OK. This is my first trip up the Grapevine going to SF in my truck. '89 4X4 Xtra cab. 31 in. BFG At. 410 gears. 5 sp. 189,000 miles. how will it do over the mountain? Will I get run over by 18 wheelers?

 

You should be fine. Don't use the A/C.

What engine do you have?

I've never had my Yota on the Grapevine, but I can see myself stuck in 4th at 2000-2500 rpm going 45 mph all the way up.

 

itll be a piece of cake. dont be afraid to go slow with the big rigs

 

3rd gear at 3500-4000 rpm will be your friend

 

And bring some coolant just in case

 

you'll be fine. i think some of the inclines are a tad steeper going South than North. now trying to pass the grapevine when you've got a worn out clutch and hit traffic is a much different story....

 

my first trip with my 85 was from riverside to bakersfield.

took it like a champ with stock gears and 33's. I was goin 80, according to my wife in the other car.... i decided i should slow down... Goin up the hill wasnt near as bad as my 4banger heep with 32's but i still ran it in 4th, sometimes 3rd.. you should be fine

 

not to steal the tread but anyone know when the I-5 northern corridor starts to get snow like when they close it down or chains required. wife will be moving up with me in november and i dont wanna get stuck on it! thanks

 

should be fine in november...

 

It's different every year. Sometimes it's as early as Oct. or Nov., sometimes not at all.

OP,
Get used to 4th, no wait.. 3rd, ok 4th again, nope.. 3rd, ok 4th, back in 3rd, 4th, 3rd, 4th......

 

Did it with my 85 22re with stock gears and 33s back when it was still an automatic. It was slow going but no problem

 

since you're in temecula, just take 15 or check the weather report for i-5

 

Oh man +1000000 on that

 

It definitely seems steeper but a shorter climb going south, either way I'm with the loaded rigs in the far right lane going 40 mph in 3rd gear.... No wait make it 4th, then back to 3rd

 

Thanks for the replys. I'll have to lift some weights with my right arm to get ready.