I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that sounds like a bearing knock to me and the knock sensor probably wont fix it. but thats just my opinion from reading your symptoms

 

If your engine is knocking from detonation it will sound like marbles bouncing around inside the engine. A rod knock will be constant at idle and when the engine is revved it will increase and then go away until you let off the gas again. Piston wear or they call it slap will rattle on the way down from high rpm to about 1500 or so then will go away. if it is detonation there are a few other things that can cause that problem, like carbon buildup on the pistons , low grade gasoline, and timing issues, and of course 02 and KS problems. if you are sure it is knock from detonation try putting a higher octane gas in it and see if that changes the problem. You said it is throwing codes let us know what codes, there are a lot of very smart folks on here, together we can figure it out for you.

 

I believe it was throwing 50 or 51 and 52 or 53. I can't remember, I just remember it lead to the KS and 02 sensor. NOw that the 02 is replaced the check engine light hasn't come on.

When I put in higher octane gas the knock diminishes, though it is still there. I guess it kinda sounds like marbles, in that it is completely irregular, not in proportion to rpms, though it increases sharply when I press down on the gas (regardless of what rpms I'm at).

 

You might consider that the knock sensor is bad; they're expensive but if it fixed the problem, it'd be worth it. Maybe someone has a way to test it.

 

If the knock only occurs after the engine has warmed up then a $20 solution is to call your Toyota dealer parts dept and order a Toyota part# 90916-03083 thermostat and 16341-35010 thermostat gasket. Order on the phone because they may not have this stat in stock, but can get it in a day or two. DO NOT tell the dealer what vehicle you plan to install it on or they will not give you the right thermostat. Just insist they get the part# 90916-03083 thermostat

The 90916-03083 thermostat is a 180 degree unit and you probably have an aftermarket 192 or 195 thermostat installed now that is aggravating the knocking.

You may also need to used premium gas full time as well as the cooler 90916-03083 thermostat.

If the knock occurs even when the engine is cold then you have bearing knock.

Knock sensors don't wear out so it's pointless to replace them.

Overadvanced ignition timing could be contributing to your knocking

 

More often than not if your engine has been knocking long enough for you to actually hear it, it's already sustained damage and usually can't be repaired 100%, certainly if the ECU is telling you the knock sensor is bad, replacing it would be a smart move. however if you can hear the knock loud and clear, chances are replacing the knock sensor and running a tune up wont abstain all knocks from the engine.

another thing to do would be to test your injectors if you haven't as well. the 22re likes to run as lean as possible without running too lean. Poor or failing injectors can bring the a/f mixture into the red and be causing knocks as well. (alot of times a knock sensor wont throw a code because it's failed. but rather because engine knock is to a point where the KS can no longer correct for it.)

i worked at a toyota dealership for 4 years and i've seen many tacoma's and hilux come in with knock codes. and doing a complete fuel system clean would remove the code

hope this was helpful. let me know how things turn out!

-dynamos