So. 1996 sr5 stock. Went up old NC 105 to Weismann look out. While heading up smelt faint antifreeze. Looked and temp gauge was dead in the middle(where normally is) looked for antifreeze leak nothing. Everything looked fine. Checked reservoir and mid way fill.
Kept on heading. Got to the top and heard a gurgling/bubbling sound. Opened hood and just the noise nothing crazy. Opened reservoir and looked normal. Went to enjoy the view. Max 30 mins and come back. Here this sound. Shared album - Mark Hense - Google Photos Get in truck and try to start, get crank and small turn over goes to 1.5 on rpm and quit. Start again same. Then crank no start. Sit for a moment. 30-45 seconds. Try again, crank no start. Try again crank no start. Wait for 5-10 seconds. Start. Start heading down the mountains. Drive good 70 miles home and when I get home sit there idling a minute before I turn off. Turn off raise the hood no noise. Go to restart cranks and starts no problem. Turn off. Go get my 2000 put side by side. Both crank. Both running same. No problems. What almost got me stuck?

My first concern is you smelled a faint coolant smell you have not told us that you looked into the Radiator yet.

The starter could be going out