A Refresh for the Trails (and the Streets)
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.
Out with the Glaze, In with the Grip
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.
Pro Tip:
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.
What Else Got Done?
This wasn’t just a brake day. It was a full refresh session:
- Lower arms upgrade from Super
- Trail Grapplers from Paul’s FJ (a solid tire swap)
- Oil change
- Alignment planned before the upcoming camping trip
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.
Ready for the Next Adventure
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.
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Shoutouts and Credits
Huge thanks to:
- BC Motorworks for the shop time and solid support
- Paul for the trail grappler tire hookup
- The whole crew for the wrenching and good vibes
Catch more behind-the-scenes action and future adventures over on our Instagram and stay tuned. The 4Runner story is just getting started.
