Got me a hard-shell super taco.

Hey TW, how you doing?
I just picked up a '96 ex-cab 5-speed 4x4 yesterday. It's got 220k, bucket seats, and a supercharged 3.4l v6.
I've had jeeps for offroading and camping for the last 15 years, and 3/4-ton Chevys have handeled hauling duties. My last Toyota was a '76 Corona station wagon when I was 16 years old.
While looking for what would have been my 5th jeep, I came across a great deal on this tacoma, so I figured I would give it a shot. Needs some bits and some love, but the drivetrain is very solid.
So far I have replaced the coolant, engine oil, oil filter, air filter, bleed the brake system, and removed the old drums. I've got new drums, shoes and spring kit, headlamp, wipers, stereo headset, and a new fuel filter waiting to go on in the morning. The PO had records showing recent belts, and three year old sparkplugs and wires.
Washer fluid tank has a hole in the neck, tube headers are good but I'll need cat-back exhaust. Tires are mismatched and done, all five matching wheels are solid but look poor.
Ignition key does not work for door locks, door key only locks on the passenger side, only unlocks on the driver's side. I haven't pulled the door panel yet to inspect the lock mechanism, but the door key is very worn. Don't know yet if I can clean and lube to just fix, if I should re-key the doors to the ignition key, or inquire at a dealer for a replacement set.
Anyway, that's my introduction. The snow is falling on my porch here at 9,200', and I have several hundred more threads to go through tonight!

 

Welcome to TW! That's a hell of a resume you got there. Hopefully all those issues don't make you think that its a Tacoma issue. Sounds more like a previous owner issue.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Hey Thanks! The community around Toyotas is what made me consider them in the first place. Haha, and one particular episode of Top Gear...

Oh, it's just about all previous owner issues (Hippies aren't known for vehicle maintenance)
...Except for the rusted-out center step portion of the rear bumper, that's all Toyota!