There's more 2wd lift kits then for a 4x4 and they come with the stronger 9.25" rear end; it so happens to have bigger axleshafts then a rear D60.
The 3.9l is bulletproof, you can use the intake as a lavatory and call it a 150k maintenance interval. It wont hydro-lock and bend a rod like the 4.7l or newer jeeps do.
If you want to jump into crazy offroad stuff and want a 4x4 to wheel, go to moab, good after-market support, etc get a tacoma.
If you want to get into over-landing and expedition stuff stick with it, with a locker, winch, 32-31" tires I can guarantee you can fit/go more places then an earthromer can.
Eventually, when you reach the limits of a 2wd, get a 4x4 dakota and easily carry all your stuff over.
Moast overland gear is custom made anyway(racks,shelves, storage, fridges flippac etc..) and kennesaw mtn makes bumpers, 10+ company's make shell's , you'll have no problem finding gear like that.
Anyways for what you want to do, get a 2" lift kit from the link below and throw some 31" BFG all terrains on it, look on CraigsList for a cap and custom make or go without skidplates. (i've never needed em, only hit my frame/tranny x-member,front x-member, drive-shaft, and diff area.... knock on wood)
http://www.doetsch-shocks.com/17.asp
you'll be amazed what the 31" tires and lift make the truck feel like, it'll be like the rush owning a new truck that you can go do stuff with. After-all you cant make a 5-lug Tacoma into a "prerunner" tacoma with just bolt ons.
If you want to go crazy get the 3/2" kit and some 32's
here's what mine looked like with that combo, more then capable.
look at the diffrence
Oh and if you keep it, and use a stock mintsubishi montero as the daily driver and parts pickup vehicle.:hehe:like it rightfully deserves to be:smileeek: