Hesitation under load at low RPM's

I have a 98 with a 3.4 and over the last month is has developed a hesitation/sputter/bucking at low rpm's under load. the hesitation is only present from 1200-2000 rpm, over 2k it runs normal. I first noticed the hesitation while rolling through a stop on a uphill section of road. No CEL. it has no vacuum leaks. Ran a bottle of fuel system cleaner through it but that didn't make much difference. I plan on replacing the plugs and wires along with the fuel filter soon but does anyone have any other recommendations?

 

Clean you MAF sensor and see if it helps. You may also check your throttle position sensor, these do not always throw CEL codes.

 

I'll clean the MAF and see if that helps, the TPS was replaced a few years ago (50K miles ago) and this feels totally different from when that started going out but i will look into that also. Thanks

 

Any update on this problem? I am having the same issue with my truck, I replaced the fuel filter but nothing has changed.

 

I cleaned the MAF and replaced the sparkplugs and it ran perfect.

 

Probably plugs. On my manual, right about the service interval for plugs (30k) the bottom of 2nd gear would miss. It was most likely a plug.

 

having this same issue currently with my 2.7L 5speed. It idles and runs higher RPMS very smoothly but i have a slight hesitation in bottom of 2nd gear and low end under low rpms in other gears. Also, if i stab the throttle at idle it sputters and misses for a second and then runs great. Been about 30k since i changed plugs and wires. Hoping this is my issue.

 

probably is. High load situations require better spark to combust properly