I think we have to use the stock shroud but cut down if I remember correctly. (That's what I did) I think the tacoma fan is smaller and centered higher up. Our fan will hit the tacoma radiator shroud.
Radiators are pretty cheap, so I would suggest buying new.
You'll also need a new cap I think. My stock cap was different than the tacoma cap.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,1998,tacoma,2.4l+l4,1317613,cooling+system,radiator,2172
The shit show is what draws all the fun. I go there to mostly spectate and hang out with friends. We still do some offroading, but we don't get too crazy ourselves. I like to just hang out and enjoy the party.
I don't think it's about carrying. It's about waving it around while you are drunk....