Why does my Toyota 22RE need 25 degrees of ignition timing?

I have no idea how old this question is, but It sounds like you need a new timing chain. If, when you check the timing at idle and the timing mark on your dampner is wandering, then that's definitely the issue. Also, you can pull the distrubutor cap, turn the crank (19mm bolt center of crank pulley) and make sure the rotor is moving at the same time. If not, then that is a sure sign you have slack in your chain.