Topic: 96 Tacoma 4x4 flywheel question

[Mollydawg]

I want to modify my 3RZ 5-spd enough to maintain 65 - 70 mph going through CO mountains on I-70, rear bed loaded with camp gear, (maybe 500 lbs worth), BUT I want to maintain the 2500-2700 self-limited rpm on it that I do now.  Obviously, 2500-2700 rpm won't do that at that speed. But it doesn't appear to need much more power/torque.  I was told by L.C.Engineering that by using their 35 lb flywheel I would be surprised at how well it would work for that purpose, and if still not enough, the addition of a supercharger certainly would.  Does the flywheel statement make sense to you guys?  It doesn't to me, but I'd like to know someone that has used a heavy flywheel for that purpose. They say it will also "pull off" easier under load than with the stock flywheel, and that makes sense. But to be able to maintain my speed without going over my self-imposed rpm limit, I'd like some suggestions please!

[RABIDYOTA]

heavy flywheels tend to make more use of low end torque due to rotating mass of flywheel the heavier the flywheel the more resistance it takes to slow it down  hence better use of engine torque    just the oppisite of using a lighter flywheel of get the engine to rev. quicker top end performance,    so yes a heavier flywheel should help you reach you'r gole. as long as you have the proper gears

[dntsdad]

Totally different application but same principal as Rabidyota described. Many guys that ride older 2 stroke motorcycles use heavier flywheels to gain lowend torque and to create inertia to keep the motor going if they are going to lug the bike like for mountain trail riding rather than screaming around a track.

Sounds like something better than snake oil to me.

[2manytoys]

I just sold my heavy flywheel and went back to stock. (88 22RE)

The PO had installed it and I ran it about 4 years in higher elevations and mainly highway driving on mountain grades.

It does help keep momentum on highway grades and you can't stall it when your crawlin' but is a dog accelerating in city traffic. Most of my driving now is level highway and city streets.

So yes, it will help you the way you want to drive. It does "pull off" easier under load too. You won't stall.

[Mollydawg [OP]]

OK. Sounds like I'm on the right track. As for larger tires - not yet.  My '96 came with 31x10.50x15's.  I'll probably move up to 33's but that's about it. Won't be doing a lot of high-clearance stuff as the 31's were fine for what I do in Utah. As for gearing (differentials) as I understand it, the lower  you go in gears, say from the 4.56's I have now (which I believe was stock for trucks with the 3RZ) to 5.12's for instance, means the pinion gear gets smaller. So - does this affect reliability or do you need to purchase stronger materials in gearing? Or is anyone using different 3rd members from something else? Tundra's? Other makes?