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2001 to 2005 Which RAV4 came with REAR disc Brakes

29K views 40 replies 16 participants last post by  nevermind65  
#1 ·
OK, guys from RAV4.2 I need some info.

Which RAV4.2 model came with Rear disc Brakes?
 
#3 ·
#4 ·
2003, not entirely true; unless the Rav4 is a 2004 model made in 2003 then yes.

Drum:
2001-03 (
Image
2003 Toyota RAV4 Base 4dr SUV 2.0L 4-cyl. 5-speed Manual Features and Specs)

Disk:
2004 (
Image
2004 Toyota RAV4 Base 4dr SUV 2.4L 4-cyl. 5-speed Manual Features and Specs)
2005 (
Image
2005 Toyota RAV4 Base 4dr SUV 2.4L 4-cyl. 5-speed Manual Features and Specs)

Just to make it simple, 04-05 models have rounded fog lights. They're the ones with disc.
Image
http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/rav4/?sub=suv&ps=used
Are you sure the 2003 model didn't come with Rear Disc Brakes in the USA?:confused:

ToyoDIY.com
 
#7 ·
I have a 2003 Base with rear DRUM brakes. In the USA
 
#8 ·
Well it was available in the USA, according to ToyoDIY.com data. I'm doing the research for new parts for 2003 and the numbers, and years, are giving me results.

Pricey, yes, but brakes are something that are non-negotiable. your life depends on them. But if you go with an aftermarket kit. It can go into the 1K+ range easy.

BTW, guys, thank for chipping in. Every time you post something I quickly check it.
 
#11 ·
You can noticeably feel the difference between rear drums and rear discs. I think it's a bit more costly to have rear discs, but again what's a lil money if it potentially saves your life. Mens, I'd be interested to know if 01-03 actually had an 'option' for rear disc, should I want to upgrade in the future.
 
#17 ·
I base this information on the DATA I downloaded from ToyoDIY.com. I've been going their (thanks to PIM) for a few months now and all the information is quite reliable. I guess going or calling your local Toyota Dealer will give you the facts. BTW, I was also told if you use Stainless steel brake lines, it helps a great deal. I already have them installed and yes, they DO help.
 
#18 ·
I guess you can. But what was I looking is to keep it Toyota. You can go to any Brake upgrade company and they will have a kit....get ready for 1K, maybe more. BUT :eek:, you will have to measure and remeasure it because its a custom kit.

Their is a guy from the UK who did this. He installed larger front disc brakes. He even posted a chart for the members to download and make your own templet. He has a 1995 RAV4 with a 3SGTE engine, in fact, he has two of them. :eek:

One problem with thi$. You will alway$ have to buy the Brake pad$ from thi$ company, good luck. :p

One the other hand, I can go to my loacal Toyota dealer and buy the pad from Toyota. :thumbs_up: Know you know why I'm going Toyota all the :thumbs_up::thumbs_up:way.
 
#13 ·
#14 ·
Good looking out JB, good info right there!
 
#15 · (Edited)
mine hv drums 2003 us spec......just checked the discs n they r totally worn!...my braking seems to be unaffected.even the handbrake still works.....wonder if i shud bother changing them
 
#16 ·
mine hv discs too 2003 us spec......just checked the discs n they r totally worn!...my braking seems to be unaffected.even the handbrake still works.....wonder if i shud bother changing them
How do you determine that "they" are totally worn? Do you mean the pads? If so, yes, replace the pads.

Do you mean that the thickness of the disks is worn down below the minimum specifications? If so, yes, replace the disks. There are specifications as to minimum thickness for disks and pads.

Note that the 4.3 rear brakes have both a disk brake for normal use, and a drum brake for the hand brake. I don't know if that is the case for 4.2s.
 
#21 ·
seems like you got the answer already. but i have a 04 with rear disc brakes
 
#24 ·
Well, here you go. Lets leave it at this, 2004 on. But we've seen how many areas on the planet, this change depending on year, model, package, availability at that time and what not. God knows what other reason. :shrug:
Let me check the 2004 model regarding the 1997 suspension and part numbers.
 
