Just got a '95 Suzuki Sidekick and have some questions.  I also have a set of tires, 255/70  16's that I'd like to put on the vehicle.  Questions:  Can I do this w/o "major" alterations?  How much lift am I going to need for the tires to clear (if It can be done)?  Also, I have the hardtops 9white) and would like to paint..trade...them for black.  How well will paint stick to the hardtop?

A 255/70/16 tire is essentially a 30" tire (exact radius is 30.01"). You'll have some rubbing if you don't have a lift. A 2" lift should let you clear 30s without rubbing. There are a host of options from spacer kits to spring lifts to achieve this.

Can't speak to the hardtop.

- Andy

You will also need some new wheels, stock is a 15" rim. 

its not worth painting the hard top... well if you want to redo it every week lol but it just does not stick. Maybe truck bed liner would work.

So this "lift" of two inches...is that suspension and/or body lift?  How do you feel about wheel adapters...as in 5x135 to 5x5.5 for my Sidekick?  Thanks for the responses...it really helps when just getting started!

You already have 5x5.5.  So no adapter is needed. 

The easiest lift is a spacer lift, you take off your springs and put a 1.5" spacer in front and a 2" spacer in the rear.  Gives you 2" of lift all around but gives you a rougher ride.  Price vs lift though, its' the best deal out there.

Didn't make myself clear on the adapter question...  I have a set of 255/70 16's already mounted on Ford Expedition wheels...the Ford wheels are 5x135 so could I use a 5x135 to 5x5.5 adapter and use the wheels I already have?  Advantage would be I don't have to buy wheels.  Disadvantages would be?  Thanks for taking time to help me out.  Sorry I wasn't clear on my last post!