Rostra Cruise Control on 1996 Tacoma VS original factory cruise

I am just about to give up on installing original factory cruise control on my 1996 tacoma. I searched junk yards, and got parts online. I am confident I have all the parts needed, except for the actuator cover, which I think I can do without. Still though, when I just look at the job ahead of me, I just wish there was some 1st generation tacoma guy around northern CA who would be willing to do this for me! Then, I took another look at the Rostra universal cruise control kit, that can be had for under $200. In looking at that, I think it would be easier for me to get that and install that, rather than to mess around with recreating original factory cruise. Also, I can't seem to get a good answer from Rostra, regarding their insistence that one must use one of their cruise control switches. They say any other switch will void their warranty. I say that the original toyota tacoma switch should work just fine, and also mounts better in the steering wheel, rather than bolting onto the side of the column, which is really kind of bogus and doesn't provide as much ease of use. Can anyone provide some good "talking points" about the best way for me to go here, with Rostra or continue to boggle my own mind regarding putting together all the parts needed for factory cruise? Much thanks...

 

If you end up going with Rostra, I'd be interested in your opinions on it once you've used it for a bit.

 

Don't give up on your factory cruise just yet! Check out car–part.com and you can find a dash wiring harness for your model for a little over $100. If you have all the other parts, once you get the wiring harness than it should be a simple install

 

I think the dash harness that you're looking for is (edited) for a 1996 with 4cyl and automatic.

 

I put a Rostra cruise control on a 89 Toyota pickup, V6, manual, 4WD. I also purchased a used 4Runner throttle body for the cruise control linkage.

Over all I was happy with the way the Rostra performed. On fairly level freeway roads it held speed as well as the OEM cruise control in my Tacoma.
The only issue was on slight down hill grades were there was a very little load on the engine. The Rostra cruise control would surge above and below the set MPH.