DBA 83-90 Toyota Land Cruiser Street Series Front Brake Pads

Street-Ready Replacement Front Brake Pads for the Classic Toyota Land Cruiser 40, 60, and 70 Series

The DBA DB288SS is the Street Series front brake pad set designed specifically for the 1983-1990 Toyota Land Cruiser in FJ40, FJ60, FJ62, FJ70, FJ73, and FJ75 series configurations. DBA's Street Series pads are engineered with a copper-free, OE-style formulation that delivers predictable pedal feel, low dust, and quiet operation for daily driving and light trail use.

The DB288SS uses an OE-style post-cured process for optimal brake performance throughout the pad life, and features a high-friction stripe that speeds bedding-in for consistent performance from the first stop.

Application-specific NVH shims, slots, and chamfers are applied to the DB288SS to reduce vibration and noise during braking. The Street Series compound in the DB288SS is NSFI certified copper-free and complies with current and upcoming copper restrictions. Sold as a full front axle set, the DB288SS is a direct OE replacement requiring no modification to the Land Cruiser's front brake hardware.

Key Features

• DB288SS Street Series Compound: DBA's Street Series formula for the DB288SS uses a ceramic-based, copper-free blend that delivers OE brake feel and consistency for daily street driving, overlanding, and light off-road use on the Land Cruiser
• OE-Style Post-Cured Process: The DB288SS is processed using DBA's OE-style post-cure for consistent friction performance across the full pad lifespan, reducing the hard initial break-in period common with some aftermarket pads
• High-Friction Bedding Stripe: A high-friction material stripe on the DB288SS accelerates pad bedding-in for stable, predictable stopping immediately after installation
• NVH-Optimized Shims, Slots, and Chamfers: The DB288SS includes application-specific noise, vibration, and harshness control features machined directly into each pad for quiet, smooth brake application on the classic Land Cruiser
• NSFI Certified Copper-Free: The DB288SS compound is copper-free and compliant with Washington State and California copper-restriction regulations for brake friction material
• Direct OE Replacement: DB288SS installs into the factory front brake caliper on the 1983-1990 Land Cruiser with no modifications required to brake hardware

Fitment

Specifications

What's Included

• One full front axle set of DBA DB288SS Street Series brake pads
• Application-specific NVH shims

About DBA

DBA (Disc Brakes Australia) is an Australian brake specialist founded in 1971 with North American distribution through DBA USA. DBA manufactures rotors and brake pads across Street Series, XP Performance, and SP Performance tiers for street, performance, and competition use. Their Street Series line is engineered as a direct OE-style replacement with copper-free compounds, post-cure processing, and application-specific NVH optimization, making them a trusted brake upgrade for enthusiasts seeking cleaner and quieter performance over factory brake components.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DBA DB288SS?

The DBA DB288SS is the Street Series front brake pad set for the 1983-1990 Toyota Land Cruiser in FJ40, FJ60, FJ62, FJ70, FJ73, and FJ75 configurations. It uses a ceramic, copper-free compound with OE-style post-curing, a high-friction bedding stripe, and application-specific NVH shims for quiet, consistent braking as a direct OE replacement for the front axle.

What Land Cruiser models does DB288SS fit?

The DB288SS fits the 1983-1984 FJ40, 1983-1990 FJ60, 1987-1990 FJ62, and 1984-1990 FJ70, FJ73, and FJ75 Land Cruiser variants. Verify your specific Land Cruiser body and model designation before ordering, as earlier FJ40 models (pre-1983) may use a different brake pad specification.

Is DB288SS compatible with OEM Land Cruiser brake calipers?

Yes. The DB288SS is engineered as a direct OE replacement for the factory front brake calipers on the covered 1983-1990 Land Cruiser models. No caliper, bracket, or hardware modifications are required for installation.

What compound does the DB288SS use?

The DB288SS uses DBA's Street Series ceramic, copper-free compound. It is NSFI certified and meets current and upcoming brake friction material regulations in Washington State and California that restrict copper content in brake pads sold in those states.

How do I bed in the DB288SS brake pads?

The DB288SS includes a high-friction bedding stripe that accelerates initial pad transfer to the rotor. For best results, perform 5-8 moderate stops from 30 mph with adequate cool-down intervals between each stop after installation. Avoid hard braking during the first 200 miles to allow the compound to fully cure to the rotor surface.

Do the DB288SS pads include hardware?

Yes. The DB288SS includes application-specific NVH shims designed for the Land Cruiser front brake application to reduce vibration and noise. If your existing caliper hardware (clips, springs, sliders) are worn, replace them at the same time for best results.

Are these DB288SS pads copper-free?

Yes. The DB288SS compound is copper-free and NSFI certified. Copper-free compounds are required in Washington State as of 2021 and California as of 2023 for new brake pad sales. The DB288SS complies with both regulations.

Can the DB288SS be used for off-road or overlanding?

Yes. The DB288SS Street Series compound is rated for street use and light off-road applications, making it appropriate for classic Land Cruisers used in daily driving, mild trail use, and overlanding. For extreme off-road or competition use, consider DBA's XP Performance pads (DB288XP) which are formulated for higher thermal demands.

Installation Instructions

1. Safely raise and support the vehicle. Remove the front wheels and set aside.
2. Inspect existing brake rotors for wear, scoring, and minimum thickness. Replace or resurface if below minimum spec before installing new pads.
3. Remove the front brake caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor without disconnecting the brake line. Support the caliper to avoid stress on the hose.
4. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Clean the caliper bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
5. Install the included NVH shims on the new DB288SS pads per DBA's orientation markings. Apply a thin layer of caliper grease to the shim contact areas on the bracket.
6. Compress the caliper piston fully using a piston tool. Verify the master cylinder reservoir does not overflow during compression.
7. Install the new DB288SS pads in the caliper bracket and slide the caliper back into position. Torque caliper bolts to the Land Cruiser factory specification.
8. Reinstall the wheels and torque lug nuts to spec. Pump the brake pedal firmly until full pedal pressure returns before moving the vehicle.
9. Perform the bedding procedure as described: 5-8 moderate stops from 30 mph with cool-down between each stop. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.