I am new to the forum and desperately need your help. I have a Sidekick '96, 2 doors, AT, soft top which died on me in the middle of the road. The guys at a local Suzuki dealership checked it out and told me that some kind of bolt on the crankshaft "exploded" (that's the word he used?!?) and messed up the crank. He offered me to put in another engine for $3K and that looked a little bit too much to me, so I took it home.
I managed to keep it on my parking lot for 8 months but now I am threatened that it will end up on the junk yard if I don't do something with it. I would love to drive it again....
My questions:
Can I use an engine that is made for the 89-95 models? Do I have to change the whole engine or just the crank....
And, does the soft top for 89-95 models fit on this one? I will need to change that too, the plastic on mine is not transparent anymore...
Sorry if the questions sound stupid, but I searched the forum and couldn't find info about the swap - THANKS

First off, Welcome to the board!

The easiest swap would be with a like engine (I believe yours is a 16 valve).  You could swap in an earlier model 8 valve, but you would have to change some things like engine harness, ECU, air intake and maybe more.  As for the top, I don't know for sure, but I know some people have swapped the older top hardware to their newer rigs.  Where do you live?  Someone may live close by that can help find or install an engine.

Anyone else?

Yes, it was a 16 valve (was - it died on me).  I live in Jax, FL and couldn't find a '96 engine so far... I was not VERY active, but I was looking.
Maybe I should sell the Zuk, even though I don't want to do that... anybody interested?

look in the 4 doors the 16 valve is more common in them. Should be able to get a used engine for under a grand with no electrical etc. just long block. Or take it to a different mechanic and ask how much to have your fixed not replaced.

Here's one from a 1996 Geo Tracker w/79K miles for $800.  Call Andrews Auto Salvage in Griffin, GA.  They are about 253 miles from you.  1-866-233-3881

For more engines or whatever parts search at www.car-part.com

As for the top.

I think you could use the top, but you would have to completely change most of the hardware.   I have a better suggestion, though.

If you cant see through the windows, they make a plastic window polish.   I have it and have used it.   By hand, it can help drastically bad windows become at least visible.   What I suggest, though, is to buy this thing called the Powerball by Mothers (just a big red ball).   All you do is attached it to the end of a drill and u apply the polish to the windows and the powerball and go to town on the windows.   This could solve your window problem.   If the rest of the top is shitty too, the new top idea would work better then.   The powerball usually runs $20, the polish around $6 (I suggest the Mequiars polish.)   

Hopefully this helps with that dilemma.