Hi guys,

I've searched and searched but I need to get some clarification from someone who might have actually done this.

I have a 2001 Manual GV with steel front diff.

I want 5.12 gears.

I read the SOTF FAQ about changing out to a 96-98 Jap Sidekick set, using axles and so on, and then I found this thread:

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/homemade-gv-lift/msg241025/#msg241025%29http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/homemade-gv-lift/msg241025/#msg241025

... where he says you don't need the axles and the 96-98 front diff will bolt right in to a manual GV. Does it really or did I read it wrong? If so, this would be an easy SOTF removal solution for a Manual GV.

And then, I also found:

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/suzuki-grand-vitara-vitara-chevy-tracker-%28gen-2-platform%29-1999-2005/sotf-diff-problem-re-gear/15/

...where it sounds like a 5.12 XL7 front diff will bolt right into the GV housing, also. It would keep the SOTF, which I'm not sure I care about really whether I have it or not at this point, but it sounds like it might be more... "stock"? But since a lot of these conversions were done using an Auto GV, I need to know if the 5.12 XL7 pig will bolt into my Manual GV steel front housing without any other modifications or not.

Any ideas? Anyone done this before, or seen it done?

Thanks!

Nevermind... I think I solved my own dilemma. But I'll put the answer here in case anyone else is looking.

I just decided to call Hawk to see if they had any experience.

They said you can take an XL7 pig and bolt it right into a Manual GV housing. You'll just need the bracketry from the cross member to swap over from the XL7.

As for the 96-98 sidekicks, Hawk said that I would still need to make a hybrid axle.

So, sounds like I'll be going XL7 front, Sidekick rear.

Thanks for posting up the info Heather...

-Eric

Is there anyone in central or south eastern KY that I can get to help me change my 1999 vitara differiental to manual locking sidekick diff. I have actulator problems. I want to work around them. I'm really needing help.

you might want to give this a look see
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_030104/feature_tsb_shiftontheflyremoval.htm

Is there anyone in central or south eastern KY that I can get to help me change my 1999 vitara differiental to manual locking sidekick diff. I have actulator problems. I want to work around them. I'm really needing help.

I engaged my actuator and tigged it closed. Been working great so far . I also put the kick gears in the gv carrier, and used the gv diff.

If you want to send me your diff I'll weld the actuator for you.

Buy the front and rear 1996-98 Japanese Sidekick 5.12 diffs.  Keep your steel carrier up front, but put all of the Sidekick guts into it (you'll need a professional who can set ring and pinions).  Plug the air actuator line with a golf tee/glue etc.  That will fool your 4x4 light into displaying on in the dash when you engage 4wd.  Then order a hybrid passenger side axle from Hawk (they'll make it for you).  It will use the Sidekick inner shaft going into the diff, and a manual tranny Grand Vitara mid-shaft and outer shaft.  That takes care of the front.  As for the rear, just have the 5.12 put in in place of the GVs pumpkin.  That's it.....yer done!  The hybrid axle is a must, btw.  Regular GV axle will pop out quickly, Sidekick Sport axle will pop out as well.  Only the hybrid is long enough.  Have fun!!

David Turner
1999 Grand Vitara JLX+ 5 speed
200,000 Miles
Calmini Suspension Lift
Rocky Road Body Lift
Rocky Road Superslider Rock Sliders
5.125 Axle Ratio
Lock-Right Rear Automatic Locker
Tracker Skid Plates
245 75 16 Goodyear MTR Tires
WARN Premium Locking Hubs
Spidertrax Wheel Spacers
SP Performance Drilled/Slotted Rotors
EBC Greenstuff 7000 Series Heavy Duty SUV Brake Pads
K&N Filtercharger
NGK Iridium IX Sparkplugs
Kenwood Audio w/ Sirius Satellite-Ready Radio
Silver Wire Carbon Fiber Dash Kit
Optima 34/78 Redtop Battery
1500 Watt Vector MAXX Power Inverter
Thule Roof Rack
Bugflector II
Deep Tinted Windows
Sylvania Silverstar Headlights
Class 1 Hitch