Just joined here after leaving another Suzuki forum that wasn't much help. I have a 99 Vitara and I'm starting to feel like even suzuki fans hate this thing. I'm looking for people in my area who can fabricate for and work on these trucks and I'm having no such luck. I'm having no such luck with pretty much anything because it's either that every makes cool stuff for older models or later models than my vehicle. What gives. part of this is me venting, obviously, but I would love some help here. I know nothing of cars like that, outside of general layman knowledge and ive love some guidance. I've skimmed through the previous threads with regards to mods and swaps and stuff but nothing seems to be specifically about that i want to do. hopefully you guys are nicer and wont tell me I should "go f__k myself". Thanks in advance. Sorry if I seem stupid, its because when it comes to this stuff, I am.

Lots of good people on the forum so I have no doubt you will get what you need.  Might have to drive a little but worth it depending on what you want to do and how much you want to spend.  I can only guess LBC in the username is your location - Long Beach, CA

Welcome to the community

Lots of good people on the forum so I have no doubt you will get what you need.  Might have to drive a little but worth it depending on what you want to do and how much you want to spend.  I can only guess LBC in the username is your location - Long Beach, CA

Welcome to the community

Thanks for the response, and I do hope I get some help here. Yes, I'm in Long Beach, CA. If I could just find a shop somewhere near me or even other enthusiasts who could point me in the right direction I'd be grateful. I'm trying to turn my little zuki into something fun and functional for what it is and what I need it for. Some people have told me I'm wasting my time, but I don't care.

nothing seems to be specifically about that i want to do.

A good place to start might be by telling us specifically what it is you want to do...

Petroworks is a couple hours away from you and can answer questions and may be able to create a build for you if that is the way you are leaning.  But yes most important would be what you are looking to do and how far you want to go.  I had no experience doing anything when I received the 1992 Suzuki sidekick but this board and local shops were enough to get mine pretty well built.  These things are extremely capable so I'd start with minor mods and move forward as needed.  Good luck and keep posting but you can not give too much information for assistance.

https://www.petroworks.com/services/

I will just parrot what others have said...what are specific details on your vehicle, and what are your plans?  Do you have a 4x4 that you want to toughen up for some minor off road fun?  Or is it a 2x4 that you want to slam and through some big rims on?  Street racer?  Refuse to drive on pavement?  2 door, 4 door?

Hey you all, sorry for the delayed response. But the fact that you guys have responded to me gives me hope. I have a 1999 Vitara 2dr manual, I'm assuming its the JS 1.6L but I was told by the previous owner that it was the 2.0L. I know this vehicle can't do too much but i at least would like to convert it to 4wd as it's meant to be my little mini camping truck. I want to find a replacement hard top for it, or a shop that does custom ones, I want to put as many add ons to it to offset its weak engine. I know its a slow climber but that's ok, I don't need it to be fast. Why I have/wanted the vehicle? I've always wanted one but could not find/afford them whenever the time arose. I finally found one that felt reasonable and while it wasn't the sidekick I had dreamed of, I felt like it was close enough for my first one and already, as-is, i love it and want to upgrade it. The last forum I belonged to was no help and told me to give up on it and move on with my life which is a bit harsh for a suzuki loving community to tell a new owner essentially that he's wasting his time. Hopefully this helps you all help me but thank you anyway for the answers you all did provide. sorry for being so vague earlier. and thanks mods for not deleting my thread after i didnt respond fast enough.

Post a picture of the engine, we can tell you which it is - you can also figure it out from the number of ignition coils you have - the 2.0 has four coils mounted directly over the plugs, the 1.6 has two coils one for cylinders 1 & 4, the other for 2 & 3.

So from reading your post, I am assuming your rig is 2wd?  The 4x4 swap is often (cussed and) discussed.  For a first rig, maybe lets stay simple.  Throw a locker in that rear diff and go have fun!  Sometimes a rear locker can be as useful as 4x4 for light off roading, forest roads, camping, etc.  And nothing is more fun that taking your underdog 2x4 and going where the big boys in 4x4's go.  Finding out what specific motor you have will also help us direct you further.  The short answers for you, there is plenty of fun to be had with your rig, lets just figure out for sure what you have!

So from reading your post, I am assuming your rig is 2wd?  The 4x4 swap is often (cussed and) discussed.  For a first rig, maybe lets stay simple.  Throw a locker in that rear diff and go have fun!  Sometimes a rear locker can be as useful as 4x4 for light off roading, forest roads, camping, etc.  And nothing is more fun that taking your underdog 2x4 and going where the big boys in 4x4's go.  Finding out what specific motor you have will also help us direct you further.  The short answers for you, there is plenty of fun to be had with your rig, lets just figure out for sure what you have!

That sounds interesting, what is a "locker" and what does it do that would benefit me? I'm telling you, I'm REALLY new to these kinds of things. Tell it to me like I'm 5, if you have the time to do so, I'd appreciate it.

Google is your friend ...

https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/products/differentials-traction-control/locking-differentials.html#:~:text=Locking%20differentials%20(generically%20referred%20to,can%20rotate%20at%20different%20speeds.

Right......Well, speaking of google, here is my engine for those who asked. As well as it's specs.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipN3ObpMwjZSmBUBlboVZwjBuPA4sL3xDBMwrn-K
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNwMiIKSclXEvUk042XszE3Q9gyLroIJuY6HYI-

Google is your friend ...

https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/products/differentials-traction-control/locking-differentials.html#:~:text=Locking%20differentials%20(generically%20referred%20to,can%20rotate%20at%20different%20speeds.

I looked and didn't find a page this comprehensive on the matter so, sarcasm aside, thank you.