Just getting a preliminary post in to start getting ideas of what to check. I am a bit strung out and worried right now, so i am just looking for where to start looking and diagnosing.

This is an 89 4runner with a 3vze manual trans. I commute over a decent hill every day and have noticed the truck getting slower and slower over a few months. At the start of the year I could almost hold 5th for the hill, last few months its been a 4th gear hill. This morning, I pulled out and started accelerating and quickly noticed something changed, mid acceleration it suddenly felt like someone lightly pulled the parking brake and left it on. The truck still runs and drives around at low speed just fine, idle is fine. Trying to get over the hill I was losing speed in 3rd. I noticed a faint high pitch whine that happens when I try to accelerate hard. I am still trying to confirm where exactly the noise is coming from.

When I get home I am going to double check the timing.

I recently replaced the original 1989 toyota ignition coil and it made a night and day difference, but i might try the old coil again.

My other suspicion is a fuel pressure problem. I did change the filter and filter sock a few years ago, but the pump is original.

My last suspicion is a clogged cat.

Any other good suggestions of where to check?

Apologies for the mind dump post, just trying to get back in order.

 

Pulled the cat, and while sounding terrible it runs alot better,

 

I'd block test and do a leak down test.