UZJ100 Owners in Southern California (Grapevine related)

[d0nkeyxpunch]

Hi,

I am strongly leaning towards getting a 100-series, and had a question regarding the power of UZJ100. Those of you who have loaded up your rig and went up Grapevine, how fast were you able to go? Did you guys have to drop down a gear? Enough power?

My 3rd Gen 4Runner (V6) loaded up with camping gear and 2 adults went through it at around 75-80 mph and didn't even struggle. I can't say the same for my old FJ80 though. It was pedal to the metal at like 2nd gear and barely mustering up 35-40 mph. It was frustrating to not have the power to keep up with traffic and having to use the truck lane. I have already asked this in the 80-series section, but wanted to get the inputs of the 100-series owners.

For those of you not familiar with Grapevine, it is pretty much a stretch of highway that is about a 10 mile steep climb to over 4,000 feet.

Any inputs would be appreciated!

 

[climberoleg]

Driven it a few times with no issues what so ever. No need to shift down or anything like that. Fully loaded with gear and dogs.

 

[chrisc16]

What climberolog said. Night and day difference in power between the 80-series and 100-series. I can stay in the fast lane up any hill, grapevine included. I only wish I had the 5 speed of the later 100's.

 

[d0nkeyxpunch]

Awesome. Thanks guys! I think my decision has been made.

 

[cap80]

You should get one you won't regret it. I had an 94 80 prior to my 06. I loved the 80, but the power and comfort of the 100 is awesome compared to them. As you probably read the 03+ has the 5 speed tranny and the 06-07 have 40 more hp with the VVTi motor.

 

[gil12]

It goes fast!

(and so does the gas)

; )

Gil

 

[SALTY METHODS]

It goes fast!

(and so does the gas)

I'll 2nd that! Well worth it though. Love this thing. It grows on you.

 

[cap80]

It goes fast!

(and so does the gas)
Gil

Drinks gas just as fast as an 80 except in a 100 you get to do the passing!

 

[hoser]

35's/4sp/4.88's and loaded, I'm out of the truck lanes and amongst the slower passenger cars.

 

[JURELCATCHER]

I've got a 1999 UZJ100 with 295/75/16 BF Goodrich AT KO with a 2.5" lift, and I can maintain 75-80 mph fairly easily up the Grapevine both ways.

 

[lhfungo]

I have a 2004 on 32" Michelin A/T2's and I went over the Grapevine north and south about a month and a half ago. It was just me, some golf clubs, a road bike, a cooler of beer and a suitcase. I'm a speed limit guy, give or take a few mph. I could not keep my LC in 5th gear while doing 65-70 mph. I think the revs are just too low at that speed and the trans. wants to put the engine into the strength of the power curve. That said, once down shifted, the LC will run up the hill as fast as you want without ever getting hot.

 

[r2m]

I just did Cajon pass this pass weekend heading up to Lake Tahoe. I'm running 35" BFG M/T's and regeared diff's. No problem keeping 75 mph (per my GPS) going up and over. I have a 1998 LC with 228k miles.