Newbie here...bought a bush buggy to use on my property, a '97 X90...turns out the frame is rotten, bought an '03 Chev tracker with a great frame and decent body but the transmission ( manual 5 speed) only works in 4th gear. Now I'm finding most of these seem to be autos and I'm wondering what other vehicles will have the same or similar trannys that I can swap in? I've been told that '99 to '04 trackers are compatible but vitara's are not? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

You're going to have to provide more details...

A 99~04 Tracker can have one of three different engines (1.6, 2.0 or 2.5 liter) and the transmissions vary with the engines, a Vitara of the same year, engine size & transmission type, should have the same transmission as it's Tracker counterpart.

Thanks for the reply Fordem!
This is a 2.0 liter. When I checked with some local wrecking yards I would tell them I was looking for an '03 Tracker but thought the Vitaras were the same and the fellow would say
 " the system knows whats compatible and Suzuki's aren't listed"....maybe some subtle differences so it isn't a direct swap?

As far as I know, the US market 2003, 2.0 Vitara & Tracker use the same transmissions - I have no evidence of this, but, if for example you were to look up the transmission rebuild kits at Transparts WareHouse (which is where I get rebuild kits), you'll see the same kit number used on both.

That is welcome info, again thank you. I'm noticing that most of the used trackers I'm finding for sale on various sites are automatics, which is leading me to wondering if having mine rebuilt will ultimately be the way to go, if parts are readily available for the manual transmission?

That might depend on what parts are needed - typically it's just a set of what I consider the "main" or "support" bearings - these fit between the transmission housing and support the shafts, the oil seals, and in you need them the synchromesh cones or rings - Transparts Warehouse (transpartswarehouse.com) are the folks I've used, BK293BWS gets you the bearings, seals & synchros - this is for the 4WD vehicles, there's a different kit if your's is RWD, there is also a kit with just the bearings & seals.

I have no affiliation with Transparts - I've just used them a couple of times and I've been happy with what I got - you can also find their stuff on Amazon.  Less expensive kits can be found on eBay using the same kit number, but I'd prefer to pay a little more for quality parts.

I've never opened a transmission. I'm a home taught jack of all, I've pulled engines and hauled heads off for rebuilds , etc but never felt confident enough to tackle a transmission. In my mind I figure if I've only got 4th gear and no nasty noises in any gear that must be a failed shaft somehow? Probably needs to go to a shop if parts are available...... although I did read something about failed solenoids and the rear seal is definitely leaking......

Manual transmission have no solenoids - the automatics do if they are electronically shifted, which most of them built since the late 90's are.

These transmissions are not that difficult to work on, if you have the necessary tools - hydraulic press, pullers, etc. and the space to lay things out.

https://www.mediafire.com/file/008c7ak0gwa450i/Transmission_and_axle_manual.pdf/file

This link should get you the shop manual that covers the transmission, you can take a look see if you feel you're up to it.

That's very kind of you.to include that link and for the encouragement......I did scan some of it and know that it would be a real challenge for me. I think I will enquire with transmission shops in the Ottawa area if my search for a used unit does turn up anything

First transmission I took apart was an Austin Mini - I was about 18, and back then, Haynes manuals were actually helpful - a lot of time has passed and I no longer have the space to do that sort of thing, so I pay someone else to do it now.  I've never open an automatic, and probably never will.