Can I install a tachometer?

Yes, I do: New Mexico. I just looked at the emissions test: the guy wrote ‘need to be under 1200 rpm’

It’s a California car and passed tests there 1986-2004.

Outside of California comprehensive emissions testing is usually unnecessary. The test procedure here in Nevada begins the idle test once the engine speed drops below 1200 RPMs, there is no inspection/judgement of idle speed from the inspector involved.

My 1990 Toyota pickup, last of the carb’d 5-speed trucks, had the same system. There is a tach lead at the coil. For your truck, the tach lead should be a connector with a rubber cover and no wire attached. See the attached picture. I know it works. I installed a tach on mine.

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Thank you, Mr BustedKnuckles, for a helpful answer. Hope your knuckles get better.