Thanks for pointing the gear ratio again - it's given me a world of reading to do.  In what infinite wisdom did they decide to put different diff ratios in Trackers vs. Vitaras?  I keep scratching my head when I read about different aftermarket parts like some of the 4.xx:1 transfer case gear sets fitting 99's but not 02's, or whatever...  I'm starting to wanting to rip out all the drivetrain and put something else in it. 

I think the local salvage yard has a rolled over earlier geo tracker.  Is it worth the reading to see about putting older drivetrain into a 2002?

I'm just not convinced all the aftermarket people have tried all their earlier model gear in later model trackers/GVs.  For insatnce, Calmini reflects their LSD will fit 99-02 Trackers.    I'm thinkin that indicates a lot of similarity in (if not the same) design in the rear end gear.  The calipers on the 1.6 and 2 Liter trucks are virtually the same as they were back in 95 and 96 (I haven't messed with a 2.5 liter model brakes yet).  I don't think they changed alot in these trucks from year to year  because they were of decent design from the get-go and this made them cheaper to produce from year to year without multiple changes.  The body style change in '99 had to cause the largest number of design changes but as stated, alot of components remain very similar or the same. These are very primitive little trucks by today's standards of "luxury" and "comfort".   I still prefer  simpler and more primitive. The only luxury I really won't back off of is the AC.  High humidity sucks!

with all the effort involved in putting an older drivetrain in a newer model i imagine you could simply spend the time actually doing mods to the current drivetrain before going that far, swap the 3rd's and get a locker, steel front housing and so on...  there's a guy on the for sale section that has a couple different gear ratios up for sale right now...

If you get 31" tires, definitely go for the 5.13 diff gears, I am running this setup and it works perfect! My speedometer is almost 100% accurate and I have very adequate power.

The 4.24:1 t-case gears only work work on 99-01 2nd gens. That is to say, it will work on a 2001 as mine is an 01 and I have them installed.