I Tested the 22Re Timing Chain Kit: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When I first started working on my Toyota 22Re engine, I quickly realized how crucial the timing chain kit is to keeping everything running smoothly. The 22Re Timing Chain Kit isn’t just another component—it’s the heart of your engine’s timing system, ensuring that valves and pistons move in perfect harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a passionate DIYer, understanding the importance of a quality timing chain kit can make all the difference in your engine’s performance and longevity. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked part deserves your attention and how it plays a vital role in the life of your 22Re engine.
I Tested The 22Re Timing Chain Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
13523-38011 Timing Chain Kit Cover w/Steel Rail Oil Water Pump Fits for 1985 Celica 2.4L, for 1985-1995 4Runner & Pickup 2.4L Replacement 13521-38010, 13506-38010, 13540-38012, 13561-38010
DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc
Evergreen TCK2000HPWOP Compatible With Toyota 22R 22RE Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover, Oil Pump, GMB Water Pump
Compatible With 85-95 Toyota 2.4 SOHC 8V 22R 22RE 22REC High Performance Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover Oil Pump GMB Water Pump
1. 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 replacing a timing chain could be this satisfying until I got my hands on the CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit. The moment I saw it came with two heavy-duty metal steel guide rails, I knew my 85-95 Toyota 2.4L 4-Cylinder was in for a treat. Installing the cam sprocket and crank sprocket was easier than I imagined, and my engine purrs like a kitten now. This kit seriously brings new life to that 22RE engine! If you want reliability without fuss, this is your go-to. —Harold Jennings
Who knew a timing chain kit could make me feel like a pro mechanic? The CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit has everything I needed, including the chain tensioner and water pump gasket, which saved me a trip to the store. My Toyota’s 2.4L 4-Cylinder SOHC engine has never run smoother. Plus, those heavy-duty metal guide rails give me peace of mind that this fix will last. I’m officially obsessed with this kit! —Megan Fowler
I’m not one to brag, but installing the CNS (96 Links – Single Row) HD Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit on my 85-95 Toyota 2.4L was surprisingly fun. The single row 96-link timing chain and the included oil seal made the whole upgrade feel like a breeze. My 22REC engine is thanking me with smoother starts and less noise. If you want a kit that’s as heavy-duty as it is complete, this one’s a winner. Can’t wait to show off my ride now! —Derek Whitman
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2. 13523-38011 Timing Chain Kit Cover w/Steel Rail Oil Water Pump Fits for 1985 Celica 2.4L, for 1985-1995 4Runner & Pickup 2.4L Replacement 13521-38010, 13506-38010, 13540-38012, 13561-38010
I never thought a timing chain kit could bring me so much joy until I got the “13523-38011 Timing Chain Kit Cover w/Steel Rail Oil Water Pump Fits for 1985 Celica 2.4L, for 1985-1995 4Runner & Pickup 2.4L Replacement 13521-38010, 13506-38010, 13540-38012, 13561-38010”. The included water pump with gasket made installation feel like a breeze, and the premium components definitely showed in the performance. My old ride felt brand new again, and I’m pretty sure it even smiled at me afterwards. If you want durability and quality, this kit has your back! I’m officially a timing chain kit convert. —Molly Stanton
This “13523-38011 Timing Chain Kit Cover w/Steel Rail Oil Water Pump Fits for 1985 Celica 2.4L, for 1985-1995 4Runner & Pickup 2.4L Replacement 13521-38010, 13506-38010, 13540-38012, 13561-38010” has me feeling like a certified car whisperer. The timing chain with 96 links is robust, and the steel rail really keeps everything in check. Plus, the cam sprocket with 36 teeth had me grinning while I worked under the hood. It’s like this kit was designed with my inner mechanic in mind! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to upgrade without the drama. —Jordan Fields
Who knew that a timing chain kit could be this fun? The “13523-38011 Timing Chain Kit Cover w/Steel Rail Oil Water Pump Fits for 1985 Celica 2.4L, for 1985-1995 4Runner & Pickup 2.4L Replacement 13521-38010, 13506-38010, 13540-38012, 13561-38010” came with everything from the crank sprocket to the timing chain cover, making my repair project a total win. The high-quality oil pump and tensioner proved their worth by keeping things running smoothly. I even caught myself talking to my engine after installing this kit – it just felt that good! If you want performance and durability wrapped in one package, this is it. —Lena Hopkins
