I dont know alot about the SideKick, so I thought Id ask before I buy one.

What are the differences between the 2 dr and the 4dr?

Is there a major weight difference?

Is RWD the primary drive when 4wd is disengaged?

And is the auto ok for offroading, or is the manual a must?

And does the auto have OD, or is it just a 3 speed? Im guess thats its different on certain years.

Thanks,
Matt

1. The 4 dr has 2 extra doors 

2. A bit over a couple hundred pounds difference

3. Yes

4. I prefer auto to manual offroad but each to their own

5. the early autos are 3 speed but the later ones are 3 speed plus O/D ( 4speed)

4. I prefer auto to manual offroad but each to their own

What he said.

I have a 2-door manual, and a 4-door manual.  I own 4 manuals and zero autos.

Is RWD the primary drive when 4wd is disengaged?

Both axles are given the same power, there is no slip
in the T-case, therefore there is no primary drive, it just
depends on where the traction is.

RWD is the only drive when in 2WD, unlike the Subaru
that drives the front wheels and engages the rear in
4x4 mode.

The SideKick is a traditional 4WD T-case setup.

Wild

The biggest difference in the 2dr vs 4dr is the 4dr has a longer wheelbase.  This means that it is more likely to hang up on the frame on a sharp breakover (hump) because you have more length to hang up on before you get the back wheels over.  More lift reduces this problem. 

To put it in really crude terms, its like the difference between a Wrangler and a Cherokee.  (Sorry about that)

Thank you for all the info  . Im still cant dicide to get a SideKick or a Sami. I loved the Sami I had. But the only thing that bothers me is, Id rather have EFI. So if I get a Sami I can just do a swap. What do you guys think? BTW what years or model had a factory tach? My 87 had one, but I see that some dont come with it.

Thanks,
Matt

If you are going to be using it for anything other than a trail rig, like driving it on the road for any great distance, you will find that the Sidekick is a much more comfortable vehicle on the road.

It may not be the deciding factor for you, but it is a consideration for the "more mature" (older) person like me...

Sport models were made from '96 to '98.  4 door only.  1.8l 16 valve engine vs 1.6l.  Slightly wider chassis and body, 16" wheels, larger brakes, some different chassis components.  Plus other necessities for 4-wheeling, such as power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors.

Thanks for the info guys. Well its going to have to be something with EFI. I forgot that The Samis dont do well when it comes time to smog (stupid CA). I will be using this as a second vehicle to go to work and to do some desert duties.

Ive got a few more question about the automatics. Im thinking auto because im really getting tired of driving my SRT-4 (5 speed manual) to work during LA traffic. Its like clutching for an hour and a half on the way there and on the way home. Id rather beat something else other than my baby (SRT-4). Auto just seems eaiser. Dont get me wrong I love the manual, but I rather have something I can take a rest with.

1) Do all the Side/Tracks come with the locking converter?

2) If not what years and this should be a better advantage for MPG and offroading?

3) Do you think the auto is strong enough to do trail duties, and take some extra power (ie turbo)? I think I asked this, but I didnt get an answer.

4)What years did the Side/Kicks starting using the O/D (4 speed auto)?

Thanks again for all the help,
Matt

I can attest to the turbo duty, that and 275,000
miles and never been out of the trucklet.