Checking valves...
 

I have a '88 4runner (22re) and the valves seem to be making a lot of nose , anyone know how often you are soupossed to check the valves and how hard it is to do.

I would guess they need to be checked every time you do a major tuneup, but not sure what the service interval for the 22re is. Should be pretty easy...I would start out by buying a maintenance manual (preferably the Toyota one, but Haynes would work) and reading up on the procedure, then go from there.