I need to replace the 3 speed auto transmission in my 89 sidekick 2 door. Does anyone know of a write up for this? Or any helpful info. I’ve never replaced a transmission

Question - do you have the space, tools & equipment to do this - at the very least, a full set of hand tools - sockets, ratchets, etc., - floor jack, four jack stands, and can you rent a transmission jack for the duration of the project.

Yes I have all necessary tools and space and was planning to rent a jack. Just hoping someone with experience could give any tips and advice

I put together a list of steps yesterday - I suspect I've missed a few, but, it'll give you an idea of what's involved - I'll post it for your perusal as soon as I get to my desk.

Here you go...

1)  Disconnect the battery
2)  Remove the starter
3)  Remove the distributor cap, leads & rotor (don't forget to mark the leads) - this is just a precaution to avoid breakage.
4)  Disconnect the speedometer cable from the transfer case and tie out of the way
5)  Disconnect the 4WD & 4Low switch cables
6)  Drain the transmission & transfer case fluids.
7)  Mark, unbolt & remove the front & rear drive shafts.
  Remove the transfer case shift lever.
9)  Disconnect the transmission shift cable from the side of the transmission and tie out of the way
10)  Disconnect the neutral safety switch cable
11)  Disconnect the transmission cooler lines - cap, take or plug them to minimize fluid leakage.
12)  Remove the access-plate from the bell housing and through that hole, unbolt the three bolts that secure the torque converter to the flex plate.
13)  Cut a block of wood to fit between the back of the engine & the firewall - the transmission supports the back of the engine so the engine tips to the rear when it is removed.

Now - you're ready to actually unbolt the transmission itself - hang it with a strap through the transfer case shifter opening - remove the cross-member - push the transmission jack into place, secure the transmission on to it, remove the bell housing to engine bolts/nuts, slide the transmission back, lower - remantle in the reverse sequence.

That's off the top of my head, I may have missed a step or two - the FSM is available from the link below - section 7b

http://www.rhinoman.org/manuals/vitara/vit_manuals.html

Thank you very much

Do I need a special tool for the torque converter?

Do I need a special tool for the torque converter?

No. Once you remove the 3 bolts that hold the flexplate to the converter, the transmission can then slide back and separate from the engine.
The bolts are 14mm I think. You will have to rotate the engine to move the bolts into position so you can get a socket on them. From what I recall, there is a very small window to get the bolts in the right place so the socket will fit. Use a 6 sided socket so you don't round off the bolt heads. A wobble extension or universal joint is helpful on getting the correct angle on the socket and extensions so the socket stays on the bolts straight. Long extensions are also helpful, along with an impact wrench (air or electric). The bolts are usually very tight and have loc-tite on them.