1995 4Runner low power up hill

Hey there, everyone!
I am a new owner of a 1995 4runner 5-speed V6 and I have noticed when climbing hills on the highway I lose acceleration rapidly and have to downshift from 5th to 3rd keeping a steady 45mph. I'm not sure if it is out of the ordinary or normal to have to downshift when climbing highway hills? The speed limit is 55mph and my 1999 VW beetle makes it up in 5th no problem, so I was wondering if since this is a truck it required downshifting? The EGR has been deleted and it has after market Battle Born 265770R17 wheels and lifted suspension, could either of these mods cause the low power up hill?

 

What you are describing is normal for my truck. If I can be at 65 mph in 4th gear, I can usually make it up a hill on the highway. As soon as I loose momentum, it is down to 50 mph and 3rd gear.

 

Gotcha! Thank you so much for the feedback!

 

When I lived in Va, I used to head up to the mountains often and generally took I64 up Afton Mountain. I would be shooting almost 5000 rpm's trying to maintain the speed limit.

 

That's fairly normal. You have to remember that you're talking about a much bigger, heavier vehicle with larger tires. That's always going to slow things down. The only ways to fix this would be get smaller tires ( ) get more horsepower, or regear the differentials.

 

so down shift and/or floor the pedal when you see a hill upcoming.
I hit a rise at 85, kill the AC ,maybe , and roll the window down to hear every 130 horse howl.

The EGR doesnt matter but if the tire are larger circumference ( think; revolutions per mile ) than spec,
its changes the final gearing.

Its no big deal, and better all around to anticipate and maybe pull it down gear or so.
Its not a bug, Its a feature for 4wd climbing. Put your beetle in the back and drive on.

Let us know if you cant get out of 3rd on a flat low altitude hiway ..