my friend just got a 94 4runner with a 22re

ive driven lots of toyotas so i know the 22re is no power house but this thing has trouble going up my steep driveway in 1st gear.

we are gonna start with checking (to the best of my ability) to see if there is anything obvious wrong.

it currently sounds horrible so there has got to be a huge exhaust leak.
idle is a bit low but idles well and no hesitation on acceleration.

so just looking for any advice on what to look for specifically.

 

Check timing. Make sure there are no vacuum leaks.

Any CEL codes? regardless of whether the CEL is on or not, check for codes.

What size tires with what gearing?

 

ill check those things and its all stock on 31s and stock gears.