Were the Sidekick and Tracker both from 89-98----If you find several for approximately the same price what features should you look for that would be better than the other------I'm looking now for one with coil springs, auto, 4wd, 2dr convertible and air conditioning----I know the basics for purchasing like, lowest mileage, most repairs all ready done and blah blah blah----But what to look for that is unique to these so I can get the best deal for my $.

Also---Does the Vitara come in a 2dr, 4wd convert?---Thanks

Happy

As far as "unique," well it depends what you want to do with it.  If you're going to heavily modify it, then anything is possible.  You could buy a rust bucket with a blown drivetrain and swap in an entirely new running gear or a diesel swap, etc. or toyota axles or even a Samurai front SAS...or chop it up into a buggy...  
Depends on your needs (and wants) (and budget).

If you're going to flat tow it, I'd recommend (IMO) manual hubs...I bought one with auto hubs and bought aftermarket manual hubs.  It will help relieve stress on the CVs when you're flying down the highway with the Tracker in tow.  Also a twin stick to disengage the front driveline (since "neutral" still locks the front/rear drivelines together), and you'd gain 2LO too.

If you plan on installing a low range gearset in the t-case, look for 91-98, or else you'll be in the same position as I am in, looking for a donor case of the proper year to install a gearset since mine is a 1990.  
If you plan on doing such stuff in the future such as HD driveshafts, which require a SYE, Trail Tough is the only company I recall who makes a SYE and it is for "fine spline output shaft" cases only...which I believe is up to 94 and some 95 models.  Skyhiranger knows about these specs, he's advised me in the past.

If you're looking to add bigger tires, and later on, probably swap gears to match the tires, you MAY be better off buying an automatic.  I have a 90 with the 5spd, so I have 5.12 axle R&P.  My only upgrade options are 5.38, 5.62, or 5.83.  Two of those are very rare OEM R&P that you MAY or MAY NOT find in a junkyard.  The 5.83 is offered by Richmond Gear but IIRC they are taking pre-orders before they make any more at this time.  And the list is very short, too, I think.
In your situation, if you buy a Sidekick or Tracker with an automatic, your gearing options are much better.  If you get a 4spd auto, your axle ratios are 4.62...then you can upgrade to 5spd gears (more available).  IF you get a 2dr with a 3spd auto, your ratios are 4.30...and then you have the option to upgrade to 4.62 (4spd auto) or 5.12 (5spd) gears, which both are more available than the 5.38, 5.62, 5.83.  

Sidekick Sports came with the 1.8L.  Kind of a "rare" engine (not as common as all the 1.6L 8v and 16v running around) so parts may be hard to find, wrecking yards too, and aftermarket support is something to consider.  I think some of the parts are interchangeable but not all of them.

If you're going to work on turbocharging, talk to bentparts about his 16v, or wildgoody about his 8v.  From what I've read, the 16v is better suited for this, but don't take my word for it, talk to these two guys, they're experts.  Not to mention there's several more turbo'ed people on here too

This is all stuff I've learned about in the one year I've owned my Tracker and been a member of this site.  I know I won't be the only one to reply here.  If I'm wrong about anything here, guys, please correct me!

And yes, there is such thing as a two-door, 4x4, convertible model Suzuki Vitara and Chevy Tracker.  Don't know much about those models, though.  They look pretty damn awesome.  Bigger engine options, too.
I didn't know this, but there's a tintop model, too (it's on the "reader's rides" of the GV forum, 2nd page or something like that).

If I had the chance to get another one, I think price would determine a huge factor.  I like 5spds, but a CHEAP one with an auto is still a CHEAP one nonetheless.

If you plan on doing such stuff in the future such as HD driveshafts, which require a SYE, Trail Tough is the only company I recall who makes a SYE and it is for "fine spline output shaft" cases only...which I believe is up to 94 and some 95 models.  Skyhiranger knows about these specs, he's advised me in the past.

In your situation, if you buy a Sidekick or Tracker with an automatic, your gearing options are much better.  If you get a 4spd auto, your axle ratios are 4.62...then you can upgrade to 5spd gears (more available).  IF you get a 2dr with a 3spd auto, your ratios are 4.30...and then you have the option to upgrade to 4.62 (4spd auto) or 5.12 (5spd) gears, which both are more available than the 5.38, 5.62, 5.83.  

89-95 tcases have the fine spline (26) output.  96s and up have the coarse (16) spline.

trackicks with 4 speed autos have 5.12 axle gears.
trackicks with 3 speed autos have 4.62s (if they have 8V engines) or 4.30s (if they have the 16V engine.


HH4....
all trackicks from 89-98 had coil springs...there were no other options.
since you are looking at 2 door trackicks...the only auto option was the 3 speed auto (no overdrive).  The 4 speed auto (with overdrive) were only available in 4 door trackicks.
You engine options for 89-98 2 doors are....
1.3 carbed (65ish horsepower).....same engine as the samurai.  Very few early model year 89 sidekicks had this engine...the chance of you ever finding one is slim to none.
1.6 8V TBI EFI (80 horsepower)....89-93 and most 94s had this engine.
1.6 16V MPFI EFI (95 horsepower)...some 94s, all 4x4 95s (2wd 95s still had the 8V engine), all 96 an up.
I prefer the 1.6 16V engine over any of the others, hands down....simply because of the HP and smoothness of the engine.  
I prefer the 94-95 16Vs over the 96 and up 16Vs...simply because they are OBD1 vs. OBD2.  OBD2 seems to be a little more "finicky" on everything having to be pretty precise and within spec, otherwise, it throws an error code.  Again, just my preference....some people will agree, others will disagree.

