Not very Torquey 3.0

[85_redranger]

alrighty guys i just bought my 92 3.0 with an A4LD it has a really bad exhaust leak but new plugs, wires, rotor cap, button, and air filter. when i'm driving on flat ground and mash the gas it picks up speed but very slowly but when i'm driving on the highway at about 55 and go up a slight incline it slows down alot i don't know if the exhaust leak would have anything to do with it or not but i'm going to change the tranny filter as soon as i can and see if that helps... it also sat all through the winter... any suggestions

 

[Big Jim M]

Two thoughts: First are the tires stock size OR are they too tall for the rear gearing?
Second.. Could the exhaust leak be caused by the muffler or catalitic converter being partially stopped up and not allowing enough exhaust to pass out the tail pipe?
Either of these two suggestions would cause a similiar problem to what you have posted... Both would allow the engine to run seemingly normal.
Big JIm

 

[85_redranger]

the exhaust pipe is rusted and there is no catalytic converter but there is a huge hole in the muffler probably causing a lot of backpressure i'm putting a thrush turbo muffler on it today juist getting second opinions.

 

[fourwheelford]

The hole would create a lack back pressure and cause problems.

 

[mc_muench]

maybe it's the fact that its a 3.0 with auto, the engines aren't powerhouses ya know

 

[bigcountry]

yes an exhaust leak could cause those problems if i was you while they were replacing the muffler i would have them replace a good bit of the exhaust under the truck so you can get some of the leaks fixed cause you nor i have no clue how bad the leak is and if you live up north the exhaust could be in some bad shape. id also check for some vaccum leaks

 

[85_redranger]

thanks alot guys the muffler is getting welded hopefully today by my friends dad ad for now i'm just putting a turndown on it til i get some moolah i drove it open hedder'd last night pissed off neighbors, gave me a headache, and there was no difference in power at all

 

[Rearanger]

On a 92 did you think to take a compression test? That would be my first test, even before buying the truck.

 

[SixFoFalcon]

Check the throttle cable (search "TC mod" or "throttle cable mod".) It's probably not the source of all your problems but a stretched cable sure doesn't help performance and it's a very common issue on these trucks.