Captain, we'll going to need more power

[wfo9]

Toyota is just about the worst mfg in terms of trying to make additional aftermarket power.

They are simply not "open" about anything and there is not enough demand for anyone to go figure it out.

Maybe someday, but it really sucks at the moment. I guess it is a trade-off for reliability.

Gears are about the only reasonable option. Dropping the cats with a custom Y pipe would be good for something, but probably not worth the effort and noise.

My truck currently feels adequate with the gears, but I'm concerned about adding bumpers and a winch.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

My main complaint is the low end torque. Mine seems to run fine once revved up a little. One example where I need low end torque is my driveway. I have a long relatively steep driveway (but nothing out of the ordinary in my town) . When taking off from the bottom the 4runner gets moving but can barely pick up speed where my old 4th gen V8 would take off almost like there was no hill. The other day I pulled my atv trailer with 2 atvs on it up the driveway. I thought it was not going to make it without going into low range. Again my old V8 with the 2 atvs just went right on up without even trying hard. It would have been really embarrassing to have to go to low range because my neighbor was in the 4runner with me and his V8 Chevy truck also climbs it with no problems. Please Toyota give us a transmission with more speeds and lower gear ratios.

 

[TheWraith]

No one has cracked this Toyota ECU.

this is very true ... 1997 on up ecu cannot be cracked... And bolt on electronic performance computer wizardry does work because the computer reverts or fights its way back to near stock value if not ... it goes on limp mode

This is true on all toyota computers... Short of a piggy back programmable ecu or stand alone are the only way you can adjust or re-map the shift points, ignition, and fuel maps...

 

[Donkey]

My main complaint is the low end torque. Mine seems to run fine once revved up a little. One example where I need low end torque is my driveway. I have a long relatively steep driveway (but nothing out of the ordinary in my town) . When taking off from the bottom the 4runner gets moving but can barely pick up speed where my old 4th gen V8 would take off almost like there was no hill. The other day I pulled my atv trailer with 2 atvs on it up the driveway. I thought it was not going to make it without going into low range. Again my old V8 with the 2 atvs just went right on up without even trying hard. It would have been really embarrassing to have to go to low range because my neighbor was in the 4runner with me and his V8 Chevy truck also climbs it with no problems. Please Toyota give us a transmission with more speeds and lower gear ratios.

I noticed this the first time I took mine on the trail. I am happy with every additional foot of fuel economy but it is annoying at low speed (off idle to 10MPH). Even in 4L the transmission will shift in to third or forth very quickly, preventing RPM's over 2k. In 4H it was pretty silly climbing hills in third gear, lots of stress on the transmission fluid/tq converter. You might try shifting in to first or second for your driveway and letting it rev, especially under load. I bet it marches right up.

 

[Zeusmotorworks]

Not in any way affiliated with them but East Coast Gear Supply also has a 10% off Xmas sale til the 29th.

 

[TheWraith]

excuse me since gearing was brought up and I'm a curious and anal tinkerer... I wanted to add this...

for those people interested in gear ... and check exactly whats going to happen to your rig ( same as me ) ... I used a honda transmission calculator and see the differece...

heres the Trans Calculator I used:
Honda Transmission Calculator by ZealAutowerks

I got the specs on my tranny here:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...BUVaxZE2sjyvBJg&bvm=bv.82001339,d.aWw&cad=rja

and just figure out your tires and hit calculate and it should give you a rough estimate on what your trans will be with 4.56 gear on 33's versus stock on 31's

trans gearing

1st - 3.52
2nd - 2.042
3rd - 1.4
4th - 1.0
5th - 0.716

final - 3.727
redline - 5800

 

[marshal]

don't fear the gear. its expensive but its worth it. go the biggest gear you think you might consider and don't look back

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I noticed this the first time I took mine on the trail. I am happy with every additional foot of fuel economy but it is annoying at low speed (off idle to 10MPH). Even in 4L the transmission will shift in to third or forth very quickly, preventing RPM's over 2k. In 4H it was pretty silly climbing hills in third gear, lots of stress on the transmission fluid/tq converter. You might try shifting in to first or second for your driveway and letting it rev, especially under load. I bet it marches right up.

