I finally got what I wanted

A few years ago I purchased 1998 Tacoma ext cab for 2k, truck was pretty dirty, but great mechanically. After using for a few months I sold it to my in-law. Since he lives in Mexico, I almost never saw truck and I felt a regret for selling Taco. Then out of the sudden I saw someone in FB selling 03 Taco double cab for 5k, by this time have I sold my suburban and had the money in hand. Since I owned a Prius I had tech stream software, I contacted seller and scheduled to see truck. Once there, owner mentioned Taco was working great, I borrowed keys and dash looked like a Christmas three with a bunch on lights being on. I connected tech stream and showed a huge list of codes. I showed list to owner and he mentioned if you really want truck give me 4k. I was like, hell yeah I want it, thinking back of my previous Taco. Paid the guy and drove truck home with a huge smile for the awesome deal. Luckily Im mechanically inclined and I could not wait for the next day to start working in truck, it felt like day before Christmas. I connected tech stream again a proceeded to take my time to fix truck. Drivers ABS sensor was not reporting so I replaced it and ABS/Brake lights went off. Then engine was throwing a bunch of misfire codes, took one spark plug out and I saw damn autolite plug. I called dealer and they had original special plug, cheaper than conventional auto parts store. Another list of codes where cleared, so far good. Truck was running great. But CAT code still present.

Sorry for the long post. Here is a list of items need to be addressed and need feedback or guidance from you guys.

What CAT should I purchase that matches OEM, I know OEM is pretty pricy. Should I install aftermarket headers or exhaust or can I install exhaust system from 2nd gen to use that CAT?

I been feeling lots of vibrations when driving 60 MPH, thank to this forum Driveshaft Support is the culprit. I will replace that today.

I replaced after market tires and rims and I was able to purchase OEM for 100 dollars, I replaced them today along with brake pads.

I'm looking into replacing OEM head unit along with speakers, that's work in progress too many options

There's a guy selling KN cold air intake, what can you guys tell me about it, would it cause issues running lean or not improvement at all?

There is a damn noise coming from suspension stabilizer bar, when I inspected I noticed shocks and springs are not the original ones, cheap parts where used thus stabilizer bar link to control arm are bad. Has anyone installed OEM shocks/springs (Bilstein) from a 2nd gen or 3rd gen into a 1st gen?

My priority is to address all mechanical issues before making it look pretty. Thanks in advance

This is for way ahead in time, has anyone swap 1st gen engine and tranny with 2ng gen engine and tranny? I ask because my father has a 2nd gen taco and its pretty fast, engine has lots of power compared to my taco. Or should I look into installing a supercharger?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld