I've got a 94 base model pickup w/ 22re. the kind with no a/c or power steering. 107k miles. here lately when i start it up, it may or may not make a "rattlesnake" type of noise for about 3-20 seconds. sometimes not at all. its gotten better since i got an oil change, i think jiffy lube put some crap oil filter in there. its sort of a "metal cage rattling" type of noise, that reminds me of power sliding a metal shopping cart around the corner in a grocery store. I'm pretty sure its the timing chain. it only does it right after starting, never does it going down the road.

so i called the nearest yota dealer, since i figure they know the most about this. they want $95 just to look at it. and if they replace the chain, tensioner, sprockets, and every other part imaginable, they want $2000, only $500 of it is parts. I know thats too much.

but they did mention that it may just be the guides worn down. the other parts maybe ok. is it wise to be that minimal about it?

I've read about doa metal guides. also read about melling guides. whats the best metal guides out there???

 

wow, thats why they call them the "stealer ship" .. i get parts from these guys www.2re.com . not sure if they have metal guides though. lc engineering has some quality stuff..

 

Check out engnbldr.com.
You can everything you need there.
I recommend the steel backed timing chain kit (TKS900SR) and the full gasket kit (FGS9000).
I went all the way and got a new water pump, oil pump and timing cover as well.
Mine was rattling every start up (2-3 times a day), for about 6 months, I could quiet it down by keeping an eye on my oil level and holding the starter till the engine was up to RPM, not just a short buzz of the starter.
It's pretty straight forward, look up timing chain procedures. You can get away without taking off the head. It's simple but just takes time, patience and a couple tools.

 

You can easily check the condition of your guides by taking off the valve cover and shining a flashlight down the timing cover.

I did this a few weeks ago and it lead to pulling the motor out and getting new pistons, rings, bearings and I used the timing kit from egnbuilder as well as the timing cover, oil pump, and water pump. I now have all the parts and everything is cleaned up and ready to go, just waiting on the machine shop.

It's not a hard job but it will take a little bit of down time. You will definitely save about $1500 if you do it yourself.