My 92 4runner (192K mileage) is having problems during acceleration. Its kind of tough to explain, but when I push the gas pedal in it takes a lot of pressure to get it to accelerate especially at higher speeds. The rpms are jumpy. When I release the pedal just a little the rpms go down and it downshifts quickly. It seems to be getting worse. It idles fine when stopped. It is an automatic. I'm thinking it has something wrong in the fuel delivery system (fuel pressure regulator or injectors). How common is it for these things to give out? Any ideas? I did a tune-up with spark plugs, cap, and rotor and replaced the fuel filter too. I've also had problems with the power steering leaking and going out. I'm replacing the pump this weekend, but don't know how it would relate to the other problem. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have no experience in this and am by no means a mechanic but I'm wondering out loud (in case any mechanics happen across this thread), could the throttle cable be suspect here?

 

I was kinda thinking on the fuel pressure regulator myself. One way to test it is to pull the vacuum line on it while the motor is running and see if it pukes out fuel. This is how they usually fail, the diaphram deterorates.