fantastic responses and great ideas guys!
its damn near 40 degrees here, thats t-shirt weather! I'm attacking the issues tonight when I get home! I'll have just a little over an hour of daylight left, and I'm thinking I might be able to attempt the fuel filter change in that amount of time. I should do it anyways, even if its not needed...cause if there's one thing I've learned about older toyotas, is that it never hurts to replace parts... especially if they're only $16 anyways! I'll give your other options a shot first though!
by the way, Jackstand Queen, there is no way I'm junkin my 86 =) breadbox on wheels or not, it's my baby. lemme toss up a pic of her...I'm the guy with the beer... :-P
Thanks for all your great advice guys! I'll let you all know how it goes with my MR2 tonight.