pads

DBA HD 4000 Rotors