I say keep it fix the roof and hood and change out the seats I have a 1996 4runner limited and today it hit 311000 miles so yours is a young buck lol and please please lol remove the running boards it looks better I promise ...
Sounds like you need a open bed not a closed in one I say tundra or Tacoma would be your best bet ....what is your equipment you have I've done a lot with my 96 4runner like I would like a pick up but you may use a rideng mower and not a push ...1 st gen Tacoma's are 4runners with a bed and rear...
If you don't want to turn fast Or go fast but want to get from point a to point b I say do it there awesome little trucks reliable tough small and look like a beast if that helps lol and parking will be very easy too.
If ya can try see if you can find one with the locking rear differential or a 99 that has all the options and 99 tall coils..If ya want pm me and I might be able to help ya.