i've got an 87 pickup 4x4 with a 22r...today i experienced something very weird driving.. i was going up relatively small inclines many times...i was in 3rd gear then shifted into 4th, as soon as i went into 4th the truck felt like the engine was keep turning off, it would buck sorta like i was running out of gas which i have a half of tank...ive experiecned this a couple times today more or less when i was going up inclines whether they were large or small...please help asap as the truck is my only transpirtation...

 

I used to experience bucking and shuddering in my truck. Just cruising along it would randomly decide to act out, making what must have been an amusing sight to onlookers. What I finally did was basic maintanence--replacing spark plugs and wires. I can't say whether this is your problem or not (I doubt it) but what the heck, it stopped the problem for me.

Doesn't sound like this is the same thing though.

 

I had the same problem with my 86 Toyota pickup. I did a tuneup and it was better too. You may have water in your gas too.

 

new observation...i had a half a tank of gas last week when that happened, the truck was all good when i had a full tank then today i have a half tank again, went up a hill, no more balls...i added water removing additive to my tank, i dont know what it is, i actaully only have like 2k on a tuneup...