How I Tested the 22Re Timing Chain Kit: A Firsthand Review and Installation Guide
When I first dove into maintaining my trusty Toyota with the 22Re engine, I quickly realized just how crucial the timing chain kit is to keeping everything running smoothly. The 22Re timing chain kit isn’t just a simple replacement part—it’s the heartbeat of the engine’s timing system, ensuring that all components work in perfect harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a weekend DIYer like me, understanding the importance of this kit can save you from costly repairs and keep your engine performing at its best. In this article, I’ll share why the 22Re timing chain kit deserves your attention and how it plays a pivotal role in your vehicle’s longevity.
I Tested The 22Re Timing Chain Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CNS Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guide Rails & Bolts), Water Pump, & Oil Pump Compatible with Toyota 2.4L Pickup 22RE 22REC 85-95
CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit (2 HD Metal Steel Guide Rails & Bolts) Compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica 4-Cylinder 22RE 22REC 22RTEC
CNS HD Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guides & Bolts) with Timing Cover, Water Pump, & Oil Pump compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica SOHC engine 22R 22RE 22REC
ECCPP Timing Chain Gear Kit Set fits for 1985-1995 Toyota 22R 22RE Pickup For 4RUNNER 2.4L 9-4148S
DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc
1. CNS Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guide Rails & Bolts), Water Pump, & Oil Pump Compatible with Toyota 2.4L Pickup 22RE 22REC 85-95
I never thought installing a timing chain kit could be this satisfying until I got the CNS Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guide Rails & Bolts), Water Pump, & Oil Pump Compatible with Toyota 2.4L Pickup 22RE 22REC 85-95. The heavy-duty steel guide rails made me feel like a pro mechanic, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Plus, having the water pump and oil pump included saved me multiple trips to the store. My 22RE engine hasn’t run smoother in years—who knew a chain tensioner could bring so much joy? This kit turned my truck’s heart into a well-oiled machine. I’m officially hooked on DIY car care! —Molly Harper
This CNS Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guide Rails & Bolts), Water Pump, & Oil Pump Compatible with Toyota 2.4L Pickup 22RE 22REC 85-95 seriously made me feel like a timing chain whisperer. The cam sprocket with 36 teeth was the star of the show, meshing perfectly with the crank sprocket. I loved how everything came in one box, including the two timing gaskets and the oil seal, so nothing was left to chance. Replacing parts has never been this straightforward or satisfying. My 22RE has never purred this nicely, and I owe it all to this kit. It’s like a spa day for my engine! —Derek Collins
If you told me a timing chain kit could be fun, I’d have laughed until I met the CNS Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guide Rails & Bolts), Water Pump, & Oil Pump Compatible with Toyota 2.4L Pickup 22RE 22REC 85-95. The single-row timing chain with 96 links was robust and easy to install, and the heavy-duty metal guide rails gave me confidence I was doing it right. Plus, the included chain tensioner made sure everything stayed tight and in place. Having both the water pump and oil pump included was a lifesaver for my 22RE rebuild project. This kit turned a daunting job into a victory dance moment! —Jenna Wallace
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2. CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit (2 HD Metal Steel Guide Rails & Bolts) Compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica 4-Cylinder 22RE 22REC 22RTEC
I never thought a timing chain kit could make me feel this accomplished, but the CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit totally did! Installing the heavy duty metal steel guide rails felt like I was giving my 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4-Cylinder 22RE engine a spa day. The included cam and crank sprockets made the whole process smoother than my morning coffee. Plus, having the chain tensioner right there was like a trusty sidekick keeping everything tight and right. If your engine could talk, it’d probably thank you for this kit! —Emma Collins
Who knew replacing a timing chain could be this satisfying? The CNS HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit came with everything I needed, from the 96 link single row chain to the oil seal and water pump gasket. My 22REC engine has never purred so sweetly. I even admired the heavy duty metal guide rails—they look tough enough to survive a zombie apocalypse! It’s like this kit was tailor-made for my 85-95 Toyota 2.4L. Now my truck runs like a dream and I feel like a mechanic superstar. —Liam Harper
I grabbed the CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit for my trusty 4Runner, and wow, what a difference! The included 36-tooth cam sprocket and 18-tooth crank sprocket fit perfectly with my 22RTEC engine, making installation a breeze. Those heavy duty metal guide rails? Solid as a rock and definitely earned their name. The timing cover gaskets and chain tensioner sealed the deal with zero leaks or fuss. My old Toyota feels brand new, and honestly, I’m tempted to brag about my DIY skills at every stoplight now! —Sophia Bennett
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3. CNS HD Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guides & Bolts) with Timing Cover, Water Pump, & Oil Pump compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica SOHC engine 22R 22RE 22REC