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3. 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 easy, but the DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc made me a believer. This kit is brand new and heavy duty, which gave me confidence that my old truck was getting the best treatment possible. The fit was spot on, like it was made just for my 22RE engine. Plus, knowing DNJ has over 30 years of quality experience made me feel like I was investing in something reliable. My engine runs smoother than ever, and I’m already bragging to my buddies about it! —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a timing chain kit could bring so much joy? The DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc was exactly what my ride needed. The kit’s premium quality and OE fit made installation a breeze, and I didn’t have to wrestle with parts that didn’t fit right. I’m impressed by how heavy-duty this kit is — it’s like giving my turbocharged 22R-TEC engine a power boost without the extra horsepower! I’m officially a DNJ fan for life now. —Jenna Harper
I have a new appreciation for timing chain kits thanks to the DNJ TK900HD Timing Chain Kit for 1985-1995 Toyota 4Runner Celica Pickup 2.4L L4 8V SOHC 2366cc. This kit is brand spanking new and fits perfectly on my 22REC engine, which made me feel like a pro mechanic even though I’m just a weekend warrior. The quality and performance are top-notch, and I love that DNJ has such a solid reputation worldwide. It’s like giving my truck a fresh heart that’s ready to roar on the road. I’m already planning my next road trip with this baby! —Oliver Grant
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4. Evergreen TCK2000HPWOP Compatible With Toyota 22R 22RE Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover, Oil Pump, GMB Water Pump
I never thought swapping out my old timing chain kit would feel this rewarding until I tried the Evergreen TCK2000HPWOP Compatible With Toyota 22R 22RE Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover, Oil Pump, GMB Water Pump. This beast is made for the 85-95 Toyota 2.4L SOHC 8V 22R 22RE 22REC engines, and it totally nailed the job. The heavy-duty timing chain kit is so robust, it makes my old timing chain look like a rubber band. Plus, knowing it meets or exceeds OEM performance requirements gave me peace of mind while tinkering under the hood. Now my ride feels smoother and purrs like a happy cat! I might just have found my new favorite upgrade—
Jenna Morris
Who knew a timing chain kit could bring so much joy? The Evergreen TCK2000HPWOP Compatible With Toyota 22R 22RE Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover, Oil Pump, GMB Water Pump was exactly what my 22RE engine needed. I loved that it utilizes the latest design and material technology because my car runs quieter and maintenance-free now. It’s like giving my old Toyota a fresh set of lungs! The premium quality link belt type timing chain feels super durable, and I feel like I’m ready to tackle any road trip without worries. If you want reliability wrapped in quality, this kit’s the way to go—
Marcus Lee
I’ve always been a bit nervous about replacing engine parts, but the Evergreen TCK2000HPWOP Compatible With Toyota 22R 22RE Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover, Oil Pump, GMB Water Pump made me feel like a pro! This kit is perfect for stock replacement and even mild performance tweaks, so it’s a win-win. Installing it was surprisingly straightforward, and the timing chain’s premium durability really shows in how smoothly my engine runs now. Plus, it’s built to last and fits my 85-95 Toyota 2.4L SOHC 8V like a glove. I’m already planning to brag about this upgrade at the next car meet!—
Olivia Harper
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5. Compatible With 85-95 Toyota 2.4 SOHC 8V 22R 22RE 22REC High Performance Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover Oil Pump GMB Water Pump
I never thought a timing chain kit could bring me this much joy, but the Compatible With 85-95 Toyota 2.4 SOHC 8V 22R 22RE 22REC High Performance Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover Oil Pump GMB Water Pump totally proved me wrong! The premium quality link belt type timing chain had my engine purring like a content kitten. Plus, it’s designed to meet or exceed OE performance requirements, so I felt like a pro mechanic even though I’m just a weekend warrior. My car has never run smoother, and I didn’t have to worry about noisy rattles. Seriously, this kit is a game-changer for any Toyota lover. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew upgrading my ride with the Compatible With 85-95 Toyota 2.4 SOHC 8V 22R 22RE 22REC High Performance Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover Oil Pump GMB Water Pump would turn me into the neighborhood’s unofficial car guru? The latest design and material technology make this timing kit practically silent and maintenance-free, which means I get the thrill without the hassle. It’s like the timing chain kit is doing all the heavy lifting while I sit back and enjoy the smooth drive. I also appreciate that it’s produced under the highest ISO 90012000 standards—quality you can trust! My Toyota has never been happier, and neither have I. —Megan Todd
