This is excellent to know! I thought the 88s that still had the 22RE would have the same connectors. Go figure.
Yes, lots of parts to work with, but yes I am afraid of the cost. The attempt is to find something in as good as shape as possible in the same parts class so that perhaps its just random things needed, like a window switch or a radiator (actually that may or may not be good), but you get the idea I'm sure. I am also sure I'm biting off more than I can chew, but it's worth a shot!
I have not a gear head friend unfortunately. My friends have tried to talk me out of this 'saving' car for years. it's just reached a new level. lol

 

Well if it helps a new Tacoma MSRP is 66k…..it’s gross My friends keep asking me why I keep my truck….66k for a new one is one reason, car payment is another and the coolness factor of a 1st gen runner is way higher than any new Toyota

 

Amazing what survived, like the glass sunroof.
It would seem you only really need a 4Runner with a good body. You could fairly easily swap.
fwiw, you have a small fortune sitting there if you part out on eBay. Just need to be patient.

I had a 2005 Tacoma and loved it.
Then got a 2017. Do not love it. I mean it's ok, but Toyota obviously started getting cheap. The 2005 was built better. Better materials, better quality. Gonna use plastic? Fine, but at least make it with thicker plastic. And wassuop with all the newerTacomas with horrible paint fading away?

 

early tacoma rocked, better engines than we have, unfortunately with chain-drive transfer cases, no solid front axle, and frames that had to be replaced :-/ the body style is good, i want one with a linked sas.

i think that toyota has gone downhill quite a bit, the new trucks with those giant macho front ends are butt-ugly, and now that nightmare fiasco with the defective engines.

i don't know what the alternative is; i've been looking at jeep lj, which is the two-door extended wheelbase solid front axle, a more modern version of our 4runners only available in 2004-2006, but they have a price premium... probably a better bet for the o.p. tho, parts are still available for it.

 

I thought that about the sun roof too. But then I got in the car and it's actually all cracked up, it just didn't break.
It is a small fortune there, I know. I am used to buying the parts. Ha! When I asked my insurance what the buy back was my jaw dropped open. I was like um, yes please. I won't tell you exactly how much I bought it back for, but suffice to say if I choose the right 2 parts to sell (not including engine) it will be covered.

Yea, on the newer Tacomas. That's what my rental car currently is. I am gonna take advantage of the open bed, but I don't think I'd want to keep it.