My first Tacoma! Looking for advice on a couple things (clutch and steering column)

Just bought my first Tacoma. It's a 2004 2.7l 4x4 manual with 100,000 miles ($9000). Real clean, 6 years left on the frame warranty, i think it's a great little truck.

The clutch doesn't engage until pretty far out - doesn't feel loose, still drives fine, but i suspect the clutch is wearing out. does that sound right? how long should i wait to address it? what's a good replacement kit? the toyota parts are pretty expensive - i'd like to go cheaper as long as it'll last.

there's a slight knock in the steering when i go over bumps. i can't hear it, but i can feel it in the wheel. is this normal? where would you start looking?

The girls getting along:
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Firstly, welcome to TW!

Most people here would likely recommend a Marlin crawler clutch. Not really any more expensive than anything else, but durable. Depending on how the previous owner drove it, the clutch could be totally spent. As for the steering bump, I would guess that it is your steering rack bushings. Cheap fix. Links when I find them.....

http://www.marlincrawler.com/clutch/heavy-duty/heavy-duty-clutch-kit-1200-lb




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great thanks - $300 for a clutch looks good to me. I believe Toyota quoted me about twice that for theirs.