My '99 SR5 4Runner that i bought a month ago.

When I like go uphill or sth I would have to press real hard on the accelrator for the car to go and maintain speed.

Let me give an example.

I am going 55mph, and i go on uphill I have to press real hard in the accelrator for my SUV to go higher and hit 60mph+. u know what i mean.

Just my question is that normal. Like is it made like that all trucks and SUV cause they need so much power.

Mine is V6 Automatic.

Please let me know.

My '98 Limited 4runner does the same thing. I was also wondering if this is normal and if there is something I can do to help this.

Mine does it as well and i am sure it is completely normal. Because the 3.4L 4runner has a 4-speed transmission it cannot gear down into fourth like a 5 speed would and 3rd gear would give a big jerk im sure youve had that happen before. So the torque converter needs to kick in and the accelerator must be pushed hard before it does.

Yes, its normal to use more gas to hold speed up hills. How much gas are you giving it, are you having to unlock the torque converter on every hill. If the torque converter unlocks and remains unlocked that is fine, if it locks and unlocks up the hill that is bad, it will cause the tranny to heat up, in that case it may be better to hit O/D off and slow down a bit so you keep the RPM's reasonable. When I first got my 02, going from an 00 2.7 5 speed and went to VT I was very disappointed as the 3.4 auto had to unlock the T/C or hit 3rd for almost every hill, the 2.7 could pull those hills in 5th all day, not accelerate much, but maintain speed. Turns out my fan clutch was faulty and was always running the fan on full power, robbing me of useable HP. I replaced the fan clutch and it honestly felt like night and day, it still unlocks the T/C now and then, but I never hit 3rd and can usually avoild unlocking the T/C with a light foot. So if you notice a loud roar everytime you accelerate try punching it, that should kick in the fan clutch, if it still roars and feels sluggish replace that part. Cost me $120 and took all of 10 minutes. I am thinking of hooking up an electric fan this summer.

Every time you go south?? That really sux!!

ahah thanx a lot guys. I thought it was normal was just checking.

By the way pat161 sry dun know ur name but its funny cause i live in Vermont too. Yea everyones reply was very helpful and urs even more.

thnx guys.