Tommy,
I believe the wire problem IS400 (the most beautiful thing I've ever seen holding a torque wrench) is talking about pertains to the model years prior to the 1995+ series. I think the little black wire problem was solved with the update done to the LS series in 95'. I think you're ok with your 96'.
What part of NC are you from? I was just there last week (Atlantic Beach) for family vacation, and LOADED UP on some sweet Carolina go-go juice (Sun Drop). I had our family 4runner loaded down with 58 - 2 liters, 3 cases of cans, and 3 cases of the oil-can bottles, to bring back to Chicago! If anyone doubts the pulling power of a Toyota V8 engine, then you should have been with us last Friday while going through the mountains of West Virginia while on our way back to sh*tcago.
ohhh okay thanks. i was just gonna check it before i went and replaced the alternator.
andd im from this litttle littttle town haha