I recently traded for this truck and am wanting more power and performance. It is a 94 P/U, 22RE, 5 speed, 4x4.

Ok some questions:
~What is the best/cheapest way to get a little more power out of the four banger for highway driving and light off-roading?
~What is the best/cheapest way to get more traction? Tires are on the way, but i was wondering about spools, lockers, etc...?
~What is the easiest/best engine swap?
~How hard is it to replace the timing chain on the RE? I can hear it slapping a little when it gets up to about 3000rpm or above.
~What other things should i watch out for on this truck?
~What other easy/cheap mods would you recommend for this truck?

Thanks
Jonesy

More power? The only real ways to do this are: header and exhaust, and a different cam. Anything else either won't give you much power or is really expensive. Intakes don't help much on these engines.

Traction? Tell us what kind of driving you do (snow, light or heavy offroading, daily driving, etc.). A traction device works great...Selectable lockers are the best, but usually the most $$$.

Engine swaps? The most popular one is the GM 4.3 Vortec. Lots of people use Toyota 2.4, 2.7, or 3.4 Tacoma engines.

Timing chains are labor intensive, but not too difficult if you know how to follow directions or have mechanical experience. Take off the valve cover and look inside the timing cover with a flashlight. You'll be able to see if your chain has broken the guides and is slapping the timing cover, because there will be a groove worn into the cover.

Things to watch out for? Nothing but rust unless you plan on hard offroading, then the front axle is kinda weak. Be good about regular maintenance and it will last forever. Do not let the engine overheat or the head may crack.

I'm using this truck for transportation between college and home so gas mileage is a must but i want to do some light off-roading at home on the weekends. Stuff like just playing around in the field, small hills, little bit of mud, and little bit of snow.

How much does a selectable locker cost? what are some other options for more traction? I want at least 3 wheel drive instead of only 2 wheels spinning at a time.

Thanks for the help
Jonesy

To get a selectable locker, you have 2 choices. ARB air locker - about $675 for the locker, and you need an air compressor. If you drive your truck into the shop and say "Put an ARB in here", they'll charge probably $1200 - locker+compressor+installation.

Toyota electric lockers are great, and you can get used ones for around $400. BUT, you'll need to modify your axle housing a bit and wire it up.

Something like a detroit gearless locker or Powertrax no-slip might be a good choice for you, since they're easy to install and cost under $400. They're a little rougher on the street, but smoother than other automatic lockers like lock-rites or Detroits. I used a no-slip on my last daily driver with good results.

I wouldn't recommend a limited slip unless your offroading is very moderate.