Having  a blast with it.  Couple of small things.  Rubbing feel in steering column, especially at low speeds 2 or 4wd, everything LOOKS ok, could it be some kind of bushing or bearing in the steering column?  What about the rubber flex joint in the engine compartment, does that need to be lubed?  We've only had one day of weather in the 30's (Virginia), but the engine (1.8l) roars like it's racing (but it's not), under normal driving ( yet RPMS and mph are normal) sort of like the clutch driven fan is roaring away, sounds TOTALLY different than when it's 50 out..anyone have any insight, it's an auto BTW, could there be wrong fluid in tranny? Also what are the largest tires that will fit without any mods (16" alloys)...and last (thanks) the front shocks seem SUPER stiff for such a smal 4x4..I actually am wondering if they have siezed some...any recommendations on replacements that are good value?

Having  a blast with it.  Couple of small things.  Rubbing feel in steering column, especially at low speeds 2 or 4wd, everything LOOKS ok, could it be some kind of bushing or bearing in the steering column?  What about the rubber flex joint in the engine compartment, does that need to be lubed?  We've only had one day of weather in the 30's (Virginia), but the engine (1.8l) roars like it's racing (but it's not), under normal driving ( yet RPMS and mph are normal) sort of like the clutch driven fan is roaring away, sounds TOTALLY different than when it's 50 out..anyone have any insight, it's an auto BTW, could there be wrong fluid in tranny? Also what are the largest tires that will fit without any mods (16" alloys)...and last (thanks) the front shocks seem SUPER stiff for such a smal 4x4..I actually am wondering if they have siezed some...any recommendations on replacements that are good value?

Welcome, You have a lot of questions in there. It might be easier to tackle them one by one.

-Eric

Having  a blast with it.  Couple of small things.  Rubbing feel in steering column, especially at low speeds 2 or 4wd, everything LOOKS ok, could it be some kind of bushing or bearing in the steering column?  What about the rubber flex joint in the engine compartment, does that need to be lubed?  We've only had one day of weather in the 30's (Virginia), but the engine (1.8l) roars like it's racing (but it's not), under normal driving ( yet RPMS and mph are normal) sort of like the clutch driven fan is roaring away, sounds TOTALLY different than when it's 50 out..anyone have any insight, it's an auto BTW, could there be wrong fluid in tranny? Also what are the largest tires that will fit without any mods (16" alloys)...and last (thanks) the front shocks seem SUPER stiff for such a smal 4x4..I actually am wondering if they have siezed some...any recommendations on replacements that are good value?

Wow.... I'll see if I can help at all. I don't know where you are hearing the rubbing at. On mine the plactic trim piece was loose just behind the steering wheel and rubbed a little. I just tightened up the 5 screws in it from the bottom side and it fixed that. ... There are also 2 boots on the steering shaft that cover little u-joints. Make sure they are not rubbing on a wire or hose, etc. A little lube on these wouldn't hurt either.

As for tire size. Some are running 235/75R15 wheels on Trackicks that are not lifted. They are about 29" tall so I would think you could do the 235/70R16 tire on yours without too much problem (same height).

Struts are a little different than shocks. They dont just control the bounce on bumps, they take the place of an upper control arm. They tend to be firm on these little rigs. Some have upgraded to Old Man Emu (OME) struts as they seem to have a reputation as the best. Others on this forum may be able to share their opionions on those. I am running struts by Calmini and they are very firm but seem to perform well.

Good luck and welcome to the club. 

I got my '98 a couple of months ago.  Check out this link.  It lists the specs for the '96 sport, which is essentially the same:

www.off-road.com/suzuki/sidekick/sidespec.htm

I put 225/70R16s on stock rims on mine.  It looks like on a sharp turn that they rub the undercoating on the inside of the fender in one place.  Definitely not enough room for chains on the front.  If these wear out, I will look for something a bit narrower.  Don't want them much taller--they wouldn't fit on the spare mount.  I would also be concerned about overstressing the support for the mount with a heavier tire.

When it is cold, it makes a bit of noise up front, probably around the fan.  Doesn't seem to be a problem.

I think you will enjoy the vehicle.  The Sport seems to be a bit of a rarity.  Apparently no aftermarket headers, etc.