I like the look of the 96 Tacoma front end but am having a hard time finding one that isnt beat or doesnt have a million miles on the clock! Im looking for a 1996 DX, I dont want power anything just AC and 4wd, I found one but it has 170,000 miles and a few good dents, not what Im looking for to replace my old 88. Anyway my question is, are the 97 and 98 Tacomas the same pickup just a different set of headlights and grille or did they change the fenders and hood as well? I think the early Tacomas look the best! Anyway Ive been looking at Tacomas and T-100s for a few weeks now, just curious about the front end! Thanks in advance, Matt

 

As far as styling, the early 'generations' are as follows: '95.5 - '97 / '98 - '00 / '01 - '04 .

The styling changed in 1998, not 1997.

 

It looks like 95-2000 use the same fender so its probably just the lights and grille that were changed out.. I think I answered my own question!

 

the 98-00 leaf springs are different from the 95.5-97, which are also different from the 01-04s..Not sure if you're talking only styling, but there are a few other changes.

Odds are the 98-00 will have a different core support as they are a different style front headlight than the 95.5-97.

 

in the 95.5-97 models, the 2.7L had a distributor and actual plug wires whereas the 98-00 has coil packs. I believe the 3.4L had no major changes through 95.5-02
The interior of the 95.5-97 is a little out dated for the Taco's. In those models you'll get the little hanging crappy cup holders that hold your drink in front of the AC vent. In the 98+ models you'll see an actual center console with a cup holder there.



As for this statement.
95.5-97 Springs are SHORTER then 98-04 leaf springs. 98-04 springs are all the same. They are not interchangeable between 95.5-97/ 98-04.

It is not a different core support. If one would want to change their 98-00 grille / headlights out to the 95.5-97 style it would be a simple bolt on.
Even I've been thinking about collecting parts for that. But the lights for those models are the old enclosed style and not the best lights.



All and all, you'll be getting relatively the same truck. Just buy one you can afford that's in good shape and you'll be happy

 

I think that the hanging cup holders are much better. Every tacoma I have ever seen, including mine, with the cup holders in the center console, have no rubber cup supports left. I like the location of my cup holders better, but they I wish they held up like the tray holders.

 

Ive decided to go with a 98+ only to have the passenger side airbag for highway safety, now I just need to find a clean one! What models didnt have power windows etc? I know the LX did not but did some SR5's come stripped down? All I want is AC but really hate bench seats, thats why I upgraded the interior of my 88 to 4runner buckets and a console from a 94, it looks like it came from the factory!!!

 

During the 1998 - 2000 period power windows (and door locks) were part of the Power Package (factory option). Power windows were not part of any SR5 package during this period.

The Power Package was optional on all models except the Limited V6.

 

so, say i wanted some of these newer updates, your saying i need to pull the center console from a 98-01, and in order to swap the front end id need the parts from the same truck... only reason i asl is because the grille is busted on my truck and i HATE sealed beam headlights...

 

Im gonna have to agree that the first tacomas (95-97) are the best looking. 98-00 are second, and the 01-04's are sweet but the grills just dont look like right. Not very toyota-like. Id do awful things for a 97 trd taco.

 

98-00 is the second series of the generation. Look at my build here or ttora, you'll see my grille/ headlights. That's bolt on fer you. The 01-04 grill swap requires a whole new core support and fenders.
Uhhmm, center console, well I'm pretty sure it'll just bolt into place.

No such thing as a 97 TRD. The trd package as well as the prerunner model came out with the 98 redesign. 98-00 =#1 95.5-97=2 01-04= GIRLY MAN TRUCK
Though, in 95.5-97 models you could basically get a TRD truck, it just wasn't called that. The Elocker was offered as an option. Idk about the bilstein shocks. The rest of the package was just stickers and power creature comforts..

Oh, the things I'd do for a 97 single cab with the V6 and factory elocker. W/ bucket seats and a 5 speed.