Towing 4runner vs sequoia

[black2kmax]

I don't think that it was too high...maybe 2-3k ft. The entire climb was only a couple of miles and to be honest it was not until the last 1/4 or so that the truck really struggled. The speed limit on that section of road is 25 and I kept it at around 20 most of the way up. I am not sure of the RPM but I think that like you said once it fell out of the sweet spot it began to struggle.

I am in the process of shopping for a WD and sway control device. I am looking at the Equalizer system since it does both. I have planned to get this since the beginning just ran out of time before the trip. I can assure you that there will be no more pulls until the setup is complete.

Also thinking about adding an intake and exhaust to try and get a few more ponies out of the V6. My concern is that I will be throwing money into a truck that I may need to sell anyway. Also my experience is that most bolt-on parts make power in the upper RPM range which is not where you want to tow. I am looking for more grunt.

 

[Koz]

What was the engine RPM when floored in 1st gear crawling up the grade? And what was the altitude? If RPM was below 4000, you were out of the power band for the engine, and going into the low range would have helped a lot as KOZ mentioned.

Altitude is the other factor. You'll lose about 3% of engine power for every 1000 feet, so that probably hurt a lot too. The good news is that even though at wide open throttle, at high altitudes you aren't straining your engine that much, since reduced air mass intake limits power developed (and strain on engine).

The low speed through air and reduced air density at altitude does make it harder for the engine and tranny to get rid of heat, I imagine that is why your 4R smelled hot. If water temp and transmission temp did not get out of operating range shouldn't be any harm done.

The V8 does provide a bit extra power, but only about 15% isn't it? That wouldn't make a dramatic difference in your towing ability I don't think.

I agree with everything you said except the 15% difference in torque. 40 lb.ft. @ 3400 rpm is significant, instead of 4000 rpm. You also have to look at the lower gear ratio in first gear with the 5 speed trans.

Another thing to look at would be to try and find a safe synthetic trans fluid substitute. You definitely should be using synthetic motor oil and synthetics for the rear diff.

Koz

 

[black2kmax]

Just switched the engine to Mobil 1 and the trans and diffs will be switched next.

My wife and I are seriously considering trading her in on either a V8 4Runner or a Sequoia. I was offered a new Tahoe yesterday for less than 30k (my dad is a GM employee) but they tried to get my 4runner for $18,500. No way would I give up the 4Runner for that amount. They sell for mid 20's out here all day long.

Anyone want a nice 04 SR5 4WD with third row seats? I really don't want to sell it but I think that the trailer we have is just beyond her capabilities.