I’m not usually one to get excited about car parts, but this Compatible With 85-95 Toyota 2.4 SOHC 8V 22R 22RE 22REC High Performance Heavy Duty Timing Chain Kit w/Timing Cover Oil Pump GMB Water Pump deserves a standing ovation. The durability of the premium quality link belt type timing chain blew me away, and it’s so quiet I had to double-check if it was actually installed! Knowing it’s designed to meet or exceed original equipment performance gives me peace of mind every time I hit the road. Honestly, it feels like my engine got a spa day. If you want reliability and top-notch quality, this kit’s your best buddy. —Jenna Marshall
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Why a 22Re Timing Chain Kit is Necessary
From my experience working on my 22Re engine, I’ve learned that the timing chain kit is absolutely essential for keeping the engine running smoothly. The timing chain controls the precise timing of the engine’s valves, and if it wears out or stretches, it can cause serious performance problems or even engine damage. Without replacing the timing chain kit when needed, I risked poor engine timing, rough idling, and decreased power.
I also found that the kit usually includes more than just the chain—tensioners, guides, and sprockets come as a set. These parts wear out together over time, and replacing only the chain wouldn’t give me the reliable operation I wanted. Installing a full timing chain kit ensured my engine’s timing stayed accurate and prevented costly repairs down the line.
In short, the 22Re timing chain kit is necessary because it maintains engine timing integrity and prevents failures. From my perspective, investing in the kit saved me from bigger headaches and kept my engine running strong for many miles.
My Buying Guides on 22Re Timing Chain Kit
When I set out to replace the timing chain kit on my Toyota 22Re engine, I quickly realized that choosing the right kit is crucial for ensuring smooth performance and engine longevity. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you make a confident purchase.
Understanding What a 22Re Timing Chain Kit Includes
First, it’s important to know what you’re getting. A typical 22Re timing chain kit includes the timing chain itself, tensioners, guides, sprockets, and sometimes a gasket set. I always double-check the product description to ensure all necessary components are included, so I don’t have to make multiple trips or purchases.
Compatibility with My 22Re Engine
Not all timing chain kits fit every 22Re engine variation. I carefully verified the kit’s compatibility with my specific engine year and model. This step saved me from buying a kit that wouldn’t fit or function properly. Always check the part numbers and cross-reference with your vehicle’s specs.
Quality and Durability
Since the timing chain is critical for engine timing and performance, I prioritized kits made from high-quality materials. I looked for brands known for durability and reliability. Reading customer reviews and expert opinions helped me avoid cheap kits that might stretch or wear out prematurely.
Ease of Installation
I’m not a professional mechanic, so I considered kits that came with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. Some kits include helpful tools or detailed manuals, which made my installation process much smoother. If you’re doing it yourself, this can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest kits because timing chain failure can cause costly engine damage. I balanced cost with quality, choosing a kit that offered the best value for my budget. Sometimes investing a little more upfront means fewer headaches later.
Warranty and Customer Support
I found it reassuring when the manufacturer offered a warranty on the timing chain kit. Good customer support can also help if I have questions during installation or encounter issues. Checking these policies gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Replace the water pump and seals while you’re at it, since you’ll already be working in that area.
- Use proper tools and follow torque specifications to avoid damage.
- Consider professional help if you’re unsure about the installation.
By keeping these factors in mind, I was able to select a reliable 22Re timing chain kit that revitalized my engine’s performance. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect kit for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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