So, I hit a tree last friday and dented the kick up pretty good.  This friday I took all the bent body parts off and was checking all the other gear.  That is when I noticed that my tiebar joint got shoved into the front diff and put a perfect circle in it. 

So now I need to get a new diff housing.  I read about using a steel housing out of a vitara.  I need to know what years work with my 94 sidekick.  Also what do I need to do to make the steel housing work?  Do I just transfer my R&P gears over? What all do I need to get with the housing so that it will install properly.

The anvil that calmini makes says that you need their suspension lift.  Do you really need their lift or just a certian amount of suspension left to fit it in.

Plus if anyone has a steel housing with everything i need to install it name a price.

Thanks

I had my housing crack but didn't have the funds to upgrade so I bought a new (used) housing off of ebay for $10.00.  Just another idea if you don't feel like forking out the dough right now. 

From my readings the part list includes:

1. XL7 Front Housing
2. 99-01 GV 5spd 3rd Member


This should fit with the sidekick mounting brackets
Correct?

I'm pretty sure all the V6s have the steel housing. I used a V6 (not XL7) housing and 3rd member, straight swap bracketwise but you'll need to swap your R&P into the steel third. I kept the vacuum operated diff but you can do away with it.

I'm pretty sure all the V6s have the steel housing.

Not so.  I know a search of the board will reveal the exact details, something about 5-speeds being the steel ones until 2003 or something like that, but my transplanted 2002 XL-7 automatic drivetrain came complete with a nice, rust-free aluminum front housing. 

A welding shop should be able to patch that hole if you dont have the funds to do the swap

Weld it is what I was thinking. Then they could put a plate on it as well

Welding it is no problem, my father said he could do it.   
But when stuff breaks that can be upgraded, I like to upgrade it.

So I am going to look for  99-01 v6 5spd GV housing and 3rd member.  If it is to expensive then I will weld or get a new aluminum diff.

Well i was reading over some stuff and got confused.

What is the difference between the 3rd member and housing and diff cover

Is the diff case different from a housing


In the picture is the part that I put a hole in.  Can someone tell me what it is called and if it is called different names.

Thanks

I would refer to that a the front axle housing.  But, sometimes I call it a POS because mine is cracked and I have to replace it but I don't think that is the official terminology

I would say that the front housing is also known as the axle casing, axle housing and probably a few other terms as well. The diff sits in the diff carrier which is bolted into the third member which is the big lump the propshaft fits to.
In the UK the third member is also known as the diff housing, the term third member is gradually working its way into common usage because we tend to visit US sites alot. However we refuse to accept that McDonalds is a restaurant 

Shoot, just patch it with some silicone rubber, and a sliced up red-bull can.

I actually did that on my bell housing, until I could get a new one.

The upgrade you REALLY want, is an Anvil, and maybe Toyota 4-Runner CV axles and hub lockouts, with 5.83 R&P's and ARB's.

Well i was reading over some stuff and got confused.

What is the difference between the 3rd member and housing and diff cover

Is the diff case different from a housing


In the picture is the part that I put a hole in.  Can someone tell me what it is called and if it is called different names.

Thanks

I call that the axle housing.
The third, thirdmember, diff, differential is what "unbolts" from the axle housing and contains the carrier assembly and gears (at least on our axles).  Some axles don't have removeable thirdmembers.
Trackick and samurai axles don't have diff covers....those are on axles that don't have removeable thirdmembers.  Diff covers bolt on the axle housing, are are exactly that....a diff cover.

The upgrade you REALLY want, is an Anvil, and maybe Toyota 4-Runner CV axles and hub lockouts, with 5.83 R&P's and ARB's.

Yep that would be heavenly.  Maybe when I get out of college and make a little more $$

Another concern?

Will I be able to install an ARB locker in the v6 GV housing. If so do i just get the locker that was made for the sidekick or what??