91 FJ80, Feels like it is dragging an anchor (1 Viewer)

[Veteran]

I have a '91 FJ80 with 3FE engine (225,000 miles). When I drive it I literally feel like it is dragging something behind it (performance wise not vibrations and noise). I know I do not have a performance car, but this FJ80 makes my '87 FJ60 with the 2F feel nimble and quick (it is smoother riding and a higher top end (never found the top end 70-ish is fast enough for me) than the 60, but slower feeling).
I can get up to highway speeds and maintain, but let off the gas in the slightest and it immediately slows. Also it does not seem to want to pick up speed gradually (from say roughly 45 to 60 MPH ish) unless I floor it. Gradually push the accelerator down, but no real response - I mean really slow and if I run into any incline it is noticeable (it is pretty flat in cosatal Virginia). At about 1/4" from the floor and no gradual acceleration until i put it to the floor - then it downshifts and accelerates well.
It sat for a year then I got it inspected, brakes replaced (upgrate to larger discs and pads), topped off all fluids, lube and general check. Mechanic said good and solid.
Does not seem to be a dragging brake (runs straight without brakes and continues straight when I apply the brakes).
Gas mileage is 9 to 8.5 MPG (not as good as I hoped, but not a shocker as I have had my 87 since about 1993). Seems smooth running but a little shaky engine-wise when I come off the interstate.
Is this normal? Any recommendations? Thanks

 

[TWILLY]

Start here: General 3FE Tune Up Info

 

[Mixelplix]

The guide @TWILLY linked is the authority on the 3fe.

The 3fe is slow, no doubt - but your MPG and description indicate there is a problem. Likely vacuum lines, if I were to guess.. but I would consult the list, and evaluate your truck to see if anything has been replaced.

 

[Marco Lau]

also check the accelerator cable slack....a good healthy 3fe is not much slower than the 4.5..

 

[rghouse]

how's the timing?
compression?
Spark Plugs all look good?

I would do a full check out of the cooling system before summer. If your top-end isn't tip-top it will loose quite a bit of kick when put under load. The engine is so strong that even when major things are wrong with it, it will still start, run, and get you where you need to go for a long time.

 

[MonsterCruiser]

One of the times I had a rear caliper dragging I didn't get much for vibrations or veering one way or the other. I did notice it would slow quicker and didn't like to get up to highway speeds similar to what you describe and noticed reduced economy. I'd check to see if the rims are warm/hot after driving.

 

[jonheld]

It's a 30 year old tractor. Check the simple things first.

Do the bellcranks work correctly on the rear brakes or are they seized open?
Are the rear brake shoes set correctly?
Do the individual wheels rotate without binding?
Is there gear oil in the diffs and transfer case?
Is there grease in the steering knuckles?
Is there good ATF in the transmission and at the proper level?
Is your toe in set correctly? Too much toe in either direction will feel like you're dragging something.

Once the basic mechanicals have been checked out you can then move on to the tune up.

 

[Veteran]

Thanks everyone. Long time to get back around to this the past year has been crazy for everyone. Turned out to be a few simultaneous problems - Accelerrator cable wits the biggest culprit. A brake issue also - dragging (did the upgrade to the brakes larger calipers from the late 80 series and 100 series pads). Still not what it should be, but worlds better. Thanks again

 

[leonard_nemoy]

I have a '91 FJ80 with 3FE engine (225,000 miles). When I drive it I literally feel like it is dragging something behind it (performance wise not vibrations and noise). I know I do not have a performance car, but this FJ80 makes my '87 FJ60 with the 2F feel nimble and quick (it is smoother riding and a higher top end (never found the top end 70-ish is fast enough for me) than the 60, but slower feeling).
I can get up to highway speeds and maintain, but let off the gas in the slightest and it immediately slows. Also it does not seem to want to pick up speed gradually (from say roughly 45 to 60 MPH ish) unless I floor it. Gradually push the accelerator down, but no real response - I mean really slow and if I run into any incline it is noticeable (it is pretty flat in cosatal Virginia). At about 1/4" from the floor and no gradual acceleration until i put it to the floor - then it downshifts and accelerates well.
It sat for a year then I got it inspected, brakes replaced (upgrate to larger discs and pads), topped off all fluids, lube and general check. Mechanic said good and solid.
Does not seem to be a dragging brake (runs straight without brakes and continues straight when I apply the brakes).
Gas mileage is 9 to 8.5 MPG (not as good as I hoped, but not a shocker as I have had my 87 since about 1993). Seems smooth running but a little shaky engine-wise when I come off the interstate.
Is this normal? Any recommendations? Thanks

Something is not right if your only getting 8.5 to 9 mpg. My 91 with 280,000 miles, 4:88's, rear auto locker, 35's, front and rear armor, and a winch always got anywhere from 10.5 to 16 mpg. And that is in Utah where I am commonly going from 3,000ft to 10,000 ft elevation in less than an hour.

I think your rig needs the full tune up posted above by Jon Held. Your poor fuel economy indicates that things aren't running as they should be.

 

[cruisernewser]

Thanks everyone. Long time to get back around to this the past year has been crazy for everyone. Turned out to be a few simultaneous problems - Accelerrator cable wits the biggest culprit. A brake issue also - dragging (did the upgrade to the brakes larger calipers from the late 80 series and 100 series pads). Still not what it should be, but worlds better. Thanks again

Im having some similar problems with acceleration im not dragging but my 80 looses power at high speeds and does not regain power if i slow down abit its alot like you described. Did you replace the acceleration cable completely? OEM? What was the difference in performance after you replaced it? thanks

 

[Veteran]

Found another related problem. I don't know its proper name, but air mass air flow sensor/meter. Symptoms - driving about on hiighway and trip length is about 40 minutes. Could NOT get above 60 MPH (pedal to floor and relatively flat). Got to destination, stayed about an hour, and on the return trip everything is great - running along at 70 some MPH with lots of pedal travel left and feeling somewhat "lively". I did not replace the cable - just adjusted it. Got a 500 mile (round trip) next week. Will see how this and other fixes have taken.