1st Generation 4runner, ready to enjoy! Soft top, 22re, 5speed, recently sorted

Very respectable/solid/driver quality condition. I purchased this about 6 weeks ago, with intentions of keeping it indefinitely. It's the seventh 1st generation 4Runner that I have owned, and I was looking for a 5-speed 22re with just a small touch of rust... so that I wouldn't obsess, and I could just drive it in the rain/snow occasionally, etc. It has lived in GA/SC all of its life, and I bought it from a guy who had owned it ~2 years, it started out with him as a primary vehicle, and ended up being a secondary vehicle. Once that happened, I think he lost interest, wasn't very mechanically inclined, and a couple/few things made it go downhill. He had recently changed the plugs/wires/fuel filter(fuel filter is usually an indication of someone chasing down a drive-ability problem!). It needed a TPS, which I replaced with a used OEM part, and it was leaking from the timing cover, which I found to have a crack where the "hidden" bolt is at the top. I bought a double chain kit with cover from LCE Performance, and changed it myself with torque wrench in hand. That kit also comes with all new bolts, water pump, and oil pump. I also replaced all belts, most of the hoses(all but heater hoses, which looked good), the fan clutch, oxygen sensor, battery hold down, PCV valve, 2 stage Toyota thermostat(the best for these), all of the fluids (both differentials, transmission, transfer case), and greased all of the fittings, windshield wipers, etc. I replaced the pitman arm with an OEM one that I somehow stored for the past 20 years. I also removed the auto hubs, and installed OEM manual hubs, but I'll include the autos with it. I installed (4) new, stock type shocks on it. I also repaired whatever I could find wrong with it, like the seat cables(all work now), got rid of some old wiring, etc. etc. I had a professional shop convert it to R134a, and recharge the AC. They pulled a vacuum on it, and found no leaks. The vehicle now runs, shifts, performs as it should. According to the previous owner, the engine was rebuilt less than 20,000 miles ago, and it definitely looks it. The block was completely painted, and the engine is super clean inside.It has had most of the "extra" vacuum lines removed, and it appears to have been done correctly, since it runs very well.I have put a few hundred miles on the current oil, and it also looks super clean. No check engine light, which is actually a first for me for one of these, typically they occasionally come on for the O2 sensor, but this one stopped after I replaced it. It has an LCE header/collector pipe on it, which the previous owner installed. The steering gear leaks from where the steering shaft enters, I added some Lucas to it, and I'm hoping it will stop. If it doesn't stop, it will eventually need attention.
I bought it as described "no rust", but when I removed the fender-well moldings, there was some mostly surface rust lurking underneath them. One spot on the driver's side rear has gone all the way through, but it appears to have started on the OUTSIDE(due to the molding) just like the couple of spots on the front fenders. I was going to sand/wire wheel those places and put the molding back, but I'll let the next person do that or whatever. It had aluminum running boards which I quickly removed, but I do still have them. There is no rust in the floors. There is some rust on the lower part of the driver's windshield (in the door jam) which is very common on these, and typically slow moving. Appears to be original paint, except for the front fenders and hood, but those those panels appear to be original. The front fenders and hood are original(still have VIN stickers), I actually think they painted the front due to the original paint fading.(edited! see final line in the description) I think the original paint could be brought back to life by wax/buffing, but I'm not sure about the paint on the front part.
The Softopper shows its age via the clouded windows, but it has no issues otherwise. The hardtop is in OK condition, and does include the super-expensive inside trim. One of those pieces is broken, but it can still be reinstalled since it is between two bolts(in picture). The rear cargo area panels are a little sketchy, but I have two replacements that will be included, but need to be painted. I bought a KTT shifter boot cover, I have not installed it, it's a little too "red" for my taste anyway, it's in one of the pictures. According to the stalk on the column, it had cruise control, but the other stuff for cruise isn't intact. Has the super desirable inclinometer, that works as it should. I do have a spare tire for it, I took it off when I first got it/was cleaning underneath. It's actually on an original SR5 aluminum wheel, I'll put it back underneath.
This vehicle performs similarly to my last one which sold for $17,500 on "bringatrailer", but this one has seen more outside/sun/etc.I think it is fully "sorted". I have driven it in the 90+ degree heat, and the temp is rock solid, zero leaks from the engine/drive-train. It drives super straight, doesn't pull, and has no vibrations. I was going to pull my car hauler trailer behind it to pick up my F250 in Texas, but I ended up getting a "free" flight, so I did not, but I think it could be driven most anywhere. I have decided to just have one "extra" vehicle, which is that F250 which I bought last week that I will I make into an Overland style vehicle, so it will also take the place of this one, and reduce my overall fleet by one.
The title is a clear NC title, in my name. Any cashier's check will need to be verified before I release both the vehicle and title. I could deliver(on trailer) it for a very reasonable fee, I'm always looking for a road trip.
I purchased a 5.29:1 front differential for it, that I will sell with it for only $200, in case someone wants to go that route... I was going to do 33's, a lift, and re-gear it.
It shows a "moderate accident" from 1997. That's obviously when the front end was painted. The fenders and hood both STILL have the original stickers with VIN on them, so it must have been a very light accident. Nothing is bent/looks messed with, and the vehicle drives great.