Vehicle Info:
Yr/Mk/Mod: 1996 Geo Tracker
Engine: 1.6l 16v
Trans: 3spd auto w/ lockup at ~47mph (gauge speed)
Tires: 30x9.5x15 a/t

Going on the below info from kick-fix, I most likely have 4:30 gears. I already plan on a trans cooler inline pre-radiator cooler.

My next set of tires will most likely be something in the 32x10.5or11.5 range on my 15x7 wheels. IF I need to, upgrade to 16x8 if it's easier/cheaper for tires similar size.


My questions are:
1. Can I just get the differentials from a manual at a junkyard and swap them into my 96 housings?

2.Is there anything different between my 96 and the older models?

3. Is the spline count on the axles or anything different?

4. Can I just remove the old and swap in the "new" or are there adjustments that need to be made?


I can't for the life of me get the passenger axle back out after I replaced the ring that holds it in. The oem ring failed and the axle came out far enough to come out of the splines. I put a new ring on from NAPA and it slid in relatively easy but I can't get it out. Is there a special tool? I jammed a big screw driver on one side and a crow bar on the other and they both started indenting into the snout on the aluminum center housing... it wouldn't pop out.

Differentials;

These gears will "correct" the gearing to compensate for the larger tires.
Automatics were common with 4.62:1 ratios and even upgrading to a 5.12:1 will make a significant differeance in performance.


3 Speed Automatic: The 3 speed automatic transmission used in Suzuki's is also considered to be a strong transmission. It is called a 3L30 or TH180 and was also used by GM in the Chevette. It has a lock-up torque converter and gear ratios of  1=2.40:1, 2=1.47:1, D=1.0:1 and R=2.0:1


89-98 Trackick gear ratios

Years....2 or 4 door...Engine type...Transmission...Axle ratio
89 2 1.3L carb. 5 speed man. 5.625
89-95 2 1.6L TBI 5 speed man. 5.125
89-95 2 1.6L TBI 3 speed auto 4.625
91 4 1.6L TBI 5 speed man. 5.375  4dr.  2door is 5.125
 
91 4 1.6L TBI 3 speed auto 4.625  2 or 4dr.
91 samurai, 5sp 3.727  (refr)
92-98 4 1.6L MPFI 5 speed man. 5.125
92-98 4 1.6L MPFI 4 speed auto 5.125
94-98 2 1.6L MPFI 5 speed man. 5.125
94-98 2 1.6L MPFI 3 speed auto 4.30
94-98 2 1.6L MPFI 4 speed auto 5.125
96-98 X90 1.6L MPFI auto or man. 4.625
96-98 4 door 1.8l 16V DOHC MPFI manual or auto 5.125

European:
4.875:1 is another ratio, with an 8/39 tooth count


4.30 gears have a 10/43 tooth count
4.625 gears have an 8/37 tooth count
5.125 gears have an 8/41 tooth count
5.375 gears have an 8/43 tooth count
5.625 gears have an 8/45 tooth count
4.875 gears  8/39  tooth count  (euro)

The only catch is the ABS sensor, if you have one on your 96
The front in your year I think has  26 spline axles so you want
to get the same or swap your side gears over if you get an earlier
year front end 3rd member, the rears are all the same at 26 splines

Wild

The only catch is the ABS sensor, if you have one on your 96
The front in your year I think has  26 spline axles so you want
to get the same or swap your side gears over if you get an earlier
year front end 3rd member, the rears are all the same at 26 splines

Wild

SO, if it comes to it, I "might" need to just swap the side gears in the front? That's not that big of a deal. IDK if I can buy the differential seperate or if I have to buy the entire housing/unit, at $58 for a loaded housing at the u-pull it's not that big of a deal. I'll have to see if I can save any $ just buying the internals.

Buy the whole thing, it's already set up so you just drop it in

As mentioned, 96s and up have 26 spline front axleshafts.  So if you happen to get a pre 96, just grab the passengers side CV axleshaft too.....that way you can just swap your passengers side CV shaft out for the "new one and if you get the complete front housing (axle housing, third, drivers side axleshaft that is inside the housing) your drivers side CV axleshaft will bolt right up to the drivers side axleshaft that is in the "new" housing.  Or you can just swap sidegears too....but that requires you to pull the ring gear off the carrier, take the carrier apart, swap sidegears, and put it back together exactly to the same specs as it was before you took it apart (not hard to do, if you take your time and precisely mark everything before disassembly, just takes longer than swapping out a passengers side CV shaft).
Your trackick should have 4.30s in it now.
That list that you got from kickfix is accurate (99% of it is info that I posted on various forums).