Kiko

1995.5 Tacoma
2.7l
4x4
184,000

So I bought this truck on a Friday and the following Monday the truck would not start. So I don't have a history with this truck, but it did seem to start and run fine prior to the starting failure.
Upon turning the key the starter turns over, but there is no indication that the truck may struggle to a start - no chugging or rumbling from the engine. The injectors are clicking, fuel is present at the spark plugs and the fuel return hose. The spark is weak. It is yellowish in color and is not able to jump very far. The cap terminals are a gray color and the copper on the rotor is worn to about 25%.

Following the Ignition System On Vehicle Inspection from the FSM I have recorded bad readings at ignition coil primary and the signal generator/pickup coil.

Ignition Coil
primary resistance - needle at less than 0Ω - expected range 0.35-0.55Ω
secondary resistance - 12.5kΩ - expected range 9.0-15.4kΩ
FSM says replace ignition coil

Signal Generator (Pickup Coil)
100Ω - expected range 185-275Ω
FSM says replace distributor housing assembly

Here's my questions, hopefully I can explain it coherently. I'm getting a bad reading at the primary of the ignition coil, FSM says if bad > replace ignition coil, if good > test pickup coil. I'm getting a bad reading at the pickup coil without having replaced the ignition coil. Could the lack of replacing a faulty ignition coil be affecting my reading of the pickup coil or can that test stand on its own merit?
If the pickup coil test is acceptable do I conclude that the distributor needs to be replaced - with also considering I have not completed all tests - still remaining is crankshaft position sensor and the IGT signal from the ECM? I would like to avoid those tests if possible. The crankshaft position sensor test requires the removal of the generator and testing the ECM is completely foreign to me.
I'm a relative novice diagnosing problems. I'm trying to fully understand the situation before buying a non-returnable ($$$) distributor.

Evilmunkey

I'd say replace both the coils along w/ the Cap & Rotor button,

Kiko

The dealer does not sell the signal generator/pickup coil independent of the entire distributor assembly. Do you know if it is possible to find elsewhere? It would probably save some money and I have never replaced a distributor.
Having never replaced a distributor, it is a little intimidating to me as it appears in the FSM. With removing the cylinder head cover and aligning the crankshaft pulley with the oil pump cover. What is level of difficulty for this repair? My resume includes brakes, rotors, wheel bearings, lock cylinder, starter contacts, exhaust, and maybe a couple other jobs on an 1989 Pickup/Hilux.