background: 86 4runner 22re 160+thousand miles 31inch tires. Tranny shifts fine. 2nd to 3rd gear. When it hits third gear it feels like all power is lost. I don't have a tach but it almost feels like the torque converter is locking up to soon. I took it to the dealer today and the S.A. said he thought it was operating normally. Are 31inch tires really going to make that much difference in performance? I don't plan on drag racing but, would like to maintain a constant speed even with a head wind. Any insight or personal experience would be great. thanks gumbo.

 

Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I've forgone the use of overdrive when plowing into a headwind.

...and up hills.

But again, I'm dealing with a 3VZE.

So go figure.

I think the lack of high end power is one of those quirks that will eventually earn a special little place in your heart.

Just learn to take "slowpoke" in stride.

A 50 mile per hour stride.

 

thanks, if this is the norm I can deal. just trying to find out what to expect. after all this is my "TOY". at this pace it will be much easier to stop and smell the roses.

 

My '88 does the same thing. When i hit 3rd the RPM's drop real fast. If i'm doing less than 55mph it feels like a goose could pass me

One thing i did find out. Two weekends ago the sun was out and i took the top off. Felt like i added about 50 hp. The 4runner actually felt zippy