!!Experiencing terrible fuel economy and chugging/throttle lag while accelerating!!

HELP!! I swapped a 2011 4.0l v6 into my 07 taco last spring and ever since then I have been experiencing terrible fuel consumption and hesitation/throttle lag. I bought the truck with 33s and a 6 inch lift on it and I was getting 400-450km per tank. Since the swap I have been getting 200-275k at most. Most days the truck chugs when accelerating or when I rev the engine in idle it will lag before RPMs go up. I have recently cleaned my MAF, replaced all spark plugs with OEM and changed the trans fluid, with little to no difference. Some days I will start it up and start driving with what seems like "normal full power" no chugging and no lag with instant throttle response and power delivery. I have researched the issue but I cant seem to find many posts on it. below the passenger side also makes a ticking sound during acceleration on the days it is chugging. It feels like the engine is having trouble suffocating? My rear main seal is also leaking and I'm going to fix that this Saturday. Wheel bearings are also all good. Any insight or suggestions as to what it could be would be greatly appreciated!!

EDIT: this post is similar to what I'm experiencing https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-ticking-under-acceleration.430251/