I have a 96 Tacoma 4x4 4cyl. manual. When I am giving it gas around 2k rpm's the engine makes almost like a gasping type grinding noise... really wierd. and it seems to happen when I switch to each gear and around 2000rpm's, and also when I just totally let off the gas... it makes the same noise. A Mechanic thought I just needed to replace my air filter, I did that, and nothing changed. Anyone have this problem? Please let me know!

Please, someone... surely someone else has ran into this noise problem?

Noise issues can really be hard to solve with just description of the noise in text. Even over the phone, a lot of mechanics won't bother to attempt to help just because a noises can have so many different sounds and meanings to everyone.

My last guess however would be the air filter...

my first guess would be that you have a vacuum leak.

Though i can't really say because a gasping grinding noise, sounds... like an odd description, and grinding noises are ... well they usually mean something very bad in the automotive field. Not saying your engine is going to blow up or anything, but more of, it's just how sound descriptions are unfortunately.

Try checking the small hoses around your engine for cuts and the like, also perhaps if you have any small outlets that have no hose at all, or hoses that are plugged in one spot, but unplugged in another.

If you can't find anything i would suggest taking it to another mechanic, and if possible at the very least, allowing them to hear the noise in person. :)

vacuum leaks could lead to potential loss of power while present, but more so effect emissions more then anything.

I hope this helps you in any way. Good Luck!