#25 ·
it is possible that the first year(2001) rear discs were optional, car makers sometimes drop or add options, but I can say with certainty rear discs were not available on a 2003 model, I researched the options well and had to wait about 2 months to get the car I wanted.

and when I replaced my front pads, I also looked at the rear drums, they appeared to have a lot of life left, if rear brakes are so important why do the rear drum last so much longer than the front disc?

It would be interesting to know the difference in stopping distance of a rear drum to rear disc RAV4, I am guessing it is on the order of a meter or less, stopping from 60mph.
 
#26 ·
The country spec seems to make a lot of difference. I have a 2003 with rear discs (UK) spec) though my impression was that the 2WD had drums and the 4WD discs. I can't remember where I got this from though so it may not be fact.

Proportionately the front brakes do a lot more work than the rear so they'll always wear quicker. My mechanic said the rear discs (or maybe caliper pistons?) are more likely to need replacing through rust than wear.

I'm still trying to work out why the calipers are on the front at the front axle and rear on the rear axle in some cars. Why not both in the same place?

I remember on my last 4.2 (2006) bought new I was trying to get a sun-roof but it wasn't an option here yet Australia and Japan had it (3 door this is) and the salesman always said "You have Air-con" but he went quiet when I pointed out the 5-door had a sun-roof (and Air-con). I like the glass roof as the fresh air is far less chilling than AC and a lighter cab too but I digress...;)

Paul
 
#30 ·
Was this a trick question?

I don't get it :shrug: you are in Puerto Rico, I don't see what difference how cars came to other countries unless you plan on importing them. Seems that would be kinda spendy. Would make more sense just to buy the parts and convert.

I would still like to see data on stopping distances for rear brake models. I doubt there is much difference, although I suppose if you are racing, the disc won't suffer fade as bad. But racing a RAV4, ... don't get me started.
 
#33 ·
#32 ·
you have a chili edition but rear drums? no freakin way. can you post a pic of your rear wheels? i just want to make sure.
 
#34 ·
to each their own

I autocross and have thought of running my RAV, there is a guy locally that has run a Juke. A Rav4 may not even be legal for an SCCA event, I haven't bothered to check beyond doing a search of their forum which yielded no results so I assumed nobody is doing it probably because it isn't a legal vehicle (based on height to width). Also, changing the rear to disc might move you to a more highly competitive class.

My experience tells me that a rear disc on a RAV is not going to make a bit of difference unless you are competing at the national level where hundredths of a second are important. For a local event, especially for someone with less than 3-4 years experience, it ain't gonna make a bit of difference. Runs are only a minute long, sometimes as little as 1/2 a minute, then car sits for about 15 minutes. Brake fade isn't much of an issue, and the extra stopping of a rear disc isn't significant enough unless you are a very experienced driver. JMO

update: looks like there is a guy in Houston running a RAV, upgraded with Brembo's. He lowered his car 3" which would certainly help. but still don't know if they are legal.
 
#38 ·
BTW, does anyone have the latest rule book. SCCA Solo I, if so, pdf it so we can discuss it here.

Look at page 33:wall. But I guess with some modifications it can be permitted.
keep in mind the height to width ratio
the guy in Houston lowered his
which is likely why his may be legal (if he is legal:shrug:)

I know at a local event the Juke was able to run because he showed his height to width was below 1.3

sometimes a particular vehicle is legal because of different options
one optioned vehicle fails H/W, while another of the same model passes

and if the organization isn't running by SCCA rules, it may be legal
best to check with whatever org runs the events in your area
 
#37 ·
wow. amazing, never knew that. this a good thread.
 
#41 ·
Let me throw one more at you...my 2005 has larger rear disks than my 2004 had by close to an inch in diameter. I went to put the old rear rotors from my 2004 on the 2005 when it needed rear rotors and they didn't fit. Both were AWD versions.