Take a good look at the wiring etc as well make sure nothing is hacked, I've seen alot of V8 Yotas done right I had an 86 4wd and got my bagged 2wd and wanted to do a v8 in my old one, Havent seen too many V8s in Tacomas (96+) Just the regular Toyota trucks up through 95. The front shaft might be gone for different reasons, it might a complete GM drivetrain, Is it solid axel swapped?