I want a new sound on my 96 3rz, but don't want to buy a complete "cat-back" system...are there any mufflers that sort of fit in the place of the O.E muffler...that I can massage into place with a hammer or a welder.

 

Not sure what the pipe diameter is on a tacoma, but you can just buy any muffler and weld it in. Just make sure it's at least as long as the OE muffler and has the same in/out pipe size.

 

I used Dynomax# 17747 2 1/4" inlet an 21/4" outlet, slightly offset outlet position. It worked flawlessly and gave a slightly lower than stock sound.