Putting LR4 Brakes on LR3

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roverca

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So after putting on the Johnson Rods and the bigger 275/ 65/ 18's I feel like my braking distance isn't what it was and now it is time to put new rotors and pads on. I read some threads of people putting 18's from a LR3 on a LR4 and having to skim the calipers with a grinder to have it fit the 18's. They all mentioned using a 35mm spacer. Not sure why? Anyone? I don't really want to mess with spacers. If I have to replace all the brakes I may as well see if I can upgrade and the bigger rotors from the LR4 seems the way to go but not understanding the spacers being used when 18's are put on a LR4.

Help anyone? I looked back a few years to see any info on this but didn't see anything so if this is a repeat in some way I apologize. Thanks!
 

jaamrode

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LR4s in US all came with 19” or larger wheels. You cannot fit LR3 18” wheels over calipers the from an LR4 without spacers. You would also have to get new caliper carriers. Many LR4 owners are putting LR3 discs and calipers on to be able to put 18”s on.
 

roverca

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I read that the LR4 Calipers could be ground down a touch and it would work. One guy said he did this and has been running the 18's on his LR4. Im just not following what the spacers are needed for. Does the brake assembly not only not fit unless ground down a bit but also got out toward the spokes?
 

roverca

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Never mind what I just said. Just not understanding why the spacers? I get the grinding the fin.
 

jaamrode

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Almost all wheels are tapered in the inside. So larger diameter on the inner edge and smaller at the spoke side. LR 18” wheels have too much taper so the wheel won’t fit all the way on to the hub without hitting the caliper. You need the spacer so the wheel is setting further out allowing it to clear the caliper. Compmotive makes a wheel that isn’t tapered as much on the inside that allows it to fit over the caliper.
 

roverca

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That makes sense. I was thinking that might be that case. I appreciate the response.
 

jwest

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nobody puts rods and bigger tires on then wants to add wheel size limiting stupid lr4 brakes. Just get better brakes... EBC or some other. Do some DD to choose.

I put on the SMALLER EBC rotors, slotted, and their pads, maybe green, and the feel and realistic stopping power are basically the same. I also run heavier tires than yours and my lr3 is heavier so if anything, yours will feel sporty by comparison with the 32" tire. These brakes stop just as well as the factory set but allow me to use a 17" wheel for more sidewall and certain tires like a skinny winter. Braking distance and some other things are going to be more limited by the tire type. It's not like you're maxing out the pedal power.

FYI running around at highway speed raised 2" is kind of a bad idea due to less safety and handling capability in the struts. You've removed 50% of the down travel in the struts and unless you have it aligned for new height, it won't handle properly in high speed steering.

LR4 brakes are just bigger, but not really much "better". However being forced to use spacers, different wheels, etc, is all fairly ridiculous.

Give it some thoughts, larger rotors when you want larger tires on an lr3 is just limiting the whole system.
 

roverca

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Thanks for the input! Very useful. Once I put the rods on I had it aligned. Thought I would use it more offroad than I actually do. For the amount I use offroad it wasn't worth the modification even though it looks really good. If I did it over I'd do the biggest tires without the rods. Probably one size down 265's with no lift or 2" spacers. Feel like the rods put too much work on the the compressor.
 

jwest

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Thanks for the input! Very useful. Once I put the rods on I had it aligned. Thought I would use it more offroad than I actually do. For the amount I use offroad it wasn't worth the modification even though it looks really good. If I did it over I'd do the biggest tires without the rods. Probably one size down 265's with no lift or 2" spacers. Feel like the rods put too much work on the the compressor.

There is no question the lr3/4 looks so much more awesome with +2" and the 32" tire, especially when set out on a wider stance as well. Trust me, I'm a sucker for that look too.

There is no need for the rods whatsoever unless you install the strut spacer. I cannot understand why it is such a prolific fake news item LOL. You can keep the 32's and ditch the rods or as strut spacers and keep the rods purely for purpose of keeping the system computers happy. Then the strut will be at it's intended neutral length and the compressor won't run any more than normal. Off road it would actually be run less often due to not needing the lift mode as often.
 

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