there's no real issue with the taco rear.Makes sense. So that could just be the rear axle from an IFS truck. My idea of the Tacoma rear would actually make it sit a bit wider in the rear, so that at least would be avoided.
you'll have to deal with routing the parking brake cable because they swing the opposite way and later tacoma pushed the mechanism under the spring.
its my understanding that the taco housing is slightly weaker than the earlier stuff, but that could be heresay as well.
modding the earlier housing for elocker is pretty easy if you can weld a bit and tap holes. i have done a couple and its pretty gravy.
all of this depends on your end game. if you want to stay stockish, leave it alone. if you are actually going to wheel it, the width is really nice.
imo the first two mods to a sa rig should front brake upgrades and crossover steering.