new member new owner question about starting and throttle

[n8ure2]

I just bought an 03 V8 4wd Sport navy blue over grey. I'll have plenty of questions as the days move on I'm sure.
But the first thing I have noticed is the throttle. When I crank the truck I can just turn the key to start and release it, the truck revs on it own and starts up (as opposed to other cars I own which you turn and hold the key that split second until the engine hits/maybe even giving it gas). I'm not sure if this description makes since.
Also in reverse or drive when I take my foot off the brake the truck will accelerate on its own to probably between 5 - 10 mph.
The rpm doesn't seem to be reving high when my foot is on the brake (like the engine is working against the brake)
Do these sound normal? Are these part of the Hill Start function?

I'm not going to make a separate thread for this next one and I will do some searching, but if anyone has a link to a thread documenting changing all the fluids in these, trans, diff, etc. I will probably be draining and replacing, suggestions on brands welcome.

Thanks guys, Great site
I'm in Nashville BTW, haven't filled out my profile yet.

 

[gshadow325]

welcome-

the v8 is a little quirky. if your ac is on and you in drive with it stopped. once the compressor turns of the truck likes to creep foward. i replaced all my rotors and pads to help this.

the truck has a smart start feature so its like that.

as for the fluids, quick search or http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

read thru all the stickies

 

[DC runner]

That bump you feel in reverse, that take off, is called torque. V8 engines, in general, have more low RPM grunt power. This is why they are great for towing.

From the way you phrased the questions, I will assume you are new to car terms and concepts.

1. You bought a great one. I have the V8, and love it.
2. Torque is what pushes you back into your seat. Torque is grunt ability. People often confuse HP and Torque. While related, they are different terms. So, what is happening is; you are putting the car in reverse which has a very low gearing so your getting a TON of torque force which is why that bump feels so strong.

Does that make sense?

3. You should google the Automatic transmission. Everything you are commenting on is the product of an AUTO. The reason you are feeling it so much more than on, say a small Honda, is simply due to the strength of the motor. It is operating in almost exactly the same way a smaller car's auto is; but it is simply so much more powerful.

To explain it simply: The way an automatic transmission works is like this: Connected directly to the engines output is the auto trans, specifically the torque converter, which is what takes the rotational power (from the combustion chambers) and converts it into usable energy at the wheels.

The torque converter is the amazing genie of the the transmission. It is a huge fluid filled bulb and what happens is, as the engine side of the converter moves; it moves the fluid inside. This fluid is non-compressible, which means it won't bend or flex under pressure. On the other side is the output shide which connects to a. gears, then from the gears, to the drive shaft and wheels.

As this fluid is spinning; it is TRYING as hard as it can to SPIN the output side. There are overflow ports, so if you are on the brake....therefore not allowing the output side to SPIN, then this fluid can move through so you don't blow up the transmission. But, since the engine on this truck is SO powerful... it wants to move those wheels. That is why at a stop sign, you can feel it.

This isn't a 4 cylinder. If you are used to driving weak cars before, this will be a big change. It is a strong, powerful motor. It is also very smooth and responsive. Do not red line it, do not over rev it. V8's in a SUV/Truck are not racing engines. They are not designed to be slammed to the ground and run ragged. This engine is happiest at around 2k. Seriously. If I ever go above 3k RPM on this engine, it is because I got on it to pass someone or am towing up a hill. Normally, I never exceed that.

Does this make sense? If not, let me know and I can re-phrase.

TLR. The V8 is very powerful. Everything is fine with your car.

 

[n8ure2]

Thanks so much, these were my assumptions, but since it is new to me and SO much different than my previous cars I wanted to throw it out there in case there was something uncommon going on.
The "smart start" takes a little getting used to since my 4 most recent cars have been manuals.
This truck has 135K and is my first V8.
I had a 95 SR5 4wd 5spd 4runner with the 3.slow V6. I bought it in 03 with 135K and drove it to 200K before I sold it in 2009.
I currently have the new 4runner, 2012 TDI Jetta 6spd manual, 1985 VW Vanagon 4spd manual (for sale), 1972 VW SuperBeetle 4spd manual (undergoing restoration, just got my frame back from media this week and will be POR15ing it next week), 2013 Triumph Bonneville T100 Black Edition. So the V8 is a joy.
Thanks again, Jeff