Overtaxed?

[Memphis]

Not political. I live in Iowa so we get snow. This weekend I put 3 sand tubes @ 70# each in the back of my '94 Ranger extended cab 2wd 2.3/5spd. On the highway this morning it acted like it was all it could do to get up the hills in 3rd.....with my foot completely on the floor! Is this normal? Too much weight? I haven't done the throttle cable mod, but am thinking about it. Would it help? I have new plugs and wires, clean fuel and air filter. If this is how it is ok, but if I can improve it then I'd like to. Thanks,Scott

P. S. .............also, due to the conditions I was driving a little slower so I was not able to
make a 'run' at the hills. Maybe that is why?

 

[exbass94]

I wouldn't say that's normal. 3 tubes at 70 lbs each is only 210 lbs of added weight. That's the same thing as having an average 6 ft guy sitting in the passenger seat. Definitely do the throttle cable mod, and scan for any codes.

 

[greenpus]

was the wind blowing towards you or against?
I have a 2000 2.5 and with 4 bags and the wind blowing in my face, it's a bitch getting up hills. I also have a 4.5 inch lift and 31 inch tires

 

[Memphis]

Not much wind this morning. I don't have a cel on, but I'll have O'Reillys check it and see if there is an issue. Maybe I'm still getting used to the truck.