2.7 Sluggishness

Sounds about on par with my truck. What size tires are you running?

 

265/70/17 31.5s with the 4.88s

 

Yep, slow and underpowered. Sounds about right.

 

If your front cat is original, go with a MagnaFlow unit. Watch the quality though and use Toyota gaskets... I did this and it helped. While it's out, clean up the o2 sensor and re-install.
Also, I recommend cleaning the MAF and running some injector cleaner through a tank of fuel.
Lastly, look at LC's big bore throttle body up-grade. I did this years ago and it helped with throttle response and pick up... no hp gains though.

Good luck.

 

With 4.88s your truck should be just fine. I have a worn out 270k mile 3RZ in a heavier 4Runner coupled to an automatic. It has factory 4.56 gears and I'm running 33's. It's fine, perfect amount of power for around town driving or highway cruising.

It wouldn't be my first choice for freeway driving, but certainly bearable. If you're looking to get more out of it, don't. It can certainly be done but it's not for the faint of heart. Time, money and heartache will be given and it does cost reliability if you're hard on your truck. I know from personal experience. For the record my 3.4 double cab is no faster than the 4runner.