2001 hilux 4x4 revving too high?

david dallabona

i have a 2001 Hilux 4x4 3.0 diesel and it seems to be revving way too high to be normal, i have been told by a trusted mechanic that it's because of the differential that was put on as an 'option' when purchased brand new from Toyota? to better suit towing and more torque?. On the highway doing 100km im revving at 3000 + revs and does not sound too good from the engine, even doing 80km and im at 2500 + revs. I have tried to find infomation on this but unsuccessful also fuel economy on the hilux is roughly 500km with an empty tray. I would just like to clear this matter up and see what you guys think before i get it checked out properly if need be. Thanks

Ted Bundy

Obviously the mechanic isn't so 'trusted' considering you're asking people on this site!?!

Eric P

Is it an automatic or manual transmission? If it's an automatic, make sure you're in the highest-drive gear with overdrive enabled. Also, make sure it isn't slipping and has proper fluid level.































If it's a manual transmission, I assume you're in 5th gear and the clutch is not slipping.































It is possible that your truck has lower differential ratios that accompanied a towing or larger tire package. You can reduce your highway RPM's by switching to a taller set of tires or to a higher (numerically-lower) set of axle ring & pinion gears.































That does seem to be spinning the engine fast, especially for a diesel.































You can determine your axle ratio by lifting one tire off the ground. Make a chalk mark on the drive shaft and on the tire. With the brake set but the truck in neutral, rotate the lifted tire one revolution and count how many times the drive shaft rotates. Then divide that number by two. This should get you close to the ratio (likely 3.73 or 4.10). There were some, stock, automatic transmission applications that had 4.30 ratios. If your axles are geared lower than that, is it possible that a previous owner had lower gears installed for large tires?