What do you think I should do with my 95 runner?

So,

I bougth a 95, 4x4, automatic transmission runner 5 years ago. and I want to see what you guys think how I should proceed with it.

The goods:
Long term it could make a good overland vehicles
I love the size, moon roof and my dog loves the back window!
It doesn't have all the stupid technology of new cars.
It's still running with only 95k miles on it
Undercarriage is not rusted!
I've replaced front end suspension, cooling system including radiatior, hoses, catralytic converter and many more things except the engine or transmission. Cleaned EGR, new MAF, All replacements were OEM parts, because they are design to work with the car. I don't waste my time with aftermarket, except my Red hoses, and they loook awesome!

The bads....:

EVERYTHING! Previous owner pour that chemical to seal the head gasket, UGH!!! Leaking oil bad, low compression in 2 cylinder, shifting is no longer smooth and it shifts up and down like crazy above 60mph. I changed trans fluid 5k mile ago. It feels like I'm riding a horse, and it SHAKES. High RPMS all the time. Radio, fuel gauge and odometer broke a few months ago. Needs a paint job!

and ALAS I live in stupid california and since I can't pass smog, I can't drive it to the ground. I would love to move to Texas or Nevada some day, but need to help my aging parents.

I thought, maybe buy a newer tacoma. More power, better MPG...but damn those prices! Even if I buy a CRV or Rav4 or a PRIUS...Damn those prices. So I thought, Cost/Benefit a new engine is worth considering.

At this point, I think changing transmission and engine is warranted if I'm going to keep it. Once fixed it also has long term resale value, methinks. I would not be doing the job, because that's beyond my abilities. and I need a car. So, I would be paying my long term mechanic to do that job. He's honest, God fearing and also friend.

My thoughts are. New transmission: 2k, New engine: 3k. Misscellaneous parts: 2k. Cost of labor: 4k. In total, it would cost at least 11-13k without the paint job. But I like to rough look anyways.

What do you guys think? am I rigth thinking it needs a new engine and tranny as 2 mechanics told me? Are the crazy car prices worth considering the idea?
Also, can anyone recommend where to get a good transmission, and has anyone used one of this before: https://raptorengines.com/product/ttoyota-3vze-3-0l-v6-engine-hi-pro190hp-210ftlb/

 

Honestly, I would not pour that much money into an old vehicle. But that is me. If I was to replace the engine, I would get a 3.4. More power and better gas mileage. Are you sure that the tranny is bad? Could be something internal like solenoids. To be honest. I would part it out and then junk yard it. By a used 4th gen 4Runner or early 2000ish Taco for the $13k or so it will cost you.