Hey new to TacomaWorld

In GA just bought a 97 ext cab 4x4 with 2.7. Lots of maintenance being done along with lift bumpers, winch, LED's, wheels tires and who knows what else. Fun purchase at an auction for $5050.00 and now I'm more than $20k in.
Basically, I am here to learn and see what I really want for the build. I have found that the Tacoma has many different directions for just about every part. With research we are finding solutions to complex issues that are easy to understand, particularly as it relates to creating a reliable daily driver, extremely capable off road/overland rig that's fun to drive and cool.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome.

What's the milage? Are you also swapping engine and transmission? Did you just say you've already put in $20k? How? What did you buy?

 

Thanks for the welcomes!
129k miles
So how am I $20k in? I get that question from myself every morning…
The peace I get is that I’m not going to try to get my money back and what I am doing will provide a new 25 year old truck.
The actual dollars are just over $18$ today but I am going to do more that will push it over $20k because my wife wants to change the color from green.
What is being done:

Radiator
Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses
Thermostat
Water Pump Labor
Drive Belt
Air Intake Boot
Seat Belt Assembly
Valve Cover Gasket or Gaskets
Spark Plugs Spark Plug Wires
Radiator
Replaced Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses.
Replaced Thermostat and gasket.
Water Pump
Replaced Drive Belt/Belts
Replaced boot for air intake.
Replaced the battery holder and/or battery hold down.
Conventional Oil Change Service
Engine Air Filter
Wiper Blades
Tag Light Bulb
Marker Light Bulb
Front
Front and Rear Differential Fluid Services and Transfer Case Services
Transmission Fluid and Filter Service
Performed Conventional Oil Change Service
Engine Air Filter Replacement
Replaced front wiper blades.
Replaced Tag Light Bulb
Replaced Marker Light Bulb
Front Brake Service with new brake pads and rotors.
Performed air conditioning Evacuate & Recharge service
Performed fluid exchange services on front differential, rear differential, and transfer case.
Drained transmission fluid, replaced transmission fluid filter and filled transmission to correct fluid level.
replace the entire exhaust, add back in the catalytic converter, and replace both O2 sensors with OEM manufactured ones, (Denso brand)
New AC condenser and compressor with belts and hoses.
Got rid of the cheap bed liner. Repaired body rust on fenders and hood.

Fun stuff:
KMC XD wheels
Copper AT3. 285/70/17
Old Man Emu 3” lift designed for adding accessories and towing. New steel rear bumper.
Fender flares, 12k Smittlybuilt winch.
Grizzly Fabrication front bumper, LED fog lights, keyless entry, touch screen apple play with Bluetooth Panasonic.
Gobi style RR, haven’t chosen a bed rack.
Pictures:
That’s the wheel color it’s a 17” with satin finish. Fender flares are not permanently attached yet.
Front bumper from Grizzly Fabrication.
The pic showing the whole truck is where I started.