Hello all, and thanks for the input. All very valid points and I can see the reasoning behind each. I get the same questions from friends and co-workers all the time. I used to have several "single role" vehicles....the commuter, the "nice" car, the hauler, etc. I wanted to cut the fleet down to one "multi-purpose" rig. So I purchased the truck with the intent to use it as a daily driver.
If I could sum this truck up in one word, that would be "compromise". I compromised:
*bed length for cab space (and gave up factory-installed 4WD)
*SFA for IFS for on-road performance
*auto tranny for convenience in the commute
*stock parts over some of the better aftermarket parts for reliability (IMO) and convenience (could always find a Toyota dealer somewhere!)
*comfort (it isn't horrible, but it's no Mercedes!)
*and finally...the 4 cylinder is a compromise between power, MPG's, and reliability (IMO....like it was mentioned...timing chain, etc.....even engine bay space!)
I go to work in this truck, grocery shopping, out to dinner, and off-roading on the weekends. It's definitely not the best rock crawler, mall crawler, dragster, or commuter...but it's a joy to drive and does a little bit of everything at a decent level. I really like driving this truck....it reminds me of the buzzy 4cyl. mini trucks we drove in high school....not a lot of power, but it could take a beating!
I'll admit there was a bit of "let see if we can do this conversion" attitude in this project...but it became my hobby and a way to escape (to the shop!). I never intended to make a "one-off" or unique vehicle....I just worked with what I had (and wanted to keep!). I would guess the average speed in my commute is about 55 MPH, so day-in-day-out power hasn't really been an issue. The truck has no problem keeping up, but you'll never find me in the fast lane! I wouldn't describe it as "grossly underpowered", and the gearing helps quite a bit.