Help identifying engine and parts compatability

I've searched but couldn't find help elsewhere. I apologize if this has been discussed before...if so please direct me to a post that describes this and I'll try and remove this to reduce clutter on the forum.

I am wanting to know if my assumption is correct that I have the 2RZ-FE engine in my truck. The placard in the drivers door area says "3/95" and the placard under the hood looks like this, with "2RZ-FE" written at the bottom (attempting to post picture):

I want to check valve clearances but may be in over my head from what I have gathered if it's the 2RZ engine. From what I've seen the 22R/ 22RE engine is easy to check and adjust clearances by simply turning a nut while holding a screw. But videos I've seen of 2RZ engines show proprietary coin looking shims that make it look hard for a novice. Since I'm somewhat scared to pull the alive cover I'd like to know before I go through the trouble.

Also, as I've said above I'm wondering about comparability of parts. Would I be looking for parts from the pre-1st gen trucks or from Tacomas? I've heard that the 95-1/2 tacomas are different than the 95's...and since it looks like it was manufactured in March 95 I'm wondering if it is a true first gen or some sort of other class.

Thank you

 

It looks like a 2RZ-FE 2.4L from the placard. A picture of the engine might help.

You don't need to pull the head to check or adjust valve clearances. You just need to take the valve cover off. It's not too hard to just check the clearances, and the shim over bucket design usually takes a while to go out of spec, at least 100K+ miles or sometimes 200K+ miles.

Someone on here a few months ago adjusted his valve clearance using tools designed to remove the shims without having to pull the camshafts. He said it took a while to figure out how to use the tool but once he practiced a bit it didn't take long to do.

 

thanks doc...head, valve cover, what's the difference? I meant to say valve cover but...Here's a picture of my engine and some 22 year old dirt and grime. Looks like I found a sticker that was covered with dirt on the head says 2RZ-N73 so this is starting to confirm my suspicions.

 

To check the valve clearance all you need is some feeler gauges.

To adjust the clearance you have to check the clearance, then pull out the existing shim and measure it with a caliper. Then install a new shim that will give you the correct clearance. The problem is that you won't know what shim you need until you pull the existing one. You will most likely have to order them through the dealer. You can call them before hand and see if they have any in stock, but it's doubtful. There are 8 on the exhaust and 8 on the intake. The exhaust ones tend to get tight over time.