Hey all, I've been lurking around here a bit, going through a lot of old posts and this site has been really useful. I'm a bit of a car nut, owned about 15 different cars in 15 years, but never had a 4x4 (couple AWD's but they don't count). I'm thinking about getting a Trackick for winter driving (my 2wd pickup sucks in the snow), and for some light off-roading in the spring/summer. Nothing tough at all, there's just some places we'd like to go visit around here (Central Oregon) that require some dirt road travel and such. Because of the snow driving I know I won't ever be doing any real wheeling unless I upgrade to air lockers at some point, no regular lockers or welding for me.

I've read as much as I can about the various models offered, but could use some insight from those who own them to decide which is best. I'm pretty open (only real strict requirement is no automatics), though at this point I know I don't like the 2nd generation four doors, and I think I'd like to stay away from the 1.8L since the 1.6 seems easier to get parts for.

The first-gen four door is okay, but they seem to mostly be autos, and in the later years, all 1.8's. In a 2-door I plan on adding the bolt in cage and probably a hard top. Unless someone has a convincing reason for the four door I think they're out...or unless I happen to find a great deal on one in good shape.

So about the two doors, I kinda like the pre-96 interior, but I'd like to have airbags for safety purposes. I think 96 was the first year for one bag, and then dual bags were 98+, right? I didn't want to go for a 2nd gen 2-door, until I started finding really good deals on some. So here's kinda where things are shaping price wise on what I've found.

First gen 2-door 4x4 5-speeds...they're available around here, high mileage usually but at least cheap.
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/1019722001.html (this one was $2300 recently)
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1014144689.html

Second gen 2-door 4x4 5-speeds. I thought these would be harder to find but I've come across a couple. Not sure about the 2.0 motor over the 1.6.
example: http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/ctd/1020839455.html

First gen 4-door 4x4 5-speeds...like I said, if I found a good deal I'd consider it.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/1020111321.html

Short version: click my links, tell me what's good bad about pre-96, 97-98, and 99+ 2-doors, or why I should consider a four door?

I like my 96, it's fun enough to zip around town with. 

And the Pre-96 have an air bag, just drivers side only.  In 96 they added the passenger side.

Ah, cool...I've had a hard time finding interior pics on a lot of listings, the 95 I saw must have had an aftermarket steering wheel or something.

I think the 96-98 2-door is what I'd like to find, seems to be the best of both worlds with the first gen exterior and slightly updated interior.

Track/Kicks are (and feel) lighter and get better mileage; my '96 swb 5-speed got 30mpg.

Track/Vits are (and feel) heavier, but are much, much quieter inside and more comfortable.  My 03 swb, when it had a 5-speed and 2.0, got around 25mpg.

And the Pre-96 have an air bag, just drivers side only.  In 96 they added the passenger side.

None of my 95s have any airbags at all.

My opinion.....
I really like the pre 96 (pre OBD2) 4 doors.....
nice amount of room for carrying stuff, over the 2 doors.
with them being OBD1, they are easier to check error codes on (just short a couple of pins together, instead of having to borrow/rent a code scanner.
1.6, 16V engine (good gas mileage, mine gets between 28-32) and still has nice power for highway driving.
better ride, with them being longer wheelbased than the 2 doors.
most of the 4 doors I run across are 5 speeds (which I prefer for slightly better MPG, and they just "drive" better....I control the shift points).

I believe the 1.8s were only in the 96-98 sidekick sports.  With this limited year run, it can be hard to find used replacement parts.  Although the engine is rated at 125 HP, the ones I have driven didn't impress me, over the 1.6, 16V.  They are DOHC and have an goofy timing chain tensioner that is oil pressure based (which means if you, or the PO's, don't use the correct weight of oil, then it creates wear/failure of the tensioner).  They also have hydraulic clutches, which I don't really like.....a simple cable works fine for me.

I prefer the 95 16v Tintop. But I'm biased.