What could be wrong with my car (vehicle, brakes, truck)

[atlcharm]

Okay so this morning I am pulling out of my drive way which is a very steep decline. as I am pulling out on the steepest part down the car begins to jerk very hard and makes a banging sound. once i got on smooth ground it was fine. Does anyone know what this means? I have a 97 toyota 4 runner.

[hoffdano]

Pretty tough to diagnose from that description.

Going down a decline you have to use brakes. That could be a problem.

Could be a transmission issue.

If it drove fine after leaving your house it suggests the engine is fine and your transmission worked in that condition.

[Gimme3steps]

Were there any parts laying on the ground when you pulled away?

It's not in 4 wheel drive is it?

[atlcharm]

No it is not 4 wheel drive. I did not look for parts I'll have to check my driveway when i get home

[Sayantsi]

How much gas in the tank?

[atlcharm]

hmmm.. i was thinking about gas too, but it is about a quarter. maybe i will fill up on my way home and see if it does it again?

[Mr.Cat]

Originally Posted by Sayantsi

How much gas in the tank?

Originally Posted by atlcharm

hmmm.. i was thinking about gas too, but it is about a quarter. maybe i will fill up on my way home and see if it does it again?

I thought of that too. Maybe he was low on gas and the vehicle being tilted at an agle, the gas inside the tank also at an angle . Get what I am saying?

[jdavid93225]

Maybe there was a pedestrian in your driveway (LOL)? <kidding>

[Steve-o]

Well, if your engine was cold, and youre on a steep incline, your engine might be starving for oil. Id put it in neutral and use the brakes to back out from now on. Oil starvation can be catastrophic.

It could also be your reverse gear. Is the truck an auto?

[atlcharm]

thanks for the advice. I'm gonna back out tommorow and do neutral like you said. I will take to the shop on monday.