I just rented a compact tractor on a dbl axle trailer with a total pull weight of around 6000 lbs. I realize this is the max for the T100 to pull but it acted like I had twice the weight behind it. The first thing I notice was a bad for\back surging over bumps, almost like a rubberband was between the truck and trailer. The 3.4 had the power to get it up to 40-50 mph but sounded like I was thrashing on it the whole time.

Anyone else pull heavy loads with their T100? What mods have you made to help?

My '96 T100 has the 3.4L and I set it up to haul 2000 pounds in the bed and another 2000 pounds in a 900 pound trailer.

I installed TRD headers, HD Alcan rear springs, HD T-bars, HD Bilsteins, a Hellwig and an Air-Lift system with on board controls.
Towing and hauling are not a problem. I turn the O.D. OFF and stay in 3rd gear.

Stopping in a short distance is another story...

Do you get the surging I noticed? Maybe the x-tra 2K in the bed helps give the truck a little more stability?

No surging with my current set-up. I would sometimes pull a load in the trailer with an empty bed and still no surging.

I pull another trailer that weighs about 3000 taotal and I still feel a slight surge motion over bumps. I guess I just expected more from the T100 after moving up from the mini

This last summer I moved from Atlanta, GA to northern AZ by way of Minnesota, SD, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah and Colorado.... I did this for my wife and her new Gov. job where they paied for the movine expenses if we kept records so I have certified CAT scale slips (see this post for specific totals : Linky ) Anyway, it was about 4000lbs and I had ZERO issues cruising at 80mph indicated, with the A/C on and on cruise... well, unless I hit a Really steep grade, then it'd drop to about 65mph at worst. Zero issues accelerating and the only 'bucking' type sensation was when I hit just the right distance between freeway expansion joints and then it'd get going a little bit (but was far from normal).

I have zero mods to the truck, and it was from 117k to 121k miles that I did the trip (or so).

I moved from Michigan to Iowa about 4 months ago pulling a 5000 lb load. I made the mistake of loading the back end of the trailer too heavy. My back end was trying to swing around big time. The 3.4 didnt' even come close to having enough power for that drive. I felt like I was abusing it the whole time.

P.S. 1997 T-100 4x4 SR-5 Extended cab

Weight in the bed probably would have helped. Putting more weight on the tongue would help too (shift the location of the tractor on the trailer).

The rear springs are really soft in the first place and tend to have a lot of axle wrap, so that combined with not enough weight on them probably gave you the rubber band effect due to the rear springs wrapping up. Worn shocks would make the problem seem worse too.

I've hauled loads up to 5K or more, but nearly half that is in the bed, and it handled fine.
I hauled a trailer full of concrete one other time and they set it up w/ no load on the tongue. When I came to a stop on a downhill turn, the trailer tried to push the rear of the truck around (jack knife) and it handled really crappy. The hitch was adjustable, so I stopped and cranked it lower to put more weight on the tongue and it was much better.

Towing with my 4runner, if I don't have enough tongue weight, the rig and trailer will oscillate and sway really badly (especially if the 4runner is empty) even with relatively small loads, so I have to stop and redistribute the weight in the trailer and then all is well.

Seems like its a learning process...

Thanks,
I had plenty of tounge weight maybe even too much? My rear shocks are probably due for rpl and at 170K I am sure the springs could use some help what type of helpers springsare people running?

Too much tounge weight could be a problem too. If the truck looks like it is sitting low in the back, it could be too much tounge weight. Try to center the load on the trailer so it only puts a little weight on the truck, but not too little. Negative tounge is bad ... very bad. (Dont allow the trailer to be pulling UP on the truck.)

I'd say check on the timing too ... but (did you say you had a '96 -- I cant see it now) you probably cant adjust it anyway. I know in my '93 timing effects its performance significantly, but i can adjust mine.

-IJF