6 Month Build Update On My New 3rd Gen 4Runner: Needs New Engine 

I'm not sure since RU-vid sound is not the same as being there, but sometimes the valves can get REALLY clattery. It's possible you are way overdue for a valvejob. People are not likely to do them preventively with the 5vz engine because it costs a lot. And it costs a lot because techs hate it. And now there are fewer who know how to do it. Many people wait until it complains to have it done because I've read it's a PTA. Just a thought at least. And the reason you are probably hearing it at low rpm is because the engine is just too loud to hear it when revving. Mine is that way. Used to sound like a sewing machine probably, but sounds like a sock full of screws at idle. Can't hear it when on the gas. I only say that because Toyotas in general are far more likely to have top end issues than bottom end issues. Unless it's been really mistreated and had oil starvation, you shouldn't see anything on the bottom end other than maybe crank seals.

the noise sounds like it could be spark plug knock, try running a higher octane fuel if your running 87, try 89 or 91 depending on your area, and if you havent changed the spark plugs, i would try that!

mine makes that knocking sometimes but only at low rpm then it just goes away after a min of idling then comes back and goes away if found its common on them and no one has said anything about it being bad or anything

Sounds like bearing play (Bearing wear) in its beginning stages. I had a Honda that did that. I put a new set of bearings in it and it took care of the problem. The longer you let it go the more it will wear and the louder it will get.

Thanks for posting the links on this seat covers. I got a 98 and my leather seats are trashed. But it's only got 222k and runs good. for less than 1K I couldn't go wrong.

JDM swap ? Had mine on for 45k miles since. If supposed engine has 60k starting then im around 100kish now. Valves are super clean, good for another 300k 😊