I've got a 93 4x4 with a 22RE 154k miles. I recently replaced the timing chaing and it's been kinda loud, sort of a tapping noise. Wondering if maybe I spun a bearing or something horrible, the valve clearance is good and the valve cover isn't over tight.
Recheck your timing mark, mine timing chain was done by a mechanic that didn't really know how to do it and he was one tooth off. It mad a noise similar to that. Worth a try.
Tony