Random Problems Starting 2000 Tacoma 2.7

Hi all! New member here looking for answers to my problems with my 2000 Tacoma 2.7 4wd manual transmission!
I have been having problems starting my truck on some mornings. It will crank, and it will crank, and it will crank but won't start and I will get popping noises when it is trying to start!
This doesn't happen every day and it doesn't seem to be related to weather.
I have already change the fuel filter, and what a pain that was!
I haven't taken it to a mechanic because I can't get it to reproduce the problem once it starts!
Once it starts after lots of cranking, it runs a little rough for a couple of minutes, and then smooth right out and has normal power.
Is there a check valve in the fuel pump that could be leaking down?
I have had to use starting spray a couple of times to get it to start.
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated
Robert

 

Is this the right place to be posting on here? I am a newbie!
Thanks