As Eric mentioned being able to use stock Sidekick transfer case is another good reason to go with the earlier years. The 04 & up years have larger input/output shafts on the TCase, so you are stuck with Suzuki TCase, or possibly Toyota TCase with v-6 adapter.
If you are doing a SAS, then the fit would be much easier. I had to make oil pan clear the crossmember.
Yes, It will run with the motor & transmission wiring and about 6 input wires. Running with a code means you will not know if another code comes in (which is how we ran the race car), and 10 years of running shows the concern may be over rated.
Like Eric, my TCase mount is stock sidekick, and I am only running the center mount as I have dual exhaust in the way of the smaller right mount. The TCase mount sets the motor position, which is close to radiator.
I run 17-20 mpg on 33's, and could do better on highway if I stay below 65. At 70 it is ready to move and cruise.
But I would say if you don't have a garage with jacks & stands, grinder, wire feed welder, v/ohm meter, and able to read wiring diagrams, then this will be a very difficult swap to accomplish. It could be done with less, but not by many.