Meet the Ambassador
If you are into serious trail rigs and real world capability, you have probably seen Bailey, better known as @1tontoyrunner, pushing her 1997 Toyota 4Runner to the limit.
Bailey’s off road journey started with a 2002 4Runner. It was two wheel drive and far from extreme, but it sparked something. After adding a Coastal Off-Road front bumper and exploring dirt roads, she realized she wanted more. That “more” eventually turned into a solid axle swapped 1997 4Runner built to handle demanding trails like the Rubicon.
What began as IFS, small wheels, and mild sliders evolved into a fully transformed rig sitting on massive 40 inch tires. When she rolled a 40 up next to a stock 4Runner for the first time, she knew there was no turning back. That was the moment the build got serious.
Their R1 Setup
With 40s, added weight, and serious trail use, Bailey knew her stock brakes were not going to cut it.
She was running factory rotors and pads, and described the pedal feel as super spongy. Daily driving a rig with that much rotational mass made it clear. Stopping 40 inch tires is not the same as stopping 33s. Bigger tires mean more leverage, more strain, and much more heat.
To match her build, Bailey upgraded to:
The R1 GEO-Carbon Series Drilled and Slotted Rotors are engineered for improved heat dissipation and consistent braking under load. The slotted design helps clear debris, dust, and gases from the pad surface, which is especially important in off road environments where dirt and mud are part of the adventure.
Paired with them are the R1 Performance Off-Road/Tow Series Brake Pads. These pads are specifically designed for heavier vehicles, towing, off road use, and higher performance demands. They offer strong initial bite and improved fade resistance, which is critical when you are crawling, descending technical terrain, or driving a lifted rig on the street.
Pro Tip: Proper bed-in is everything. As discussed during Bailey’s install, bringing the brakes up to temperature gradually helps set the pad profile to the rotor surface. This prevents glazing, improves longevity, and ensures consistent performance. Heat management is key to getting the most out of your new setup.
You can explore these upgrades here:
R1 GEO-Carbon Series Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors
R1 PERFORMANCE Off-Road/Tow Series Brake Pads
Why Brake Upgrades Matter
Bailey said it best. You can have all the horsepower in the world to get moving, but you are only safe if you can stop.
Her 4Runner may not be a high horsepower race truck, but it carries serious weight. Between the solid axle swap, heavy duty components, armor, and 40 inch tires, there is a lot of mass to control. That added rotational mass increases stopping distances and heat buildup.
Upgrading to a performance rotor and pad combination helps:
- Improve pedal feel and responsiveness
- Reduce brake fade under repeated or heavy braking
- Handle added weight from armor, axles, and larger tires
- Increase confidence both on road and on trail
For anyone rock crawling, towing, overlanding, or daily driving a heavily modified rig, brakes should never be an afterthought. They should match the capability of the rest of the build.
See Her Build in Action
Want to see Bailey’s 4Runner flexing on the trail and getting dialed in with her new R1 setup?
Follow her on Instagram at @1tontoyrunner and check out the full install and build overview with R1 Concepts. From shop talk to trail runs, you can see exactly how this 4Runner is built to perform.
Why We Love Working with Bailey
Bailey is the definition of building with purpose. She does not just modify for looks. Every upgrade on her 4Runner serves a function, from the solid axle swap to the brake system that now supports it.
Her honesty about the limitations of stock components and her focus on safety make her a perfect fit for R1 Concepts. She understands that capability is not just about going fast or climbing harder obstacles. It is about control, reliability, and confidence behind the wheel.
If you are building a trail ready rig and stepping up to bigger tires, take a page from Bailey’s book. Match your braking system to your build.
