How do these trucks do on hills?

[m37_power]

I have yet to get to drive my truck except around the driveway. I was just curious with a decently strong motor how they did on hills...etc. I know most say 45mph is a good cruising speed and the truck is all gearing. I was just looking for some opinons. Sorry for the dumb question. Just trying to judge how it will do. Im on stock tires now as well. Im hoping to have it driveable in the next month or two.

[Carter]

When hill climbing on local roads my truck will pull most of them in 4th gear when empty but when carying a heavy load, 3rd and rarely 2nd will be needed to top the steepest ones, downhill only the govenor or the driver limit the speed and I limit that to below 50mph.

[Nickathome]

Mine isn't that great on steeper hills. I usually have to dump it into 3rd to climb the steep ones. Mind you my truck's engine hasn't been overhauled so I'm sure that is probably a big reason.....I don't recall having to drop it into 2nd on any of the hills around here, then again I don't haul much of anything either.

[Carter]

Nick, the only time I was forced to use second was years ago when I had 2500# of crushed stone loaded at the quarry and had to climb out of the the pit on a very steep 3/4 mile haul road. By the time I got to the top I had a long line of Mack dumps behind me who were less than happy at the snails pace I was setting in my little Dodge. The scale operator ask if it was a Hotwheels or Tonka rig, Matchbox I said.

[Master Yota]

I had a weak 251 in my first M37 - Took me 5hrs to cover 125 miles of highway. The hills around here are usually pretty aggressive (6-8% grade and about 1/2 mile long minimum).
I started to climb out of a river valley, the road was well paved with a good run up to it. I wound the truck out and hit the bottom with a full head of steam, and promptly started downshifting. By halfway I was already into second gear, and considering first. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a movement. It was a fully loaded tourist on an 18 speed bicycle. He waved, and I gave him the finger. He passed me with a big grin on his face. I finally got to the top of the hill, and he was already gone. I never did catch up to him.

The V8 swap started the next weekend. Hilly country needs more power, just for safety sake on todays roads, if you plan to share the road normal traffic. Rural areas would probably be fine. Flat lands like the prarie provinces or states would probably suffice with the stock engine as well. The end result will depend alot on how you want to use your truck. The repower of my truck made me far happier than the best stock engine ever could. If you're happy with the current status, thats all that matters.

Hope this helps a little.

[Master Yota]

Double post

[m37_power]

That does help alot. I plan on mostly running it around where i live and maybe taking the backroads and doing some small trips. I was just seeing what others experiences are with them. I appreciate the responses.

[SierraM37]

That's a good one Master Yota! I would be a bit red faced myself!

[cuz]

How well I know that feeling. Kinda like running unmatched NHRA time trials in the 60's with my J stock Chevy and cracking a distributor cap and seeing a N stock Corvair shoot past me down the track. You learn to drive the return track while sliding down far enough in the seat that no one can see you!

[BILL L]

Depends on the hill...quite well on this one.[img][img]http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/47106/2597109570033746103S600x600Q85.jpg[/img][/img]

[powerwagontim]

Hi Bill,
I think I recognize that hole!
Tim