the current standard sport tacoma has this same vinyl as an option, i believe its 116$ option. not sure what the advantages are other than looks (which imho doesn't look good)
first post here, long time tacomaworld member, i just bought a 98' and noticed the same problem. found new shocks and springs needed. I'm probably just going to try my 12' tacoma takeoffs. To the op, i suggest new shock and springs..