another 2RZ Tacoma rough idle problem

Hey everyone! Im a new member and just recently purchased a 2003 Tacoma. The truck is about as basic as it gets. Its a 2.4L 2RZ motor with a manual 5-speed. I love the truck and its stupid easy to work on but, Im having an issue with a rough idle. I know there are tons of threads about this and trust me Ive done a ton of research and tried fixing what Ive read. Ill try and be as specific as I can.

MY ISSUE: Rough idle, surging idle, low power, and from what Ive read wrist pin noise.

THINGS IVE FIXED/ TRIED:
-removed throttle body along with IAC and cleaned them. Also replaced throttle body gasket and IAC gasket.
- removed TPS and checked it but it seems fine.
- changed plugs
- had a CEL for evap which turned out to be a tiny hole rubbed into one of the hoses. Replaced all the evap hoses in engine bay.
- using 93 octane
- seafoamed it and so much smoke came out I really thought it would make it better.
- checked all intake hoses for cracks or tears. The intake resonator actually seemed like it was coming apart from the seam but Im not 100% on that.
- New air filter
- fresh oil change
- New motor mounts

The cold start idle is just fine and smooth but as soon as it gets to operating temperature the idle slowly comes down it starts getting rough and surging. Now I did notice that when I get on it and get the motor nice and hot, the idle gets better. The surging is still there but the RPM of the idle is better. Ive checked the exhaust manifold for cracks but havent found anything. I do have the wrist pin noise and Ive actually heard slight knocking here and there. The oil always looks good with no metal in it and it doesnt burn oil. Ive also tried using throttle body cleaner to spray around gaskets and hoses to see if the idle jumps up but it never does. In the cab while im driving, I can hear constant ticking that goes with the RPM of the motor but it doesnt sound like knock its more of an exhaust leak or valve train sound.

Im at a loss on what to do now. Ive tried all the things I have found on forums and google and the rough idle is still there. Im newer to tacoma motors and dont know too much about them but Ive been working on my own cars and others professionally for 10 years. I dont have access to a scan tool that can data log or a smoke machine to smoke the intake or evap system. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

Wow, tough nut to crack.

A few things you haven't mentioned that won't cost anything :
- clean the MAF sensor
- do an actual resistance check of the TPS with a multi-meter
- check the valve clearances
- check the temp sensors

 

I'm sorry I left out the MAF. That was the first thing I tried because it had a nasty k&n in it. I will do a resistance check on the TPS. What is it supposed to read? The truck had 150k on it and as much as I don't want to mess with it, I may have to check the valves.

 

Ok so I just got back from my garage. I started the truck and let her warm up and revved her a few times so it was operating temperature so I could listen with a stethoscope. I was hoping to hear some off-noise but of course the truck idled perfect. I don't get it. Earlier today the idle was awful and rough after driving and started it up without driving and it was perfect. I listened to the injectors and all of them seemed to have a different tone. A couple pinged pretty loud and the others pinged but wasn't as loud. Idk what that could mean.

 

Noob question
What is TBS?

 

Sorry, that should have been TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)

 

Ah I see.
Thanks