Truck feels like its dragging at Hwy speed.

Hello. I did do some research and didn't find anything that quite fit with what is going on with my truck. I drive a 2011 4L Tacoma. which i have had for 5 years. The issue is that at highway speeds it feels like it is dragging and always have to be on accelerator and has been for a bit and a odd vibration I can feel in pedal (may or may not be related). But always thought it could of been the bad wheel bearing I had for a bit. but after changing the wheel bearing and a bunch of other front end parts.The issue is still there. Today on the HWY i did a little test and timed on how short the truck slows down from 100 KPH to 80KPH, it took 10 seconds to drop 20 kph. felt like i applied the brakes and i could of slowed down enough to come to a stop.(this isnt that downshifting thing these trucks do) weird part it doesn't do it around 50 to 60 or its just not as noticeable. As far as the vibration i feel it at random times at lower speeds. its faint but noticeable while driving in my pedals and floor. my mechanic(whose also my friend) says i am crazy and i don't disagree. i notice every little noise and vibration with truck. Do you guys have any insight on what could be the reason my truck is dragging like it is?

 

Stuck caliper(s)? You said it feels like it’s braking, maybe it is.

Vibration could be anything really, carrier bearing to unbalanced tires.

Keep in mind with the dragging, it is a brick with wheels, maybe it’s just aerodynamics.

 

thanks. I usually catch a stuck caliper pretty quick as soon as it starts. and seems weird it doesn't do it a 60 kph just hwy speeds but that's in the front. could be the back? it could be the aerodynamics, I just think that it should coast a little. I get it will slow down but 20 kph in 10 seconds and does it whether its going down a hill or on a flat seems a little quick for me.

 

I know with my ‘06, at highway speed it does feel like I’m pushing it harder, and it does slow seemingly faster, but I’ve never timed it. As I said, I chalk it up to driving a brick.

 

Could be. like I i said my mechanic thinks I am crazy and I am okay with it. I noticed it since i moved and now do some hwy driving to work instead of just rural. It could be normal and just never noticed it. thought i ask on here to see if it was or not.

 

The only stupid question is the one not asked, and whichever one the TW mob gets to.

 

What are the RPM's at speed? OD issue? Torque converter not locking up or staying locked up when you get off the gas?

 

My 2010 did that. Bought it used, with aggressive mud tires. Changed over to all season tread , now, coasts down much much better. Fwiw.

 

As far as vibration at low speeds, did you look into the needle bearings in front diff? Pretty common problem with these trucks. Usually feel vibration at 50-60km. If vibration isn’t there while in 4x4 then most likely your issue.

 

Ive got a very similar issue and have been tracking it down for a long time now…. Mine is does it intermittently I have tried all kinds of things tontry and duplicate the issue and no luck. Every suspension part is new on my truck to include 4.56 gears from ecgs all new calipers discs pads whole nine yards Pretty sure its not my torqu comverter vibration doesnt disapear when doing the brake test at speed…

sorry your probably reading this waiting for the answer and i dont have one but going tonwatch this thread hoping for some more ideas….

if you got any questions on some tests ive done feel free to hit me up Hope younfigire it out asap

 

What happens if you put the truck in neutral?
Does it feel the same?

 

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'll do a few test today and get back to you.

 

When was the last time you checked your U joints on your driveshaft? I don't mean wiggle them but remove the driveshaft and wiggle the joint to see if they are loose or stiff.

If you have excessive drag, you'd notice it in your fuel economy, it would drop like a rock. If it hasn't then I would not lose that much sleep over it myself. If it has, then I'd search further. Taco's don't freewheel very well.

 

Best way to check for dragging brakes is get you an infrared temp gun. Drive on the highway for a few miles and pullover then shoot each wheel with the temp gun and see if there's any major temp differences.

 

Over the past few days I have been trying to take notice about the vibration and the fact 4wd makes a difference. It does seem to help but kinda hard to be sure. Going to get a second opinion from my buddy.. as far as the dragging haven't got the chance to do anything with it aswell. Lifes been very busy. But I do appreciate everyone's help!! It is greatly appreciated

 

It kinda sounds like your center support bearing is worn out under your truck. Does your drive shaft have a lot of play if you push on it?