they're all pretty good, but you can only 95 and 96 had the regular cab with a v6 optional, it's pretty rare to find them but they're around(i'm gonna look for one for a DD eventually)

don't see why you'd need a straight axle for moderate trails, just get a locker.  the taco has coil spring suspension in the front, and if you find one from 2000 or earlier you can get locking hubs unlike that stupid ADD crap they all have now