I recently bought a pretty clean and well built 87 4Runner SAS. The guy said it had 5.29s in it. It has a 22re and 35s. I know the 22re is a dog. But I’m surprised at how often I have to go into low range just to pull up a relatively steep hill. It lugs out in 2hi 1st gear. Is that normal? Or something else going on?

 

Better check and see what gear ratio you actually have. I've had several trucks with a 22RE, 5.29's and 35's and although they didn't have V8 power, they still got around fine.

If it does have 5.29's, make sure parking brake is releasing, timing, not starving for fuel......

Do you have a CEL ?

 

What @aztoyman said. With 5.29's and 35's you have a bit more gearing advantage than you did when you were stock. Perfect gear ratio IMO for the tire size for mixed street/offroad use. Sure the tires weigh more but it should still get out of its own way just fine in 1st.

But at the same time I can see this happening on a steep hill. I have 31's and the stock 4.10's. Runs great as a commuter and highway driver but I still lug it at low speeds, say if traffic is at a crawl on a hill.

If you are off-road I'd just keep it in 4-LOW all the time and be done with it. If this is happening on the street, check your timing and other regular maintenance things.

 

Time to put it up on jack stands and check all four corners.

 

a one-post wonder that has yet to respond to any of the comments in its thread.