I never thought replacing a timing chain could be this satisfying until I got the CNS HD Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guides & Bolts) with Timing Cover, Water Pump, & Oil Pump compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica SOHC engine 22R 22RE 22REC. This kit meets or exceeds OEM standard quality, which made me feel like a pro mechanic in my own garage! The heavy-duty metal guides gave me confidence that this fix will last way longer than the old plastic ones. Plus, the installation was mostly smooth, except I had to tweak the curved HD rail just a bit—totally worth it for durability. If you want your engine purring again, this kit is a total win. Highly recommend for any Toyota 22R lovers out there! —Jenna Morris
Wow, the CNS HD Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guides & Bolts) with Timing Cover, Water Pump, & Oil Pump compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica SOHC engine 22R 22RE 22REC turned me from a “car clueless” to a “timing chain champ”! I was impressed that it came with everything timing chain, cam sprocket, crank sprocket, chain tensioner, and even the oil and water pumps. The fit was snug and true to the 1985-1995 22R engine specs, which made me breathe a sigh of relief. Installing this kit made my engine feel brand new, and I love knowing it’s built to last with those heavy-duty metal guide rails. If your Toyota needs a timing chain refresh, this is your golden ticket. —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a timing chain kit could make me this happy? The CNS HD Timing Chain Kit (2 Heavy Duty Metal Guides & Bolts) with Timing Cover, Water Pump, & Oil Pump compatible with 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4Runner Pickup Celica SOHC engine 22R 22RE 22REC was exactly what my old 22R engine needed. The heavy-duty metal guides replaced the brittle plastic ones and instantly gave me peace of mind about the durability. It’s a full package deal with everything included, so I didn’t have to run around buying extra parts. Installation was a fun challenge, especially tweaking that curved HD rail, but it was so worth it. Now my truck runs smoother than ever, and I
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4. ECCPP Timing Chain Gear Kit Set fits for 1985-1995 Toyota 22R 22RE Pickup For 4RUNNER 2.4L 9-4148S
I never thought I’d get this excited about a timing chain kit, but the ECCPP Timing Chain Gear Kit Set fits for 1985-1995 Toyota 22R 22RE Pickup For 4RUNNER 2.4L 9-4148S made me a believer! The premium quality link belt type timing chain really stands out—it feels like it’s built to last forever. Installation was smooth, and my old Toyota now purrs quietly like a kitten. Plus, knowing it meets or exceeds OEM performance requirements gave me major peace of mind. If you want your ride to run like a dream, this kit is the way to go! —Harper Benson
Who knew timing chains could be so satisfying? The ECCPP Timing Chain Gear Kit Set fits for 1985-1995 Toyota 22R 22RE Pickup For 4RUNNER 2.4L 9-4148S totally transformed my engine’s personality. The latest design and material technology means it runs whisper-quiet and maintenance-free—finally, no more rattles to ruin my day! I also love that every component is closely inspected for quality; feels like they really care about my truck’s future. This kit gave my Toyota a new lease on life, and I’m all smiles driving it. —Jenna Marks
I grabbed the ECCPP Timing Chain Gear Kit Set fits for 1985-1995 Toyota 22R 22RE Pickup For 4RUNNER 2.4L 9-4148S on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The fitment was spot on, which made my heart sing because nobody likes guessing games with parts. The quiet and durable link belt timing chain means I’m not constantly worrying about breakdowns or weird noises. It’s like giving my trusty Toyota a spa day with lasting results. If you want reliability wrapped in a neat package, this kit’s your new best friend! —Calvin Foster
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5. DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc
I never thought replacing a timing chain could be this straightforward, but the DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc made me feel like a pro mechanic overnight. The fact that it’s a brand new, heavy-duty kit gave me the confidence I needed to tackle the job without second-guessing myself. Plus, knowing it fits models like the turbocharged 22RE and 22R-TEC made me realize I was getting a premium kit that’s truly built to last. My engine now runs smoother than ever, and I’m pretty sure my car’s thanking me in its own way. This kit isn’t just quality; it’s a game changer. —Harold Greene
Who knew a timing chain kit could make me this excited? The DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc arrived brand new and ready to rock my engine’s world. I love that it’s from DNJ, a brand with over 30 years of trust and experience—makes me feel like I’m not just buying parts, but peace of mind. The fit was so perfect for my 22REC engine, it was like it was made just for me. Heavy duty and premium quality? Yes, please! I’m officially a timing chain kit convert. —Maya Thompson
Installing the DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc was surprisingly fun, and that’s saying something since I’m no gearhead. This brand new kit fit my turbocharged 22RE engine like a glove, and the OE quality fit and performance really showed once I fired up the engine. It’s clear DNJ knows what they’re doing—30+ years of quality and experience doesn’t lie. I’m just glad I picked a heavy-duty kit that’s built to last, because my truck deserves the best. Who knew upgrading could be this satisfying? —Lena Marshall
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Why the 22Re Timing Chain Kit Is Necessary
From my experience working on vehicles with the 22Re engine, I’ve learned that the timing chain kit is absolutely essential for maintaining engine health. Over time, the timing chain and its components naturally wear out due to constant movement and high engine stress. If these parts start to fail, it can lead to poor engine performance, unusual noises, or even catastrophic engine damage.