That's some great info you guys-----------What about a 2dr/4wd/convertible/ automatic/2.0 Vitara---Are there any of these and if so wouldn't they be the best way to go ----Thanks

Happy

That's some great info you guys-----------What about a 2dr/4wd/convertible/ automatic/2.0 Vitara---Are there any of these and if so wouldn't they be the best way to go ----Thanks

Happy

Yes, they made 2 door, 4wd, convertibles with the 2.0 engine.  They were 99 and up.  I am not real familiar with the 99 and newer trackicks/vitaras...so someone else will have to give you more info on that.
The "best way to go" is a matter of personal preference.  Personally, I like the older 1.6 16V engines.  They have adequate power and will get high 20s for MPG....you won't get that good of MPG with the 2.0s.

Not so caring about gas mileage---Just the most power, (hp), as there doesn't seem to be much in the way of bolt on power adders for these little buggers.

Happy

in terms of power, theres a LOT.   it just depends on how much you're willing to do/spend and how much modding you're interested in doing.    between the diesel swaps, and all the other options not yet explored, like nuclear powered sidekicks...... yeah.  many choices.

ultimately, the best year, is whichever you feel suits your wants/needs best. 

djlantis and Skihighranger pretty much covered it all, especially dj! Quite a writeup bro! My 2 cents: look for a 95/96 16V OBD1 version, much easier to mod, less in the way of factory and government trickery. Go for the auto if you can find one, gear swaps are easy, drop in the 5.13's out of a manual and your good to go for up to 33" tires. The 16V responds well to a simple air filter/header/ exhaust system upgrade which nets a small but noticeable power increase with much better throttle response. If you do go for an auto don't forget to add a trans cooler. Good hunting and have a blast!

in terms of power, theres a LOT.   it just depends on how much you're willing to do/spend and how much modding you're interested in doing.    between the diesel swaps, and all the other options not yet explored, like nuclear powered sidekicks...... yeah.  many choices.

ultimately, the best year, is whichever you feel suits your wants/needs best. 

I'm currently looking for a salvage power plant out of a aircraft carrier to swap into mine. Go Nukes!

I tried to borrow one,   the government wasnt too keen on it.   said something about it having too much potential to just go horribly horribly wrong, or something.   oh well,     

I'm sure we'll see nuke retrofit kits one day, just a matter of time.

djlantis and Skihighranger pretty much covered it all, especially dj! Quite a writeup bro!

Well, thanks...but it's really being a member of this site for just the past year that's taught me all I know.  So thanks to all you who help me out with all the technical questions!  And thanks for providing the correction, Skyhiranger.
A few more things to consider:  when I'm looking for aftermarket parts, some are for different year vehicles.  For example, looking at Trail Tough's site for a clutch, there's a clutch for 89-90, and another for 91-98.  Something must be different about the transmissions.  Replacement parts might be more expensive for one or the other.  Calmini's HD rear shafts are for the early 4-bolt style flanges.  Some things like this may be a make-or-break decision considering the aftermarket support for a certain year.

I prefer the 1.6 16V engine over any of the others, hands down....simply because of the HP and smoothness of the engine.  
I prefer the 94-95 16Vs over the 96 and up 16Vs...simply because they are OBD1 vs. OBD2.  OBD2 seems to be a little more "finicky" on everything having to be pretty precise and within spec, otherwise, it throws an error code.  Again, just my preference....some people will agree, others will disagree.

I don't own one, but I'd agree here.  Less electronic controls=less to go wrong.  On the other hand, OBDII would give you the ability to use a code reader if you're not adept at figuring out codes with the older style.

I'm sure we'll see nuke retrofit kits one day, just a matter of time.

Hey, I've been looking for ideas for my final research project for next fall semester...hmmm...  I'll call it the "Nuke Zuke"

I too think the 95 auto 16 valve with 4:30 stock gears & OBDI is the prefered.  Of course, price makes all the difference!

I too think the 95 auto 16 valve with 4:30 stock gears & OBDI is the prefered.  Of course, price makes all the difference!

Hey LilRed, is that because we both have one? Going to Zuwharrie?

On the transmission question/statement.....I don't know of anything different between the early trannys and the later trannys.  Not sure why they would list a different clutch.  All 1.6 trackicks from 89-98 use the same flywheel and the manual trannys will all interchange.

Quote from: LilRed on May 06, 2010, 09:29:33 AM

I too think the 95 auto 16 valve with 4:30 stock gears & OBDI is the prefered.  Of course, price makes all the difference!

Hey LilRed, is that because we both have one? Going to Zuwharrie?

Nah, we don't think its the best cause we have one, but rather have one cause its the best!
Well, really I just got lucky!
I doubt we'll make Zuwharrie.  I've never been but hope to go someday.  You going?