4x4, automatic. Runs well in all other areas. Randomly dies going up small hills and Becoming more frequent in drive. Runs fine in reverse though. When it dies, its hard to start, but get it started and it climbs like a goat and runs fine in reverse. Any ideas?

 

My truck was doing that, well not that serious. But it could be the fuel pump. That what mine was

 

It ran fine in reverse? I was thinking along those lines (filter, pump, ect.) But I would think in reverse the symptoms would be the same, not eliminated. Fuel system doesn't care what direction ur going

 

Small hill dies: What about larger hills?
Yes trucks don't care what direction, but gravity does.
I'd check Fuel Pump pressure first.

 

Fuel pump psi is fine... I heard some where about a gizmo in the tranny that might cause it. Searched but can't seem to find. Ideas please

 

Bueler, Bueler, Bueler...

 

its possible the pump will have correct psi at idle but under load it may not be able to keep up with demand. going up hill requires more fuel. have had this problem multiple times on customer vehicles and my own vehicle once. ran good but struggled going up hills or would die out. one way i was able to tell was long starting time, would crank and crank and crank till it started. clogged catalytic converter is also possible problem.

 

Thank you williscr3, I think I'm going to drop the tank. The only thing Is it did climb in reverse, so that kinda ruled out the pump. The dumb things water pump just went out and overheated now doesn't start (turns over and tries to but no luck).

 

well it doesn't entirely rule out fuel pump because it went in reverse. reverse is usually a lower gear ratio, im not sure what it is on these trucks but im sure it is, therefore it wouldnt have a load on the pump.

that doesnt sound good. just a thought, turn the key to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump, or if you have a gauge check it again to verify your no start issue isn't your fuel pump.
good luck.

 

Check the ignition timing. Check for stored codes.