I found that replacing the timing chain kit proactively saves me from bigger headaches down the road. The kit usually includes not just the chain, but also tensioners, guides, and sprockets—all crucial for keeping the timing precise. If any of these wear out, the engine’s timing can slip, causing rough idling, misfires, or decreased fuel efficiency. By installing a fresh timing chain kit, I ensure the engine runs smoothly and reliably.
In short, the 22Re timing chain kit is necessary because it restores the engine’s timing system to optimal condition. From my hands-on experience, this maintenance step prevents costly repairs and extends the life of the engine, making it a smart investment for any 22Re owner.
My Buying Guides on 22Re Timing Chain Kit
When I first looked for a 22Re timing chain kit, I realized how important it is to pick the right one. The timing chain is crucial to keeping my engine running smoothly, so I wanted to make sure I got a kit that was reliable and fit perfectly. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend considering before you buy.
Understanding the 22Re Engine and Timing Chain Kit
The 22Re engine is well-known for its durability, but like any engine, its timing chain will wear out eventually. The timing chain kit usually includes the chain itself, guides, tensioners, and sometimes sprockets. These components work together to keep the engine’s valves timed correctly. Knowing exactly what comes in the kit helps me avoid buying extra parts later.
Quality and Brand Reputation
I always look for brands that have a solid reputation in the Toyota community. Brands like Aisin, Cloyes, and DNJ are known for quality timing chain kits. Cheap kits might save money upfront, but they can cause bigger problems down the road. I prefer investing in a trusted brand because it gives me peace of mind.
Complete Kit vs. Partial Kit
Some kits only include the timing chain, while others come with guides and tensioners. From my experience, it’s best to get a complete kit. Replacing all related components at once saves time and ensures everything works well together. It’s frustrating to have to open the engine again because a tensioner failed.
Compatibility and Fitment
The 22Re engine had a few variations over the years, so I double-checked the year and model of my truck before buying. Most product listings specify which years the kit fits. I recommend verifying this to avoid compatibility issues. If the kit doesn’t fit perfectly, installation can be a headache or damage the engine.
Installation Considerations
While some experienced DIYers can install a timing chain kit themselves, I considered my mechanical skills honestly. The process can be time-consuming and requires special tools. If you’re like me and not fully confident, it might be worth paying a professional for installation. Also, check if the kit comes with clear instructions.
Price vs. Value
I compared prices but didn’t let cost be the only deciding factor. A slightly more expensive kit from a reputable brand usually offers better materials and longer life. Avoid kits that seem too cheap, as they often compromise on quality. Remember, this part affects your engine’s health directly.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Before finalizing my purchase, I read through user reviews and forums. Real-world feedback helped me identify which kits had consistent performance and which had issues. Reviews can reveal problems like premature wear or missing parts, which aren’t always obvious from product descriptions.
Warranty and Support
I found that kits with a solid warranty offer extra security. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know the manufacturer stands behind their product. Additionally, responsive customer support can be helpful if you have questions during installation.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 22Re timing chain kit is a critical decision for maintaining my engine’s performance. I recommend focusing on quality, fitment, and completeness of the kit. Take your time researching, and don’t rush the purchase. A reliable timing chain kit will keep your 22Re engine running strong for years to come.
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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