98 4Runner Ideas!

Hello everybody! I recently bought a 1998 4Runner and need some help for ideas on what to replace. It has 255,000 miles on it. There are some basic things I'd like to replace (ball joints, timing belt, etc.) But I want this to be my car for a long time. About 30% of my driving is off road. So new suspension will most likely happen soon. The previous owner did an awful DIY paint job so I'll get that done eventually. But right now it has this quirk where it always starts from cold or hot, but takes 15 seconds of cranking and applying gas in order to start when warm. Which takes about 30 minutes of not having the engine on. Most likely some sensor that I'll need to track down. What are some things I should save up to get repaired? I'm in the Seattle area so I'll probably save up 7k and drop it off at the mechanics for a week or so in the spring to get it to a place where it can be driven as my daily driver but also my off roader. I just need to find people to help me out! Thank you

 

The best 'idea' or better yet, suggestion for your rig?

Learn to work on it.

That is the single most invaluable thing you can do and will save you much more than you think.

These vehicles are as basic as they come and easily repaired by anyone that can turn a wrench even for the toughest jobs.

 

If this is a hard start when engine is warm (15 minutes after running) then I have gone down that rabbit hole. Long story short it sounds like a fuel pump on its way out. That’s where I am after changing a few parts, fuel regulator, fuel injectors, plugs/wires etc.
BTW I have not changed the fuel pump as of yet. But does run much better after the new fuel injector’s!