It is already in 1st gear at maybe 5 mph. You can push the gas as far as you want , it makes no difference. The hill and trailer will not let it gain anymore speed. There is no opportunity to get a run at the driveway.

 

[iowanative2001]

How fast are you trying to go? These things are rated at 270 hp/torque. 4runners are made to get you there and back. Many previous post speak of using more skinny pedal and I agree (once the engine is warm). Or there has been discussion about using only premium gas and the engine will make adjustment in timing to make more power. If that doesn't do enough for you I suggest this instead: Dumb & Dumber: It feels like you're running at an…: http://youtu.be/_OfUG3FQYgU

Oh and have a merry Christmas!

 

[Carolina Roscoe]

How fast are you trying to go? These things are rated at 270 hp/torque. 4runners are made to get you there and back. Many previous post speak of using more skinny pedal and I agree (once the engine is warm). Or there has been discussion about using only premium gas and the engine will make adjustment in timing to make more power. If that doesn't do enough for you I suggest this instead: Dumb & Dumber: It feels like you're running at an…: http://youtu.be/_OfUG3FQYgU

Oh and have a merry Christmas!

That is freaking funny!:bravo::thumb:

 

[Mark4runnar]

this is my second 4 runner --- I have a 2001 sport and it feels quicker. as discussed in this thread, by people way more knowledgeable than I about the actual facts---- it feels like a tuning approach that is designed to raise the MPG / lower emissions. Can't quite get why my new one gets poorer mileage that the 2001 with 186k on it.
I was driving a TDI touareg before the new 4runner--- I just figured everything would feel like a dud after that--- it had +400ft lbs of pull! I liked the macam, but it would get destroyed in the city where I live.
So when I need to fell some pull I take the landcruiser--its probably not faster, but it feels much smoother---its a v8 thing

 

[03_4x4Runner]

How fast are you trying to go? These things are rated at 270 hp/torque. 4runners are made to get you there and back. Many previous post speak of using more skinny pedal and I agree (once the engine is warm). Or there has been discussion about using only premium gas and the engine will make adjustment in timing to make more power. If that doesn't do enough for you I suggest this instead: Dumb & Dumber: It feels like you're running at an…: Dumb & Dumber: It feels like you're running at an incredible rate - YouTube

Oh and have a merry Christmas!

I am not trying to go fast at all. Just trying to maintain 5 mph to the top of my 300' driveway and not come to a stop with the pedal floored.

 

[iowanative2001]

I am not trying to go fast at all. Just trying to maintain 5 mph to the top of my 300' driveway and not come to a stop with the pedal floored.

I was only making reference to the OP. Sorry you have a steep 300' driveway. But now after carefully reading your other post you did say it made it up the ascent.... but now you are saying it comes to a complete stop with the pedal floored???

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I was only making reference to the OP. Sorry you have a steep 300' driveway. But now after carefully reading your other post you did say it made it up the ascent.... but now you are saying it comes to a complete stop with the pedal floored???

It makes it but almost stops by the time you get to the top. It certainly does not gain any speed. I see you are from Iowa. It is probably hard to comprehend steep driveways. I grew up in farm land in Ohio where it is mostly flat land.

 

[iowanative2001]

It makes it but almost stops by the time you get to the top. It certainly does not gain any speed. I see you are from Iowa. It is probably hard to comprehend steep driveways. I grew up in farm land in Ohio where it is mostly flat land.

No.
1) Where I live in Iowa is not flat.
2) I am able to comprehend what steep is. However your definition of steep and someone else's may be different. Without a degree or a elevation gain in said 300' no I don't know how "steep" your driveway is.
3) If your 4runner makes it easier in 4low then maybe that is a good excuse to exercise the transfer case.
4) Once again my first post was to address the OP's question.

 

[Vehicular Homeless]

Run top tier premium fuel, keep your load light, ditch your spare tire, and keep it under a half tank. Almost 15HP gained from just shedding some simple weight. My 2014 is a rocket when it has less than an 1/8 tank of petrol. Wanna race?