this morning when I went to start my 94 truck (22RE 5 speed)

usually i just hop in my truck and drive away, but this morning I had to

scrape ice of the windows. as I was outside with the truck running,

the engine sounded like I was shaking a spray can with marbles in it

and as it warmed the noise went away

any ideas what this was?

 

Pull off the valve cover and take a peek at the timing chain and driver's side guide.

 

No way, definitely not timing chain issues. Local news reports squirrels with glass nuts hula dancing under hoods of many Toyotas due to the extreme cold.

 

x2 on the clattering sqirrel nuts.........It's been minus 30 c here for the last three days and my old beast barely starts but, when she does the entire truck rattles and shakes for a minute or two..

 

Attention there are no squirrels with glass nuts dancing under the hood of Toyotas - FOX news LIES
I was being sarcastic. Usually the stretched out timing chain noise goes away (at first) after the motor warms up and the oil pressure rises. Listen to the first advice, check your timing chain for slackness, even if the guide isn't broke, you might be on your way. Better to nip it in the bud!