The time has finally come: Josh is in front of the camera. And the spotlight isn’t just on him — it’s on his 4Runner, which just got a brake upgrade that’s ready to tackle downhill runs, trail adventures, and daily drives with confidence. With a fresh set of R1 GEO-Carbon Series Slotted Rotors and new OPTIMUM OEp Series Brake Pads, this Toyota 4Runner is officially back in peak stopping form.
Braking performance had started to fade, and not just metaphorically. The old rotors had built up a visible glaze, which anyone who’s driven with worn-out pads knows leads to that dreaded pulsating feel underfoot. As Josh puts it:
“You’re basically driving on glazed donuts.”
That sensation is heat-related, usually from too much material buildup on the rotors or uneven pad wear. The fix: replace both.
Enter the R1 GEO-Carbon Slotted Rotors. The slots help channel away gases and debris, keeping the braking surface cooler and cleaner. That’s ideal for anyone who does a lot of downhill driving or plans to hit the trails.
And for pads, the go-to choice here is the OPTIMUM OEp Series, a long-lasting daily driver pad with excellent initial bite and low dust output — perfect for a blend of urban and off-road use.
If your brakes start pulsing or feeling spongy, check for rotor glazing. It’s a clear sign you might need a rotor and pad refresh.
This wasn’t just a brake day. It was a full refresh session:
And yes, it all went down at BC Motorworks, who came in clutch with a full day of shop time. Much love to them, and of course, to the squad that showed up and turned wrenches.
With the new rotors and pads installed, Josh’s 4Runner is geared up for the next camping trip at the end of the month. Whether it’s crawling trails or cruising backroads, upgraded brakes provide the kind of confidence that keeps you pushing forward safely.
Huge thanks to:
Catch more behind-the-scenes action and future adventures over on our Instagram and stay tuned. The 4Runner story is just getting started.