Asking for forgiveness and acceptance

[FrontRange4Runner]

Starting at around 5k feet, I can go up into the mountains without any issue. The trick is simply putting the vehicle in 4th before you hit the grade. This maintains your momentum and cuts out unnecessary shifting. Keep your momentum and RPM's up and you will be fine. Basically just read the road and adjust accordingly. Let the engine bog, and you will be playing catchup for a while.

 

[DigableKid]

so you climbed the grapevine in "D" without downshifting? How fast were you going up and over? you think it would be easier on the motor if it was shifted into 4th gear instead of the OD 5th? I have yet taken mine over the hill yet. We will be going to San Francisco this summer, so I am itching to find out.

The post below yours explains it all. It's all about getting it up to speed before you hit the grade and maintaining.

Seriously, it was gliding up hill, especially heading back south.

 

[SouthernSS]

I can feel the OPs frustration too, but I came from a 500hp AMG so its not exactly a fair comparison. I guess I'll just have to start planning my lane changes 1 minute out instead of zipping around like Im used to.

 

[look171]

The post below yours explains it all. It's all about getting it up to speed before you hit the grade and maintaining.

Seriously, it was gliding up hill, especially heading back south.

ok, so you did shift into 4th and out of OD.

I use to have a 80 series land cruiser. Right before we go up and over, I always shift it out of OD and I can cruise at 75 with a full load. On paper, the 4 runner should be able to do it since it has 70 hp and a little more torque . I am just curious since I have not done it. Thanks

 

[TheArkMaster]

:worthless

 

[DigableKid]

ok, so you did shift into 4th and out of OD.

I use to have a 80 series land cruiser. Right before we go up and over, I always shift it out of OD and I can cruise at 75 with a full load. On paper, the 4 runner should be able to do it since it has 70 hp and a little more torque . I am just curious since I have not done it. Thanks

The other 5% of the time, yes. Just make sure you are up to speed before you hit the meaner parts of the inclines.

 

[67GP]

I can relate. Yesterday I left my 2003 V8 Sport w/ 230,000+ miles at the dealer and drove off with a brand new 2013 Trail w/ KDSS. I know I will miss that instant acceleration but I will adapt. Waiting to break it in a bit before I really stomp on it. Definitely nice to have modern features such as back up camera Bluetooth Nav etc.
I will be driving up and down Grapevine and Donner pass often so I will see how it does but I am not worried about it. I hope it corners as well as my 2003 w/ xreas did. It seems a bit taller especially in the drivers seat.
Just wanted to say hello as I just registered. I never modded my 2003 but this one will get lift/wheels/larger tires. I started lurking a few months ago when I decided it was time for upgrade. I was happy to find new 2013 at this late date. I learned a lot lurking here but it is going to lighten my bank account a little.--Dave

 

[sandcrawler]

I can relate. Yesterday I left my 2003 V8 Sport w/ 230,000+ miles at the dealer and drove off with a brand new 2013 Trail w/ KDSS. I know I will miss that instant acceleration but I will adapt. Waiting to break it in a bit before I really stomp on it. Definitely nice to have modern features such as back up camera Bluetooth Nav etc.
I will be driving up and down Grapevine and Donner pass often so I will see how it does but I am not worried about it. I hope it corners as well as my 2003 w/ xreas did. It seems a bit taller especially in the drivers seat.
Just wanted to say hello as I just registered. I never modded my 2003 but this one will get lift/wheels/larger tires. I started lurking a few months ago when I decided it was time for upgrade. I was happy to find new 2013 at this late date. I learned a lot lurking here but it is going to lighten my bank account a little.--Dave

in my experience, KDSS corners way better than XREAS (previously had an '06 SE V8 w/XREAS).

congrats on your purchase and welcome to the TE club! :cheers:

 

[bimrunner]

I can relate. Yesterday I left my 2003 V8 Sport w/ 230,000+ miles at the dealer and drove off with a brand new 2013 Trail w/ KDSS. I know I will miss that instant acceleration but I will adapt. Waiting to break it in a bit before I really stomp on it. Definitely nice to have modern features such as back up camera Bluetooth Nav etc.
I will be driving up and down Grapevine and Donner pass often so I will see how it does but I am not worried about it. I hope it corners as well as my 2003 w/ xreas did. It seems a bit taller especially in the drivers seat.
Just wanted to say hello as I just registered. I never modded my 2003 but this one will get lift/wheels/larger tires. I started lurking a few months ago when I decided it was time for upgrade. I was happy to find new 2013 at this late date. I learned a lot lurking here but it is going to lighten my bank account a little.--Dave

Congrats! Donner and Grapevine are no biggie. It does fine especially if you drop to 4th.