Drag/slow down feeling when driving over 60mph

Hello,

I recently purchased a 98 4wd Taco with 214k miles on it. Its not my daily as I have a work vehicle. I purchased it for running around town and taking my pack of mutts to the park etc.

I've noticed while traveling over 60mph that I can feel a dragging feeling every 8-10 seconds. My model doesnt have a tac so I cant see if the revs are going down but it doesnt feel like the engine is losing power.

It almost feels like something is pulling the truck back for a quick sec. I dont know how to better explain it.

Has anyone experienced this before? Or can anyone point me in the right direction to start looking?

Thanks in advance

 

Check your rear drum brake functions/ operations. Does your parking brake work and release? 1st thing I’d check

 

Parking brake does work. Twist, release, and push all the way in yeah? I'll double check the next time I release it and make sure its fully disengaged. I haven't got under the truck to look at the rear drums but I will this weekend and Ill let you know. Thanks!

 

Check for vacuum leaks. Did you put a reader on it? MAS?

 

I agree with Toonces.

Tacomas have an issue with the brake retaining springs. When they age they dont pull hard enough for the auto adjuster to work properly, they over adjust and will continually force the rear shoes into the drum. For me it was the drivers side, the passenger side operated OK. I must have had the rear drums off 3 or 4 times looking for anything and everything was lubed and adjusted. I used Toyota springs and havnt had an issue since. Would aftermarket springs be just as good... dont know. I was so tired of every week or so having to fiddle with such a simple thing that the $ spent made it worth the cost.

 

Hey guys, I first wanted to thank you guys for all the opinions. They gave my mechanic and I a starting point. Turns out the throttle body sensor was going out and it Hadent tripped the check engine light yet.

I took the taco in and they found that the brakes and retaining springs were fine. They upped the air in the tires and said it got better. As I pulled out of the mechanics’ shop the check engine light went on. I had them read the code a sure enough, the throttle sensor was out. It was replaced an hour later and now the truck drives like new!